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Seascape County Park: Guided Nature and Mindfulness

Seascape County Park Seascape Resort Drive 687, Aptos, California, United States

During this 4-week course, each afternoon, you will practice mindfulness, grounding, and breath work while sitting and walking in nature. Practicing the cultivation of mindful moments and finding awe in the little and big may decrease anxiety, depression, and pain, and may increase connection, generosity and overall well-being. A journal and pen will be provided.  […]

$22

Museum of Natural History: Micro First Friday

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Get 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 Museum all day 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special indoor festivities 5 to 8 p.m. Big fun can come in small […]

Free
Event Series Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United States

Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis - visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that […]

Free
Event Series UCSC Arboretum: First Saturday Tours

UCSC Arboretum: First Saturday Tours

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Around the World in 60-90 Minutes! The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, or Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens, the developing World Conifer Collection, or Rare Fruit Garden. Tour length varies depending […]

Event Series Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk

Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk

Wilder Ranch State Park 1842 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain […]

Free
Event Series Museum of Natural History: Micro Art Classes

Museum of Natural History: Micro Art Classes

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Love nature, science, and art but don’t know where to start? Here is your opportunity to master a new skill and bring home your own environmentally inspired masterpiece after just one class. With varying types of art, each of these classes are independent from each other. They are all appropriate for all skill levels and […]

$35 – $46
Event Series Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Guided Redwood Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Guided Redwood Hike

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet […]

Free
Event Series Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Birding Walk

Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Birding Walk

Wilder Ranch State Park 1842 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map […]

Free
Event Series Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Sandhills Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Sandhills Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Rd, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it […]

Free
Event Series Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track […]

Museum of Natural History: Mother’s Day Art Market

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy over 40 local Santa Cruz artists and free admission to the museum just in time to grab a gift for Mother’s Day!  There will be a wide array of goods, ranging from paintings and photography, jewelry, decor, and embroidery.

Free
Event Series Loch Lomond Recreation Area: Boat Tours

Loch Lomond Recreation Area: Boat Tours

Loch Lomond 100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton, CA, United States

Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the Newell Jewell (pontoon boat). Attendance is limited to 25 people and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the boat tour is free, there […]

Free
Event Series Wilder Ranch State Park: Backcountry Hike

Wilder Ranch State Park: Backcountry Hike

Wilder Ranch State Park 1842 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

On this hike you will be discovering the natural history of Wilder Ranch as well as the people and forces that shaped it. Be prepared to explore for 5 hours on this 8 mile hike with 1000 ft. of elevation gain. Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good hiking […]

Free

Roaring Camp Railroads: Mother’s Day Brunch

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

Treat Mom to something memorable on her special day with a delectable Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet accompanied with live music. After a lovely brunch, relax with a train ride through the towering redwoods. ACTIVITIES: Hallcrest Vineyards Brunch at Bret Harte Hall Live Music from Rory Lynch NEW! Tintype family portraits by the Midnight Oil Collective […]

Event Series Museum of Natural History: Micro Lectures

Museum of Natural History: Micro Lectures

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

May is Micro Month at the Museum! Big fun can come in small packages! Micro May will magnify your curiosity with naturalists who specialize in the science of small. Explore the tiny treasures of Santa Cruz County that are often hiding in plain sight. Don't miss these fascinating lectures at the Natural History Museum! Thursday, […]

$12

Pilkington Creek: Restore Native Plants

Tyrrell Park East Cliff Drive 1305, Santa Cruz, California, United States

Get to know your destination by digging in and getting dirty! Meet at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, then join the Society for Conservation Biology as they show you which invasive species to tackle and learn about local ecology. You will be planting native plants, pollinators and learning some sustainable gardening practices!

Free

Davenport: Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument Tour

Contoni Coast Dairies Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Don’t miss this special, limited-time opportunity for a private guided tour of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument – before it’s even open to the public!   Guided by land stewards and environmental scientists from the Bureau of Land Management, learn what it took to designate a National Monument, the history of the land, and observe all […]

$39 – $46

Loch Lomond: Newell Creek Flora Loch Walk

Loch Lomond 100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton, CA, United States

This month’s nature hike at Loch Lomond Recreation Area will feature noted botanist Andy Werner, who will discuss native plant species found in the Newell Creek watershed. In addition to native plant species, park rangers will provide information on water system operations and watershed lands management.   The monthly “Loch Walks” are included in the entry […]

UCSC Arboretum: Free Live Entertainment in the Trees

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Both Friday and Saturday, beginning at 5:30 pm, explore the UCSC arboretum grounds to find dance, music, theater, sound and visual art in sometimes obvious places and other times hidden throughout the environment. You are free to arrive any time before 7:30pm when all audiences and performers will gather to watch the sky darken together. […]

Free

Pleasure Point Park: Jack O’Neill Day

Pleasure Point County Park E Cliff Drive and 33rd Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Don’t forget to remember the famous Jack!  There will be a lot of surfing to watch or participate in a beach area clean up at Jack O’Neill Park, near his house on East Cliff Drive.  And if you can't make it to Pleasure Point, show how you are celebrating Jack O'Neill Day by tagging @oneillusa […]

Free

Santa Cruz: San Lorenzo River Trail Run

Harvey West Park 326 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Run through 300 foot tall, 1500 year-old Coastal Redwoods, lush stream canyons, open meadows, pine and oak forests, and high dry chaparral-covered ridges. The Half Marathon, 30K, Marathon, and 50K events cross the San Lorenzo River multiple times!

Loch Lomond: Fall Birding Loch Walk

Loch Lomond 100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton, CA, United States

Bay Area ornithologist Jeff Smith will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced ornithologist! See the many perching birds, raptors, and waterfowl that frequent Loch Lomond. Layered clothing, snacks, water, bird guidebooks […]

Free

Santa Cruz County: Monterey Bay Festival of Birds

Mark the fall migration at one of the most beautiful places on the planet for the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds featuring field trips, workshops, family-fun activities, and keynote speakers. Activities are planned throughout the Monterey Bay area in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Salinas, and Monterey.  Check out the website linked below to register for field […]

Free – $30
Event Series Natural Bridges State Beach: Welcome Back Monarchs Day!

Natural Bridges State Beach: Welcome Back Monarchs Day!

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Enjoy welcoming the monarch butterflies back to the park, where they will spend the winter. There will be arts and crafts, active games for kids, live music, information booths on monarch butterflies and butterfly gardens, and more!   *This event is free. Parking is $10 to park in the day-use lot. For more information, call […]

Free
Event Series Santa Cruz County: King Tides

Santa Cruz County: King Tides

All of Santa Cruz County

California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The […]