
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
- Fungus February 2025Explore a month of fungi fun with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mushrooms through expert-led adventures, creative art projects celebrating their beauty … Read more
- 2/7 Fungus February First FridayGet 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 … Read more
- [LOCATION UPDATE / SOLD OUT] 2/8 San Vicente Redwoods Mushroom ExplorationIn collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the … Read more
- 2/8 & 2/9 Fungus February Flameworking & GlassblowingLooking for a fiery way to enjoy Fungus February? Experience the excitement of glassblowing in this special hands-on flameworkging program hosted by the talented artists of “Little Wolf Glass!” This workshop … Read more
- [SOLD OUT] 2/14 Valentines Day Special: Beach Glass and BubblesGive the gift of an experience to your loved one this Valentine’s Day! As part of this special seasonal offering, discover the beauty of beachcombing as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece … Read more
- 2/15 Antonelli Pond Mushroom ExplorationIn collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the … Read more
- 2/15 Saturdays in the SoilWe 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, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, … Read more
- 2/15 & 2/16 Fungus February Flameworking & GlassblowingLooking for a fiery way to enjoy Fungus February? Experience the excitement of glassblowing in this special hands-on flameworkging program hosted by the talented artists of “Little Wolf Glass!” This workshop … Read more
- 2/19 Cordyceps, Cappuccinos, & Mind ControlFungus February just got a whole lot spookier, especially when the topic is parasitic zombie fungi! Learn about the sinister Cordyceps mushroom that infects insects using mind-controlling spores and turns them … Read more
- 2/21 Spore Prints & Mushroom PaintingCapture the intricate beauty of mushrooms using the mushroom spores as the painting medium. Utilizing local Santa Cruz County mushrooms as both the reference and art material, participants will learn how … Read more
- 2/22 East Glenwood Mushroom ExplorationIn collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the … Read more
- 2/26 Sky Islands, Sea Islands, Dry Islands, & the Biogeography of MacrofungiMaking maps of the distributions of organisms is one of the most fascinating topics in all of natural history. The theory of island biogeography serves as an ideal starting point in … Read more
- 2/28 Fluorescent Fungi & Bioluminescent (DNA) BarcodesGlowing, glowing, gone! For the last lecture of Fungus February, explore the brilliant world of bioluminesce. In this illuminating lecture, learn about the fluorescing fungi that glow under ultraviolet light, mushrooms … Read more
- 3/23 Intro to Plein Air Painting – SandhillsGo outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach the techniques necessary to capture environmental perspectives through the … Read more
Registration Policies
Want to know more about our events or share your suggestions about potential topics? Email us at events@santacruzmuseum.org.
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.
- 2024-25 Fall/Winter Nature ClubNature 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. Across four excursions, youth will learn … Read more
