Upcoming Events

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: Genome First Friday

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

Free admission to the Museum all day 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with special indoor festivities 5 to 8 p.m. Some vendors and group booths to look out for this month: Norris Center UCSC Arboretum UCSC Genomics Institute Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument Santa Cruz Shakespeare Sempervirens Fund UCSC Naturalist Program Santa Cruz Institute for Particle […]

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Moonlight Madness

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

Enjoy an astronomy-themed evening at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park!  Learn about the moon, stars, solar system, planets, all things astronomy, through activities, games, interactive models, and more!  6:00-8:00 - jazz music and interactive astronomy booths  8:00-9:00 - guest speaker presentation  9:00-10:00 - moonlight walk through the Redwood Grove  9:00-11:00 - telescope viewing with Santa […]

Free

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

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 […]

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

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: See Oldest State Park Recover From Fire

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is […]

Free

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

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

Natural Bridges SP: Birding for Beginners

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

New to birding? Well, you don’t have to wing it alone! Join state park docents on this beginners’ bird walk to enjoy exploring our many park habitats, as you listen and look closely at the birds. Learn techniques to help you know who you are seeing, and skills for future adventures viewing birds, whether at […]

Free

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

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Nature Journaling

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

During this program you will slow down to the pace of the natural world and capture our observations through pen and paper. Nature journaling is an easy way to experience a new or already familiar landscape through the lens of art and science. Program meets in front of the Visitor Center. Click the link in […]

Free

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 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

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Guided Star Walk

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

Enjoy this astronomy-based guided hike where you will be guided up to the Observation Deck, perched on an ancient seabed, over 800 feet above sea level and 17 miles from the beach. You will participate in activities and learn about the night sky. This involves a 1 mile round trip hike. Meet at the Henry […]

Free

Museum of Natural History: Redwoods Collage Craft

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

For one night only, join celebrated international artist, Nicole Sylvia, for an evening of redwood-inspiring collaging! Drawing inspiration from the new Treasured Trees exhibit, participants will learn the beauty and intricacies of paper art. This workshop will cover the process of collage from ideation to structuring compelling compositions. Participants will learn how to arrange a […]

$42

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Fuel Reduction Workday

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

On Fuel Reduction Workday, in which park staff manually clear fallen debris in select areas of the Redwood Grove, and by doing so, reduce the fuel load and restore old-growth habitat. Park staff will facilitate organizing this debris into brush piles. Participants should be prepared to help with a fair deal of manual labor. This […]

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods SP: Guided Plant Diversity Walk

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

Take a casual stroll wherein you will learn about the diversity of plants that can be found at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Participants will have the opportunity to see wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that all play an important role in this special ecosystem. Program meets in front of the Visitor Center. RSVP through the […]

Free

Castle Rock State Park: Guided Hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance at Castle Rock State Park 15451 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA, United States

Rocks, ridges and redwoods- this park has it all! Join experienced interpretive state park staff and volunteers as they highlight different features of Castle Rock State Park! Keep in mind most hikes are somewhat strenuous due to the ridgeline nature of the park and may include long sunny stretches without shade. Bring closed-toe shoes, plenty […]

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Tree Identification

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

During this program, you'll learn about a few in-tree-guing plant species residing in the Santa Cruz Mountains! On this 1 mile walk, you'll be chattin' about tree identification with a local expert and observing a handful of species along River Trail and in the adjacent Redwood Grove. Beleaf us, it'll be a great time! Although […]

Free

Museum of Natural History: Tree Inspired Sculpture Class

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

Get festive with redwood horticultural art! Celebrate the new Treasured Trees exhibit and the wonder of forest by crafting an arboreal-inspired sculpture. This course will satisfy both plant and art lovers alike as you learn the science of redwood ecosystems by designing, weaving, and mounting redwood materials into a beautiful model. Create a masterpiece for your […]

$39

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

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

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 […]