Join the Museum for the annual Laura Hecox Day open house, celebrating the pioneering lighthouse keeper, naturalist, and Museum founder. Born in 1854 and raised in the original Santa Cruz lighthouse, she spent her childhood exploring the tidepools and trails of our region. Laura curated a natural history collection that became the foundation of Santa Cruz’s first museum and still serves our community after 119 years.
Come learn about the Museum’s rich cultural and natural history, connect with community partners, engage in arts, crafts, and games for kids, & get your hands dirty helping with our Pilkington Creek Restoration project!
Saturday, January 25th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Activities:
Naturalist Award Ceremony 11 to 12 p.m.
Open House 12 to 2 p.m.
Saturdays in the Soil: Volunteer Gardening 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Admission All Day
Outside the Museum in Tyrrell Park
1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
The 2025 Laura Hecox Naturalist Award Ceremony
11 to 12 p.m.
This award honors individuals who embody the Museum’s mission to connect people with nature and science by inspiring others to appreciate, understand, and protect the natural world.
This year we honor Dr. Jeb Bishop, Ph.D., ecologist, volunteer, and advocate for native plant restoration.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is pleased to announce Dr. Jeb Bishop as the 2025 Laura Hecox Naturalist Award recipient. Jeb Bishop is a passionate ecologist and community leader dedicated to native plant restoration and ecological conservation. With an innate curiosity for the natural world, Jeb earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Michigan and enjoyed a successful career in the medical diagnostics industry before retiring in 2014.
The award will be presented to Dr. Bishop during the Naturalist Award Ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
Satudays in the Soil at Laura Hecox Day
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Celebrate Laura Hecox Day by joining Saturdays in the Soil, a recurring volunteer event at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek! Discover more about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature and making a lasting impact. It’s the perfect chance to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and give back!
