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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  12/3 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 … Read more
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  12/10 Mini Fungus Fair
  It’s mushroom season! Join local fungiphiles at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for the return of the (Mini) Fungus Fair in partnership … Read more
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  12/14 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. … Read more
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  12/17 Member Meet-Up: Mushrooms at UC Santa Cruz
  ‘Tis the season for mushrooms! The UC Santa Cruz campus is a treasure trove for fungiphiles. Join Museum staffer Marisa Gomez for a … Read more
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  FULL 12/21 Solstice Tide Pool Walk
  The Winter Solstice coincides with the approach of the new moon, bringing excellent low tides that are perfect for exploring the intertidal zone and … 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.

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  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
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  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
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  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
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  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
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  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
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  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
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  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

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.