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
- FULL 3/25 Field Illustration Workshop with Meegan Painter
Spring wildflowers are here! Join science illustrator Meegan Painter of Seven Ravens Studio for a guided field illustration experience in Mima Meadow where we will observe some of our County’s most … Read more - FULL 4/1 Reptile Walk with Dylan McManus
Join Dylan McManus, CA State Parks Interpreter, for an exploration of local reptiles and amphibians (aka “herps) during this guided walk. Develop your skills in locating animals with care while marveling … Read more - 4/7 First Friday | The Art of Nature
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 every First Friday, featuring rotating themes, vendors, … Read more - 4/8 Family Fun: Nature Journaling at the Museum
For this month’s Family Fun event we’ll be nature journaling in the Museum’s Garden Learning Center. Science Illustrator Hannah Caisse will join Museum staff for guided nature journaling exercises to practice … Read more - 4/8 Member Meet-Up: Norris Center at UCSC
Museum lovers unite! Join us for April’s Member Meet-Up where we will tour the new collections facility at the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz. We’ll … Read more - 4/12 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 - FULL 4/13 Nudibranch Painting Party with Nicholas Ta
Connect with fellow nudibranch lovers during this guided painting experience inside the Museum. Materials, drinks, and treats provided and all participants will go home with their own hand-painted nudibranch sculpture. We’ll … Read more - 4/15 Saturdays in the Soil
It’s time to get your hands dirty! Learn about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. … Read more - 4/15 Insect Walk with Peter Oboyski
Explore Mima Meadow alongside Dr. Peter Oboyski, Executive Director of the Essig Museum of Entomology at UC Berkeley, as we search for insects, spiders, and other hidden gems of Santa Cruz’s meadows and … Read more - 4/20 BIPOC Bonfires
Be in community for monthly bonfire talks at Seabright Beach led by local leaders of color. April’s theme: TBD. Thursday, April 20, 2023 BIPOC Hours: 4-5 p.m.Location: Santa Cruz Museum of … Read more - FULL 4/22 Natural Pigments Workshop with Patricia Larenas
The soils and rocks around us hold hidden potential for your next art project. Join artist Patricia Larenas for an exploration of local pigment sources — we will respectfully gather materials, … Read more - 4/29 Makers Market | The Art of Nature
During this outdoor Makers Market, meet local artists featured in our annual science illustration exhibit, The Art of Nature, watch them at work, and support them by going home with prints, stickers, … Read more - 5/5 First Friday | The Art of Nature
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 every First Friday, featuring rotating themes, vendors, … Read more - 5/13 Field Illustration Workshop: Tide Pools with Sami Chang
Join science illustrator Sami Chang for a guided field sketching experience at the tide pools where we will observe a diversity of ocean life and record what we find using science … 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.
- 4/1 Nature Club: Arana Gulch, Santa Cruz Harbor, and Spring Wildflowers
Spring wildflowers abound at Arana Gulch! We will explore the 67 acre open space observing wildlife, exploring forests and fields, and walking around the adjacent Santa Cruz Harbor to look for … Read more - 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 … Read more - 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 … Read more
Want to know more about our events or share your suggestions about potential topics? Email us at events@santacruzmuseum.org.
