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3/23 Educator Workshop with the Amah Mutsun

Saturday, March 23, 2024

9am-3pm

Register Here

Breakfast and Lunch provided

Please Note: This workshop will take place at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education located at 400 Encinal St.

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a FREE workshop connecting local educators with tribal leaders.

This workshop aims to deepen knowledge, clarify terminology, and provide a space for dialogue about incorporating a Native perspective into K-12 curriculum. Teachers will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with colleagues and tribal representatives as they consider the strengths and weaknesses of their current curriculum and consider ways that they might better incorporate an Indigenous perspective into future lessons.

Featuring Valentin Lopez, Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting this event

Membership: Get 6 months for Free

What does it mean to be a Member of the Museum?

There’s never been a better time to become a Museum Member and take advantage of the benefits! Membership is perfect for anyone who loves all that Santa Cruz County has to share, from its shoreline to the summit. You’ll love the hikes, walks, talks, and fun events the Museum offers. Join our diverse community now and gain unique opportunities to immerse yourself all year long in nature experiences and environmental education that informs and inspires! Meet fellow nature lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Standard Membership Benefits 

Our programs, exhibits, walks, talks, and events are exceptional and will have you ready to sign up for more. With just two standard program fees, your membership pays for itself.

Included in all Memberships:

• Free admission to the Museum

• 10% off at the Museum Store

• Exclusive invites to Exhibits

• Early Bird Program Registration

• Exclusive Free Programs for Members

• Program Discounts and more…

Annual Membership Levels and Benefits 

Friend Membership | $100 Family level benefits plus participation in the ASTC Passport Program. Discounts on Summer Camps, and invitations to small member-only events.

Friend Membership

Family Membership | $50 Standard benefits plus free admission to the Museum for two adults, two single-use guest passes, and discounts on Summer Camps.

Family Membership

Individual Membership | $35 In addition to the standard benefits, one single-use guest pass.

Individual Membership

Senior Membership | $15 

Standard benefits

Senior Membership

Student Membership | $15 

Standard benefits

Student Membership

Gift Membership

choose the membership level

Gift Membership

Get 6 months FREE for family membership or above

Sign-Up Today – use code: Free6

Join the Club! Club Membership

receive enhanced recognition and special access to the Museum

Pat & Kirk Smith Club | $250 Friend level benefits plus an invitation to additional VIP Club events throughout the year, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.

Pat & Kirk Smith Club

Humphrey Pilkington Club | $500 Friend level benefits plus a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.

Humphrey Pilkington Club

Laura Hecox Club | $1,000 Friend level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.

Laura Hecox Club

Lightkeeper Society

(with confirmation of a planned gift) 

Laura Hecox Club level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.

Lightkeeper Society

Join today and save! 

Other ways to join or renew: stop by the Museum to join during regular business hours, call the Museum at (831) 420-6115, or send a check to 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Give the gift of Membership! Share your love of nature with friends and family through the purchase of a gift membership. Let us know how we can make your gift special.

Get 6 months FREE for family membership or above

Sign-Up Today – use code: Free6

Watsonville – Let’s Go Outside! – ¡Vamos afuera!

Free Family Programs | Programas familiares gratuitos

Join our free programs, connect with science and nature, and have fun with your family and friends. Share this invitation and join our community! To receive email reminders about upcoming programs and events in Watsonville, subscribe to our monthly newsletter below.

Únete a nuestros programas gratuitos, conéctate con la ciencia y la naturaleza y diviértete con tu familia y amigos. ¡Comparte esta invitación y únete a nuestra comunidad! Para recibir notificaciones sobre los próximos programas y eventos en Watsonville, suscríbete a nuestra boletín mensual aquí.

Sign me up!¡Inscríbeme!

Free Upcoming Programs | Próximos programas gratuitos

Free Summer Camp!

June 17-21 | 9am-3pm | Pajaro River Park in Watsonville

Join us on a journey to explore the connections between art and nature as we investigate curiosities in the natural world. Campers will create artwork, make scientific discoveries, play games, and create lifelong memories and friendships. Daily lunch and snacks provided.

Sign up here

¡Campamento de verano gratuito!

junio 17-21 | 9am-3pm | Pájaro River Park en Watsonville

Acompáñanos en un viaje para explorar las conexiones entre el arte y la naturaleza mientras investigamos curiosidades en el mundo natural. Los campistas van a hacer arte, hacer descubrimientos científicos, jugar juegos, y crear recuerdos y amistades para toda la vida. Almuerzo diario y botanas incluido.

Registrate aquí

Nature Journaling

Friday, April 26 | 3-6pm | Watsonville Youth Center

Join us at the Watsonville Youth Center and build your naturalist skills by using nature journaling.

Family Field Days – Leaf Rubbing

Saturday, April 27|9am-1pm | Mesa Village County Park

Making a leaf rubbing! Participants will make a leaf rubbing while learning about leaf structures and their diverse forms. Hosted by County Park Friends. 

Make a Plant Press

Tuesday, May 14 |3-5pm | Environmental Science Workshop in Marinovich Park

Meet at the Environmental Science Workshop in Marinovich Park to learn how to make a plant press to dry and preserve your favorite flowers.

Family Field Days – Spring Flowers

Saturday, May 18 | 9am-1pm | Mesa Village County Park

Making a flower through nontraditional painting tools! Come learn about plant structures and create your flower using kitchen utensils. Hosted by County Park Friends.

Family Field Days  – Butterfly Crafts

Saturday, June 1 | 9am-1pm | Mesa Village County Park

Learn about butterflies through making a craft of them. Hosted by County Park Friends.

Diario de naturaleza

viernes, 26 de abril | 3-6pm | Watsonville Youth Center

Venga con nosotros al Centro Juvenil de Watsonville y desarrolle sus habilidades naturalistas usando un diario de naturaleza.

Días de Campo Familiar- Calcar una hoja

sábado, 27 de abril|9am-1pm |Mesa Village County Park

¡Calque hojas! Los participantes calcarán una hoja mientras aprenden sobre las estructuras de las hojas y sus diversas formas. Organizado por Amigos del Parque del Condado.

Cómo hacer una prensa botánica

martes, 14 de mayo |3-5pm | Environmental Science Workshop en Marinovich Park

Venga al Taller de Ciencias Ambientales del Parque Marinovich para aprender a prensar, secar y conservar sus flores favoritas.

Días de Campo Familiar-  Flores de primavera

sábado, 18 de mayo | 9am-1pm | Mesa Village County Park

¡Haga una flor con herramientas de pintura no tradicionales! Venga a aprender sobre las estructuras de las plantas y pinte su flor usando utensilios de cocina. Organizado por Amigos del Parque del Condado.

Días de Campo Familiar-  Manualidad de Mariposas

sábado, 1 de junio | 9am-1pm | Mesa Village County Park

Aprenda sobre las mariposas haciendo una manualidad con ellas. Organizado por Amigos del Parque del Condado.

These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.
Estos programas son financiados por el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, creado a través AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.

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

6/10 Nature Club: Moore Creek Preserve and Summer Startup

Kick off the beginning of summer with an awesome visit to the Moore Creek Preserve, exploring different communities found in one of our best local habitats. Birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and much more call this place home and we will learn all about the adaptations that they need to survive in this environment.

Saturday, June 10th | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Moore Creek Preserve
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!

5/6 Nature Club: Neary Lagoon – A Living Nursery

Springtime at Neary Lagoon means one thing – baby waterbirds! Neary Lagoon is home to lots of newly hatched bird life, and we can observe hatchling ducks, grebes, coots, and more as they paddle around and swim. The Museum will provide binoculars for each participant.

Saturday, May 6th | 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!

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!