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Let’s Get Outside

Let’s Get Outside | ¡Vámonos Afuera!

with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History | Con el Museo de Historia Natural de Santa Cruz

Let’s Get Outside!

with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

  • FREE field trips and nature activities for Watsonville Youth and Families.
  • All programs depart from the Environmental Science Workshop located at Marinovich Park at 120 2nd St. in Watsonville.
  • Transportation will be provided for any off site programs.

Advanced sign-up is required for some events. Please check this website for upcoming program dates and more information.

¡Vámonos Afuera!

Con el Museo de Historia Natural de Santa Cruz

  • Excursiones y programas GRATUITOS sobre la naturaleza para los jóvenes y las familias de Watsonville.
  • Todos los programas salen del Taller de Ciencias Medioambientales ubicado en Parque Marinovich en 120 2nd St., Watsonville.
  • Se proporcionará transporte para los programas fuera del sitio.

Se requiere inscribirse avanzado para algunos eventos. Por favor visite este sitio web para las fechas de próximos eventos y más información.

Upcoming Programs | Próximos Programas

Scientific Illustration (Mammals) 

DATE to be determined | FREE

When: 3:30-5:30 pm

Location: Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop in Marinovich Park, 120 2nd St

Who: Youth of all ages| This is a drop-in program. No sign-up required.

Join us at the Environmental Science Workshop to observe and sketch Museum specimens. We will look closely at animals that we often only see from a distance. No previous drawing experience is necessary. Supplies will be provided.

Ilustración científica (Mamíferos) 

Fecha por determinar| Gratis

Cuándo: 3:30-5:30pm

Dónde: Taller de Ciencias Medioambientales ubicado en Parque Marinovich en 120 2nd St., Watsonville.

Quién: Jóvenes de todas las edades| No se requiere preinscripción para este programa.

Únase con nosotros en el Taller para observar y dibujar los especímenes del Museo. Observaremos de cerca a los animales que a menudo solo vemos desde lejos. No se necesita experiencia previa en dibujo. Se proporcionarán suministros.


Bird and Wildlife Walk at the Watsonville Slough

DATE to be determined | FREE

When: 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Location: Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop in Marinovich Park, 120 2nd St.

Who: Youth of all ages| This is a drop-in program. No sign-up required.

Have you ever wondered what kind of wildlife lives in your neighborhood? You may be surprised to find many kinds of birds, plants, and animals within miles of your home. We will use binoculars and field guides (provided) to make our own observations of the natural world around us. Be prepared for a 1-2 mile walk.

Recorrido de Pájaros y Fauna en Watsonville Slough 

Fecha por determinar| Gratis

Cuándo: 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Dónde: Taller de Ciencias Medioambientales ubicado en Parque Marinovich en 120 2nd St., Watsonville.

Quién: Jóvenes de todas las edades|No se requiere preinscripción para este programa.

¿Alguna vez usted se ha preguntado qué tipo de fauna y flora vive en su comunidad? ¡Podría sorprenderle que encuentre muchas especies de aves, plantas, y animales muy cerquita a su casa! Vamos a observar el entorno natural alrededor de nosotros con binoculares y guías de campo (los cuales proporcionaremos). Prepárense a caminar 1-2 millas.


Park Stewardship at Marinovich Park

DATE to be determined | FREE

When: 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Location: Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop in Marinovich Park, 120 2nd St.

Who: Youth of all ages| This is a drop-in program. No sign-up required.

Taking care of our local parks is a fun way to connect with nature and become stewards of our community. We will learn about and transplant native plants at Marinovich Park, while discussing and observing the importance of pollinators.

Gestión ambiental del Parque Marinovich 

Fecha por determinar| Gratis

Cuándo: 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Dónde: Taller de Ciencias Medioambientales ubicado en Parque Marinovich en 120 2nd St., Watsonville.

Quién: Jóvenes de todas las edades| No se requiere preinscripción para este programa.

Cuidando de nuestros parques locales es una manera divertida de conectarse con la naturaleza y hacernos líderes de gestión ambiental de la comunidad. Aprenderemos sobre las plantas nativas y cómo sembrarlas en el Parque Marinovich, mientras platicamos y observamos la importancia de los polinizadores.

Thank you for sending us your sea monster!

Follow us on social media to see if your submission will be featured.

Maritime Mysteries and Monsters Events

11/26 & 11/27 Holiday Sale

Shop local this holiday season and find unique gifts for natural history fans of all ages. The Museum Store carries a variety of educational and fun gifts, including one-of-a-kind items from local artists, authors and artisans. Get your shopping done early this season and support a beloved Santa Cruz non-profit at the same time!

Saturday & Sunday, November 26-27, 2022
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Event Specials

  • Complimentary cider and cookies
  • Self-serve gift wrapping station
  • Discounts on gift Memberships
  • Exclusive gift when you become a Museum Member

3/4 Nature Club: Exploring the Tide Pools at Natural Bridges

The tide pools at Natural Bridges are some of the best in Santa Cruz and they are teeming with living creatures. Explore tide pools and nearby coastal prairie habitat and learn about the amazing plants and animals that live there.

Saturday, March 4th | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Natural Bridges State Park
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register

What is Nature Club?

Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

What to Expect

Programs run from 10:00 a.m -12:30 p.m. and occur on the first Saturday of the month. The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous so please email chris.soriano@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.

Safety

Nature Club will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Participants should not attend if they have been coughing, have a fever, or had recent contact with someone with a positive test.

Scholarships available!

2/4 Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga Park

We will explore the forests and trails of DeLaveaga Park, traversing about 3 miles of trails. The great variety of trees in these forests supports a huge amount of fungal life. Learn more about these amazing decomposers and how they support their ecosystems!

Saturday, February 4th | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: DeLaveaga Park
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register

What is Nature Club?

Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

What to Expect

Programs run from 10:00 a.m -12:30 p.m. and occur on the first Saturday of the month. The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous so please email chris.soriano@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.

Safety

Nature Club will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Participants should not attend if they have been coughing, have a fever, or had recent contact with someone with a positive test.

Scholarships available!

1/7 Nature Club: Museum Deep Dive

Shell fishing hooks

Explore collections and specimens from the Museum that do not always get to be seen by the public. The Museum’s extensive collection of fossils, shells, animal specimens, and more allow us to investigate nature up close and personal.

Saturday, January 7th | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register

What is Nature Club?

Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

What to Expect

Programs run from 10:00 a.m -12:30 p.m. and occur on the first Saturday of the month. The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous so please email chris.soriano@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.

Safety

Nature Club will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Participants should not attend if they have been coughing, have a fever, or had recent contact with someone with a positive test.

Scholarships available!

12/3 Nature Club: Wild at the Ranch (Wilder Ranch)

We will explore the coastal prairie and cliff terraces habitats that support tons of wildlife. Seabirds, harbor seals, hawks, and so much more wildlife can be seen as we walk along the bluff trails, with beautiful views of the ocean the whole way! Maybe we could even see a gray whale!

Saturday, December 3rd | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Wilder Ranch
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register

What is Nature Club?

Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

What to Expect

Programs run from 10:00 a.m -12:30 p.m. and occur on the first Saturday of the month. The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous so please email chris.soriano@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.

Safety

Nature Club will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Participants should not attend if they have been coughing, have a fever, or had recent contact with someone with a positive test.

Scholarships available!

11/5 Nature Club: Neary Lagoon and Migratory Madness

Neary Lagoon in the autumn is full of life! Migratory birds seek food and shelter in large numbers and provide excellent opportunities to study them up close. The Museum will provide binoculars for each participant

Saturday, November 5th | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Neary Lagoon
Ages: 6th-8th grade

$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register

What is Nature Club?

Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

What to Expect

Programs run from 10:00 a.m -12:30 p.m. and occur on the first Saturday of the month. The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous so please email chris.soriano@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.

Safety

Nature Club will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Participants should not attend if they have been coughing, have a fever, or had recent contact with someone with a positive test.

Scholarships available!

10/1 Nature Club: Pogonip – A Trip Through History

Picture of a historic stone lime kiln surrounded by ferns

Join us to explore approximately 4 miles of trail in Pogonip, the largest open natural space in Santa Cruz. Enjoy beautiful views of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay and learn about our local history by visiting the historic limekilns and examining redwood trees through the lens of time.

Saturday, October 1 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Pogonip
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register

What is Nature Club?

Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.

What to Expect

Programs run from 10:00 a.m -12:30 p.m. and occur on the first Saturday of the month. The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous so please email chris.soriano@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.

Safety

Nature Club will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Masks are strongly recommended for all participants, regardless of vaccination status. Participants should not attend if they have been coughing, have a fever, or had recent contact with someone with a positive test.

Scholarships available!