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

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  12/1 Rockin’ Pop-Up: The Geologic History of Plants (online)
  The history of plants is written in the rock record, from the climactic changes that influenced the plant boom, to the evolutionary changes of plants over time. Join us for this … Read more
• 
  FULL 12/4 Member Meet-Up: Tide Pools at Natural Bridges
  December’s New Moon brings with it excellent low tides, perfect for exploring the intertidal zone and its many fascinating creatures. We are excited to have Allison Gong, Biology instructor at Cabrillo College, … Read more
• 
  12/6 Member Meet-Up: Tide Pool Collecting at The Hook
  December’s New Moon brings with it excellent low tides, perfect for exploring the intertidal zone and its many fascinating creatures. Join Museum staff Liz Broughton and Marisa Gomez for guided exploration of … Read more
• 
  12/7 Climate Stewardship: Taking Collective Action to Protect California with Adina Merenlender (online)
  Across California, communities are addressing wildfires, climate justice, urban heat islands, ocean temperature rise, and other climate issues in an effort to make natural, working, and urban landscapes more resilient. During … Read more
• 
  12/8 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 inside the … Read more
• 
  12/11 Winter Open House
  Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a free and festive day celebrating the changing of the seasons. Enjoy complimentary cookies and cider while making nature-inspired crafts — from … Read more
• 
  12/18 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
• 
  1/12 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 inside the … Read more
• 
  2/2 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 inside 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.

• 
  12/4 Nature Club: Pogonip – A Trip Through History
  Join us to explore approximately 4 miles of trail in Pogonip, the largest open natural space in Santa Cruz. Enjoy beautiful views of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay and learn … Read more
• 
  1/8 Nature Club: Museum Deep Dive
  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, and animal specimens allow us to … Read more
• 
  2/5 Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga
  We will explore the forests and trails of DeLaveaga Park looking for a kingdom of life best viewed in the winter: fungi! The great variety of trees in these forests supports … Read more
• 
  3/5 Nature Club: Arana Gulch, Santa Cruz Harbor, & Spring Wildflowers
  Spring wildflowers abound at Arana Gulch! We will explore the 63 acre open space observing wildlife, exploring forests and fields, and walking around the adjacent Santa Cruz Harbor to look for … Read more
• 
  4/2 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
• 
  5/7 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 … Read more
• 
  6/4 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.

Watch previous lectures, tutorials, and more.

• Ancient Scorched Seeds and Indigenous Land Stewardship with Rob Cuthrell
• Rockin’ Pop-Up: The Motions of the Oceans and the Atmosphere
• Fossil Walruses and Other Ancient Life in the Monterey Bay with Dr. Robert Boessenecker
• Rockin’ Pop-Up: Dangerous Minerals
• Hiking With A Purpose: Post-fire community science with Josie Lesage
• Rockin’ Pop-Up: What even IS North America?
• Fire and the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve with Dr. Jodi McGraw
• A Striking August: Lightning and Wildfires with Chris Giesige
• Collections Close-Up: Preserving Cultural History After Fire with California State Parks
• Rockin’ Pop-Up: Great Geologic Goodbyes

All Videos

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 researchers at UC Santa Cruz, science illustrators, other non-profit organizations, and tribal members.