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9/22 Naturalist Night: Redwood Forest

Looking up at towering redwoods.

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 6 p.m.
Register for link to Zoom Meeting
Free and interactive| Make a donation

Redwoods are the tallest trees on earth, with lifespans that reach into the thousands, but their range is relatively small. A combination of longitude, climate, and elevation limit where they grow to a few hundred coastal miles — including right here in Santa Cruz. Explore the many compelling physical attributes of these towering giants, how humans have impacted their limited range, and the role that fire plays in their ecological story during this interactive class.

About the series: Join fellow nature enthusiasts for monthly explorations of the biodiversity of Santa Cruz County. Each month, our Public Programs Manager Marisa Gomez will share the stories of a specific Santa Cruz habitat as we develop our skills as naturalists.

This series will feature a presentation as well as an interactive session and is in partnership with Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Come prepared to share and to learn alongside naturalists deep in their journey and just starting out.

Register

Fire in Santa Cruz County Resources and Information

Smoky skies surround the Museum on August 19.

As we watch our community evacuating their homes and our forests, scrublands, and fields burn, we want to share our support and sadness for the individuals impacted and for our friends who steward the parks and open spaces at risk.

Below are resources we’ve compiled to support those in crisis and guide those looking to help during the CZU Lightning Complex Fires.

STAY UPDATED

SHELTER

EVACUATION CENTERS:

For a full list of evacuation centers, including availability and accessibility, visit: https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources.aspx

PARKING:

  • Congregational Church (AUTO), 4951 Soquel Dr, Soquel. Open for people as well as vehicles
  • Cabrillo College (RV/AUTO), Lot K, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos
  • Santa Cruz Bible Church (RV/AUTO), 440 Frederick St., Santa Cruz
  • Seventh Day Adventists Campground, 1931 Soquel-San Jose Road, Soquel
  • Coastlands Church (Tents/RV Parking), 280 State Park Dr., Aptos. Open to cars and RVs
  • Twin Lakes-Auto/RV (FULL), 2701 Cabrillo College Dr, Aptos. Up to 50 cars and RV’s, bathrooms, water and food available

ANIMALS:

  • If you need assistance evacuating animals, please call (831) 471-1182
  • Pets may be brought to shelter but must be under owner’s control at all times. A carrier may be helpful
  • The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds currently has capacity to board horses

OTHER ASSISTANCE

  • Check this spreadsheet for community provided resources available for evacuees, from rooms in people’s homes, to lodging for animals.
  • The County of Santa Cruz has launched a hotel voucher program that evacuees can apply for by calling (831) 454-2182.
  • Visit Santa Cruz County has compiled a list of hotels offering discounts to evacuees.
  • Evacuees can apply for a federal assistance program to receive free hotel accommodations at any shelter site.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATIONS:

  • The County needs donations of large family tents, cases of water, and other essential good (for full list of current needs, check here). Deliver to the County warehouse at the rear of the Emeline complex, 1082 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz.
  • Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has established a community fire relief fund, which will distribute grants and gifts to those in need across our community and through a number of strategies.
  • The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter needs cat litter boxes, cat litter, dry dog, and cat food. They are asking donations be dropped off at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz. If you have been displaced and need pet supplies, you can go to the Shelter for supplies (1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz).

VOLUNTEER:

OTHER WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS:

  • Stay home unless you are called to evacuate to help keep our roads clear for emergency needs. Road closure updates can be found here.
  • Get prepared! Follow Cal Fire’s Ready, Set, Go guide.
  • Monitor air quality to avoid putting yourself at risk from unhealthy levels.
  • Be aware that wild animals are fleeing the fires and they may show up in your yards. Please bring domestic animals in at night and put out buckets of water for the wild animals that may come through. Visit the Native Animal Rescue page for details on what to do should you find an animal in distress or call (831)462-0726

Naturalist Night: Intertidal Zone

Naturalist Night: Intertidal ZOne

Tuesday, August 25, 2020 | 6-7 p.m.
Register for link to Zoom Meeting
Free and interactive| Make a donation

The intertidal zone is a window into the ocean that provides a slew of opportunities to use the skills of a naturalist. Take a closer look with us as we go over the basics of tides, explore the biodiversity of the various tidal zones, and learn about current issues regarding foraging ethics, safety, and conservation.

About the series: Join fellow nature enthusiasts for monthly explorations of the biodiversity of Santa Cruz County. Each month, our Public Programs Manager Marisa Gomez will share the stories of a specific Santa Cruz habitat as we develop our skills as naturalists.

This series will feature a presentation as well as an interactive session and is in partnership with Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Come prepared to share and to learn alongside naturalists deep in their journey and just starting out.

Register

Then, Now, and Onward: 115 Years of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Celebrate 115 years of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Explore highlights of our history, the current state of the Museum, and our plans for the future.

We will hear from community members, dig into the archives, and our Executive Director Felicia B. Van Stolk will present the annual Laura Hecox Naturalist Award to Amity Sandage, Environmental Literacy Coordinator for the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.

Support the Museum

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Learn More About Our History

World Oceans Day

Marisa beachcombing with a young student

Happy World Oceans Day! Celebrate with us through these ocean themed activities.

Ocean Sing-Along

In honor of World Oceans Day, we’re celebrating through song! Sing-along with our Education Coordinator Chris as he shares two of his favorite songs from The Beatles — Octopus’s Garden and Help! (adapted by Chris to become Kelp!) Sing-along!

Appreciating Algae

Next, head to the tidepools to explore the kelp we’ve been singing about, as well as the many other algae that are important parts of the ocean habitat with this guide to appreciating the algae of the Monterey Bay. Dive in!

Beach Clean-up

While you’re exploring the tidepools and the beach, be on the lookout for trash as well as interesting wildlife! Follow these steps for a safe and successful clean-up.

Resources for Teachers

Children painting with watercolors

Activities, worksheets, videos, and more developed to support standards and formal learning.

Community Resources

Artwork by Sophie Webb depicting woodpeckers
Artwork by Sophie Webb

Activities, guides, lectures, workshops, guided nature experiences, and other resources to support your nature explorations from home or while outside.

Activities for Kids

Children doing activities in the museum amphitheater

Family-friendly activities, videos, articles, and more to aid in your nature exploration!

All Resources

Yvonne Byers painting a watercolor of a cactus

“The Museum At Your Side” is a collection of hands-on activities, informative articles, and engaging videos to connect you with nature and science wherever you are!

Below are all of our activities at a glance: