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Past Events

FULL 9/16 Santa Cruz Fossil-Hunting Expedition: An Adventure Through Time

Travel back in time with local paleontologist Wayne Thompson from Pacific Paleontology during this hands-on experience in the Santa Cruz Sandhills. Learn first hand about the ancient life of what used to be the Monterey Bay and is now the Santa Cruz Mountains. We’ll hunt for the fossilized remains of ancient creatures like megalodon and explore the Santa Margarita Formation — an ocean sediment rock layer that was formed 10-12 million years ago!

Explore resources about local fossils below.

Saturday, September 16, 2023
9-11:30 a.m.
Location: Private property in Scotts Valley

$15 Members | $25 General

This program has reached capacity. Email events@santacruzmuseum.org to be added to a waitlist.

Wayne Thompson with fossil whale jaw in Scotts Valley, 1981. Photo courtesy Wayne Thompson.

What to Expect

  • Exact meet-up location will be shared upon registration.
  • We will not walk far from the parking area and will mostly be working and learning in one main spot. Terrain is sandy and mostly flat.
  • Feel free to bring a chair, stool, or knee pad. Otherwise be prepared for prolonged standing or sitting on the sandy soil.
  • There are no restrooms or facilities at this location. 
  • Wear layers, comfortable shoes, and bring any snacks you might need. Carrying water is highly recommended.  There is no shade coverage in the area — bring adequate sun protection.
  • Please leave your pets at home.
  • Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult and fees apply to all participants.
  • If you need to cancel, refunds will be offered up to 48 hours before the event start time.

Learn More About Local Fossils

FULL 9/9 Family Fun: Birds, Birds, and More Birds

For this month’s Family Fun event, we will be birding on East Cliff Drive along the San Lorenzo River! Museum Staff will provide binoculars for each participant and share helpful tips for identifying birds during this walk.

Saturday, September 9, 2023
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Lower Seabright | San Lorenzo River
Free

This program has reached capacity. Email events@santacruzmuseum.org to be added to a waitlist.

Accessibility

  • Please expect some uneven ground (but mostly paved surfaces), moving out of the way for cyclists, crossing the street, and walking up and down the ramps by the railroad trestle.
  • Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 
  • All ages welcome. Instructors will adapt the program for the needs of the group.
  • We will travel 1.5 – 2 miles depending on the abilities of the group.
  • Binoculars and monoculars will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite birding tools.
  • Restrooms will be available at the Museum at the start of the program. 
  • Wear layers, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring any snacks/water you might need.
  • Follow the latest guidelines for COVID safety at the time of the program.

9/7 Volunteer Orientation

Build community and connect with nature!  Join us for our Volunteer Orientation to explore opportunities, learn about the Museum, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Thursday, September 7, 2023
5:30-7 p.m. at the Museum

Register

Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.

More about volunteering

Volunteers get free access to special events, in-depth training and resources, and opportunities for growth and stewardship.

From supporting our school group visits, gardening, helping with special events, collecting data out in nature, engaging with the public at community events, or enhancing our collection records, there are plenty of ways to get involved and volunteer with the Museum. Check out all of our volunteer opportunities.

Youth under the age of 14 need a guardian present for all volunteerism. Youth who are at least 14 can volunteer independently with parental permission. Guardians are encouraged to attend the orientations.

Opportunities are available for volunteers of all abilities.

Help support our mission to help people connect with nature and science to inspire stewardship of the natural world and join our community of volunteers!

9/1 First Friday After Hours | Birds, Birbs, and Borbs

Get to know Santa Cruz’s WILD SIDE at the Museum of Natural History. Nerd out on your night out during monthly after hours events, featuring rotating themes, vendors, and activities. Free admission to the Museum all day 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special outdoor festivities 5-8 p.m.

September’s First Friday is all about BIRDS. Connect with local groups that support wildlife along the Monterey Bay during this evening of feathered fun while sharing your affection for all things avian — from birds to birbs to borbs. Eat, drink, play, and be quacky.

Friday, September 1, 2023
5-8 p.m.
Location: Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Community Organizations

Bird School Project
California Native Plant Society
Central Coast Birding Collective
Climate Justice Club of Harbor High School
Friends of Juristac
Monterey Audubon Society
Oikonos
Point Blue Conservation
Santa Cruz Bird Club
Seven Ravens Studio
Ferd Berholz, woodworker
Areperia 831
…and more!

Accessibility

  • Drop-by anytime 5-8 p.m. to join the festivities!
  • Admission to the Museum is free all day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Follow the latest guidelines for for covid safety.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
  • Artist booths and activities will be on somewhat lumpy grass.

8/26 CZU and You: Fall Creek

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a guided walk of the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in partnership with California State Parks and the Mountain Parks Foundation. We’ll explore how the landscape has responded to fire, from redwood trees to wildflowers, and banana slugs to birds, as well as consider the future of this landscape.

Saturday, August 26, 2023
10 a.m. to noon

Location: Upper Fall Creek (meeting details will be shared upon registration).
Accessibility notes below.

$20 Suggested Donation

Register

About the CZU and You Series

Explore the role of fire on our landscape through a series of walks that invite our community to reflect on the CZU Lightning Complex fires of August 2020, while learning about proactive steps being taken throughout the County to manage the landscape both for and with fire. Explore fire resources from past events here.

In Partnership With

CZU and You Events

Accessibility and What to Expect

  • If you have not yet, please consider downloading iNaturalist so that you may contribute to our community science project monitoring the burn zone. Watch this short tutorial to learn how to upload an observation.
  • Participants should be prepared to walk up to 2 miles on moderate terrain.
  • There are no restrooms or facilities at this location. 
  • Wear layers, comfortable shoes, and bring any snacks/water you might need. Please leave your pets at home.
  • Check your shoes before entering the burn zone and remove any seeds so as to protect this vulnerable landscape from invasive plants.
  • Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

FULL 8/19 CZU and You: San Vicente Redwoods

San Vicente Redwoods is the largest privately-held redwood forest in the Santa Cruz mountains, protected by an unprecedented coalition of land trust partners, including Sempervirens Fund, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, and Save the Redwoods League.

During this walk with Ian Rowbotham, Senior Land Stewardship Manager with our Sempervirens Fund, we’ll explore how the CZU Lightning Complex fires impacted the property and learn about the multi-faceted approach that land managers are taking on this unique property to prepare for fire, while also utilizing it as a land management tool.

Saturday, August 19, 2023
9 a.m. to noon

Location: San Vicente Redwoods (meeting details will be shared upon registration).
Accessibility notes below.

$20 Suggested Donation

This program has reached capacity. Email events@santacruzmuseum.org to be added to a waitlist.

About the CZU and You Series

Explore the role of fire on our landscape through a series of walks that invite our community to reflect on the CZU Lightning Complex fires of August 2020, while learning about proactive steps being taken throughout the County to manage the landscape both for and with fire. Explore fire resources from past events here.

In Partnership With

CZU and You Events

Accessibility and What to Expect

  • If you have not yet, please consider downloading iNaturalist so that you may contribute to our community science project monitoring the burn zone. Watch this short tutorial to learn how to upload an observation.
  • Be prepared to walk up to 2 miles on well maintained trails with slight elevation gains, but generally cross-country.
  • Please monitor the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Wear layers, comfortable shoes, and bring any snacks/water you might need. It can get toasty at San Vicente in the summer!
  • Dogs are not allowed on the trails we will be exploring.
  • There are restrooms at the parking lot, but no potable water.
  • Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

8/19 Super Summer Saturday | Museum Birthday Bash!

Enjoy FREE family-friendly pop-ups in the park all summer long. Featuring nature activities, community groups, food vendors, and more! Plus enjoy free admission to the Museum all day. August’s event celebrates the Museum’s 118th birthday.🎉

Saturday, August 19, 2023
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA

Activities

  • Fossils with Wayne Thompson (bring in your fossils for ID!)
  • Strawberry DNA activity with Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE UCSC)
  • Old timey games with Wilder Ranch State Park
  • Woodwork for sale by Ferd Bergholz
  • Coloring with Friends of Juristac
  • Special collections from the Museum
  • Last week to see The Inner Lives of Shells exhibit
  • Giant bubbles
  • Facepainting
  • Shaved ice from Kona Ice
  • Food from Adobo To Go
  • …and more!

8/17 BIPOC Bonfires

Be in community for monthly bonfire talks at Seabright Beach led by local leaders of color, in partnership with County Park Friends. August’s conversation will be facilitated by dancer, DJ, and community builder Father Taj.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

BIPOC Hours: 4-5 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

BIPOC Bonfire Talks: 5-6:30 p.m.
Location: Seabright Beach
RSVP here

Monthly Series Topics

  • February 28: Kick-Off Event!
  • March 16: Buffalo Soldiers with Aniko Milan
  • April 20: Colorism and Internal Racism with Santa Cruz Black
  • May 18: Black Expressive Arts and Silent Disco with African Roots Social Club and Dewitt Productions
  • June 22: BIPOC Roller Skaters History of Venice Beach with County Park Friends
  • July 20; BIPOC Joy with Areperia 831
  • August 17: Father Taj
  • September 21: National LatinxHeritage Month with County Park Friends
  • October 19: TBD
  • November 16: National Native American Heritage Month with County Park Friends

About the Series

Check out the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History during special extended hours for our BIPOC community, then walk over to the beach to enjoy time together around the fire learning about historic or significant BIPOC figures, amazing natural wonders or discussion of issues we face today. This series continues on the 3rd Thursdays of the month 4-5 p.m. at the museum and 5-6:30 p.m. at the beach!

Visite el Museo de Historia Natural de Santa Cruz durante el horario extendido especial (el mismo día 4-5) para nuestra comunidad BIPOC, luego camine hasta la playa para disfrutar del tiempo juntos alrededor del fuego aprendiendo sobre figuras históricas o significativas de BIPOC, asombrosas maravillas naturales o discusión de los problemas que enfrentamos hoy. ¡Esta serie continúa los terceros jueves del mes de 4 a 5 p. m. en el museo y de 5 a 6:30 p. m. en la playa!

FULL 8/12 CZU and You: Big Basin

Join State Park Interpreter Susan Blake for a guided experience in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park and home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco. A new chapter in Big Basin’s story began on August 18, 2020, when the CZU Lightning Complex Fire swept through 97% of the park’s property.

During this walk, we’ll explore how the fire impacted the park, how it is recovering, and what’s next for the Reimagining Big Basin project.

Saturday, August 12, 2023
9:30-12 p.m.

Location: Big Basin (there will be carpooling and meeting details will be shared upon registration).
Accessibility notes below.

$20 Suggested Donation

This program has reached capacity. Email events@santacruzmuseum.org to be added to a waitlist.

About the CZU and YOU Series

Explore the role of fire on our landscape through a series of walks that invite our community to reflect on the CZU Lightning Complex fires of August 2020, while learning about proactive steps being taken throughout the County to manage the landscape both for and with fire. Explore fire resources from past events here.

In Partnership With

CZU and You Events

Accessibility and What to Expect

  • We will be carpooling from our parking spot to the walk site, so please be prepared to be with us for the duration of the program.
  • Participants should be prepared to walk 1-2 miles on mostly paved and flat trails.
  • Restrooms are available near the parking lot.
  • Wear layers, comfortable shoes, and bring any snacks/water you might need.
  • Please leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
  • Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

8/9 Nature Journal Studio

Nature journaling can help us view the natural world with new perspectives, learn about our surroundings, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

During monthly Nature Journal Studio sessions at the Museum, Melinda Nakagawa will guide you through a topic as we practice skills in a group setting and share our learning with others. We will develop observation skills and awareness of nature, improve sketching skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. Rather than an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities.

Wednesday, August 9, 2023
6:30-8 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Free with Admission*

Register

Sign-up for other Nature Journal Studio events.
*Free for Members and Youth under 18 | $4 General | $2 Students and Seniors

Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.

Accessibility and COVID protocol

  • All experience levels are welcome. Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • You can attend one session or come each month.
  • It is likely that the programs will take place inside the Museum, but sometimes sessions are held outside (details in confirmation email).
  • Follow the latest guidelines for covid safety.
  • Basic materials are provided, but feel free to bring your favorite nature journal tools.
  • Please leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
  • Review more details on our Accessibility page.

About Melinda Nakagawa

Melinda Nakagawa is a biologist, naturalist, and educator with a passion and skill for connecting people to nature. She founded Spark in Nature to guide participants to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world, slowing down to nature’s pace and seeing rather than just looking at the world.

With an approach that bridges nature, art, and heart, she welcomes all people regardless of their skill level or background. Through her gentle guidance, hundreds of participants have awakened their spark of curiosity, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural world.

Melinda has partnered with local institutions such as the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to lead educator trainings on nature journaling. She leads the Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club’s free online Sunday sessions.

She has an M.S. degree in Marine Science, and has also worked as a naturalist guide, floral designer, and wildlife rehabilitator. For the past two decades Melinda has kept nature journals and continues to learn more from nature with each journal she fills.

Nature journal examples by Melinda Nakagawa.