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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  8/5 First Friday After Hours | High Tides and Good Vibes
  Nerd out on your night out during special after hours events every First Friday. Free admission all day, with special outdoor festivities 5-8 p.m. August’s First Friday event is shore to … Read more
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  8/11 Seabright and the Castle: Then and Now with Dr. Gary Griggs (online)
  Santa Cruz’s scenic coastline has long enthralled residents and visitors alike, yet storms, relentless waves, and human impacts have and will continue to change our coastline. Join Dr. Gary Griggs for … Read more
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  8/13 Family Fun with Sand Castles
  Build your own sand castle at Castle Beach! Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for August’s Family Fun event where we’ll play on the beach, learn about the science … Read more
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  FULL 8/14 Fall Creek After Fire: Exploring the CZU Burn Zone with State Parks
  The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has reopened after 18 months of recovery work in the wake of the CZU Lightning Complex fires — and we want to share it with … Read more
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  8/20 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
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  8/21 Birthday Bash! Celebrating 117 Years
  Celebrate Santa Cruz’s first museum on its 117th birthday! Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a festive day of fun activities, games, and treats connecting you with nature … Read more
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  8/27 Fall Creek After Fire: Exploring the CZU Burn Zone with State Parks
  The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has reopened after 18 months of recovery work in the wake of the CZU Lightning Complex fires — and we want to share it with … Read more
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  9/2 First Friday After Hours | Fire🔥
  Nerd out on your night out during special after hours events every First Friday.💥🍻 Free admission all day, with special outdoor festivities 5-8 p.m. September’s First Friday event is going to … Read more
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  9/24 Fall Creek After Fire: Exploring the CZU Burn Zone with State Parks
  The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has reopened after 18 months of recovery work in the wake of the CZU Lightning Complex fires — and we want to share it with … 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.

Public Programs at the Museum offer dynamic and inclusive places for learning, dialogue, study, and 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.