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
- 9/24 Member Meet-Up: UC Santa Cruz Geology
Join PhD candidates Gavin Piccione and Jessica Gagliardi for a geologic tour of the UC Santa Cruz Campus. Examine outcrops, uncover histories of mining and development, and build your rock identification … Read more - FULL 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 - FULL 9/24 Educator Workshop with the Amah Mutsun
Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a collaborative workshop connecting local educators with tribal leaders and scholars. This workshop aims to deepen knowledge, clarify terminology, and provide a … Read more - 10/7 First Friday After Hours: Maritime Mysteries and Monsters
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.🍻💥 October’s First Friday is the opening event for … Read more - 10/8 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 nearly two years of recovery work in the wake of the CZU Lightning Complex fires — and we want to share it … Read more - 10/12 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 - 10/15 Nautical Knots and Macrame Workshop
Join us for an outdoor workshop where we’ll practice tying knots for both practical and decorative purposes. Everyone will leave with a driftwood and macrame wall hanging, along with a slew … Read more - 10/20 Listening to Oceanic Giants with MBARI
Sound travels powerfully in the sea, carrying a wealth of information about the oceanic environment and its sound-producing inhabitants. Some of this wealth has been captured in 7 years of continuous sound … Read more - 10/22 Family Fun: Pumpkin Carving!
‘Tis the season for pumpkin carving! BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) or purchase one from us as we create nature-inspired jack-o-lanterns using templates from the natural history museum. Carving materials will … Read more - 10/29 Museum of the Macabre
Come in costume and imbibe cauldron-concocted cocktails while exploring the dark side of the sea. The sixth annual Museum of the Macabre delivers more than ever with freakish festivities and special … Read more - 11/9 Nature Journal StudioNature 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
- 12/14 Nature Journal StudioNature 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.
- 10/1 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 - 11/5 Nature Club: Neary Lagoon and Migratory Madness
Neary Lagoon in the autumn is full of life! Migratory birds seek food and shelter in large numbers and provide excellent opportunities to study them up close. The Museum will provide … Read more - 12/3 Nature Club: Wild at the Ranch (Wilder Ranch)
We will explore the coastal prairie and cliff terraces habitats that support tons of wildlife. Seabirds, harbor seals, hawks, and so much more wildlife can be seen as we walk along … Read more - 1/14 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, animal specimens, and more allow us … Read more - 2/4 Nature Club: Finding Fungus at DeLaveaga Park
We will explore the forests and trails of DeLaveaga Park, traversing about 3 miles of trails. The great variety of trees in these forests supports a huge amount of fungal life. … Read more - 3/4 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 - 4/1 Nature Club: Arana Gulch, Santa Cruz Harbor, and 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 - 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 - 6/3 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