fbpx

Explore the nature of Santa Cruz — wherever you are! Connect with local experts and join your community in deepening understanding about nature, science, and stewardship online and in-person. Stay updated about upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter.

Upcoming Events

  • 6/8 Volunteer Orientation
    Build community and connect with nature!  Join us for our summer Volunteer Orientation to explore opportunities, learn about the Museum, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. Thursday, June 8, 20235:30-7 p.m. at the … Read more
  • FULL 6/10 Member Meet-Up: Tide Pools with Mike Grone and Alexii Sigona
    Explore the tide pools through the lens of Indigenous connections and stewardship with archaeologist Mike Grone and Amah Mutsun tribal member Alexii Sigona. We’ll connect with this special habitat while learning … Read more
  • 6/10 Rockin’ Pop-Up: Geology ID Day at the Museum
    Grab your favorite rocks and swing by the Museum for the return of our popular Rockin’ Pop-Up! Gavin and Jessica from UC Santa Cruz’s Earth and Planetary Sciences Department will be … Read more
  • 6/14 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 … Read more
  • 6/15 BIPOC Bonfires
    Be in community for monthly bonfire talks at Seabright Beach led by local leaders of color, in partnership with County Park Friends. June’s conversation will be about BIPOC Roller Skaters History … Read more
  • 6/17 Saturdays in the Soil
    We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History garden learning center, you gain new wisdom … Read more
  • 6/24 Summer Kick-Off Festival
    Celebrate summer in Santa Cruz! This annual festival promises to be a day of nature-filled family fun — both out in the sunshine and within our Museum galleries. 🦉 Live animals🎶 … Read more
  • 7/7 First Friday After Hours | High Tides and Good Vibes
    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 … Read more
  • 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 … Read more

Upcoming Nature Club Events

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. Learn more.

Want to know more about our events or share your suggestions about potential topics? Email us at events@santacruzmuseum.org.

Watch previous lectures, tutorials, and more.


Public Programs at the Museum offer dynamic and inclusive places for learning, dialogue, study, and exploration. Through community outreach, virtual presentations, small-group gatherings in nature, large community events, and stewardship and volunteer opportunities, the Museum builds community around a shared curiosity for and appreciation of the natural environment. Programs help communicate how science impacts our daily lives by connecting local experts with community members, including academics, artists, non-profit organizations, and tribal members.