Explore the diverse natural history of Santa Cruz with the Museum through a variety of programs — from lectures and workshops at the Museum to guided hikes and Mobile Museums around Santa Cruz County. Gain insight, build new skills, share your stories, and befriend fellow naturalists.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Naturalist Night: Meadow Stewardship
Thursday, April 18 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Free with Admission
Join Dr. Grey Hayes for a lecture exploring our coastal prairies, their unique features along the Central Coast, and how they are being stewarded in yards, parks, and even on working ranches. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Guided Hike: The Third Terrace
Saturday, April 27 | 10 a.m. – noon
Mima Meadow
$15 General | $10 Museum Members
Explore the Mima Meadow and its sweeping views, rich floral diversity, interesting geology, and fenceline comparisons. Dr. Grey Hayes will help us discover how this local meadow is an excellent gateway into a better understanding of California’s coastal prairies. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Naturalist Night: Exploring Science Through Art
Thursday, May 30 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Free with Admission
Join us on a journey into science illustration – past and present. During this lecture, Andrea Dingeldein will provide historical and contemporary perspectives on how art is essential to increasing scientific knowledge and inspiring conservation. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Exploring the San Lorenzo River walks
Monthly, 2nd and 4th Saturdays 10 a.m. – noon
Various locations
FREE
Join expert naturalists, historians, wildlife specialists, and biologists on guided walks along the river, to learn and connect with this beautiful natural resource in our own backyards. Great for families! CLICK HERE to learn more.
Rockin’ Pop Up
Monthly, 4th Saturdays 10 a.m. – noon
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Free with admission
Have a rock that needs identifying? Want to learn more about the geology of Santa Cruz? Like digging for fossils? Join Gavin and Graham—also known as our “Geology Gents”—for our monthly rock-talk days. Every fourth Saturday of the month, these PhD students from UC Santa Cruz will be at the Museum, ready to ID your local (or not-so-local) geologic finds, as well as show off a rotating collection of specimens. So get ready to talk shop with these rock jocks!
Member Events
Member events provide our supporters with behind-the-scenes opportunities to connect with the Museum. Join our family of Members to receive invitations to Member events and other benefits. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Want to know more about our events or share your suggestions about potential topics? Email us at education@santacruzmuseum.org.