There’s more to sourgrass than its lip-puckering powers. Dig a little deeper with this natural dye video tutorial.
Sourgrass (Oxalis sp.) is a plant of extremes: children love its strong flavor, pollinators gorge on its abundant nectar, many adore its ability to overwhelm a field when in bloom, and many still detest the invasive qualities of some of its species. Oxalis pes-caprae, native to South Africa, has made itself comfortably at home in California, forming dense mats that outcompete native plant species for light and space.
Whether you love it or can’t stand it, sourgrass has an interesting hidden quality that is both useful and exciting: it dyes fabric a vibrant, neon, highlighter-yellow color. Watch our video tutorial to learn how to play with its pigment and explore more resources below:
“The Museum At Your Side” is a collection of hands-on activities, informative articles, and engaging videos to connect you with nature and science wherever you are!
We’ve compiled some of our favorite online resources for digging-deeper into natural history. From virtual tours of other natural history collections to digital field guides that can supplement your outdoor adventures, explore what our community (both local and global) has to offer!
Digital Field Guides
Animal Tracks: Nature Tracking compiles animal tracking resources in order to “make learning to identify animal tracks as easy and fun as possible.” We also have our own animal tracking activity, here.
Feathers: The Feather Atlas is an image database dedicated to the identification and study of the flight feathers of North American birds.
Amphibians: Get to know our slithery and slimy friends through AmphibiaWeb, an online field guide and database of amphibians.
Birds: Identify your backyard birds, keep track of what you observe, and get to know the many birds that you encounter any given day through the definitive resource for birds and bird watching in North America — the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and their Merlin Bird ID app.
Marine Animals: The Marine Species Identification Portal offers information on thousands of different species in the world’s oceans and seas.
Digital Databases, Virtual Tours, and More
Biodiversity Heritage Library: An open access digital library for biodiversity literature and archives. BHL’s global consortium of natural history, botanical, and research libraries cooperate to digitize and make their collections accessible as a part of a global “biodiversity commons.”
Cloud Appreciation Society: Get a little poetic about nature and explore the Cloud Appreciation Society who urge you to “Look up, marvel at the ephemeral beauty, and always remember to live life with your head in the clouds!”
National Parks:Maybe your vacation was postponed, but you can still explore our National Parks through these virtual tours.
Duke University: A database of 3D images of specimens for “Educators Organizing Online Courses Using Biological Specimens.”
The American Museum of Natural History: AMNH hosts a long list of activities, articles, videos and more, for educators, families, students, and anyone interested in teaching or learning about science.
Brains On: An award-winning science podcast for kids and curious adults from American Public Media.
NASA: A vast collection of images, videos, and articles all about space.
Go outside and learn to paint gouache and watercolor landscapes while surrounded by nature as inspiration. This open-air art workshop will teach the techniques necessary to capture environmental perspectives through the creative use of negative space, layering, various stroke techniques, and more.
Using the Museum’s exclusive access to various vistas as reference, participants will be guided through the basics of transferring the beauty of beaches and shorelines to canvas with step-by-step instruction.
No prior experience required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. All supplies included.
Location: To be released closer to the date of the program, with the goal of featuring seasonal environments. Class Size: 18 Students Class Fee: $43 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout. Materials: All supplies are included in the class fee. Instructor: Taylor Seamount
This class takes place outside; dress appropriately for the outdoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.
Growing up in the natural beauty of Santa Cruz, CA, Taylor was set on a winding path between science and art. She received her bachelors in biochemistry at UC Davis and later spent two years at the Mark Kang-O’Higgins Modern Painting Atelier in Seattle. After the atelier, Taylor moved back home to Santa Cruz due to a worsening of her invisible disability, POTS. Adapting to her new limitations, Taylor’s artistic practice refocused from large imaginative realist oil paintings to small works in gouache. She came to aspire to the visionary landscape styles of gouache illustrators, James Gurney (Dinotopia) and Kazuo Oga (Studio Ghibli), and accordingly began to study natural color and light through plein air (i.e. painting landscapes on location outdoors). As plein air became central to her creative practice, she developed a distinctive crisp flat-brush style. Additionally, she began a successful business designing and selling her own unique ultra-light-weight plein air sketch easels, fabricated here in Santa Cruz. As a UC Certified California Naturalist and climate justice artivist, Taylor uses plein air and solar punk illustration to envision a regenerative future for her community. In this work, she often collaborates with local activists and environmental stewards. Hobbies not yet incorporated into her work are napping and saying hi to the native plants that are walking distance from her house. Her pronouns are both they/them and she/her.
Give the gift of an experience to your loved one this Valentine’s Day! As part of this special seasonal offering, discover the beauty of beachcombing as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made from shoreline treasures. Using local and sustainably-sourced resources, Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day participants will learn the basics of environmental sculpture and design with step-by-step instruction. Transform sea glass, driftwood, and botanicals into unique, coastal-inspired art.
In this workshop, sip sparkling wine as you create an 8×10 sea glass Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day scene that adds a local touch of coastal charm to your home. Join us for a creative experience and leave with a finished framed piece that captures the magic of the shoreline. Perfect for a holiday gift, a personal home decoration, or an activity to be shared with friends or family.
No prior art experience is required. Participants will have a completed art piece to take home at the conclusion of the workshop. Open to ages 21+/all experience levels. Wine, cheese, and other light refreshments will be served. All art supplies included.
Friday, February 14th
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA. 95062
Class Size: 22 Students Class Fee: $45 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout. Materials: All supplies are included in the class fee. Wine, cheese, and other light refreshments will be served. Instructor: Stephanie Spross
This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.
About the Instructor
Stephanie Spross
Stephanie Spross is a local artist with a love for transforming beach treasures like sea glass and driftwood into unique, coastal-inspired art. Driven by a passion for breathing new life into found objects, her work brings a touch of nature’s magic indoors, inviting others to find beauty in the unexpected. Originally from the Bay Area, Stephanie moved to Monterey to attend CSUMB.
Explore the hidden beauty of winter and uncover the secrets of seemingly bare forestscapes. The leaves may have fallen, but the beauty of the trees remains to be captured on canvas.
Using watercolors, colored pencils, and other mixed media, participants will make artistic observations of dormant plants’ aesthetics in winter. Develop observation skills and an awareness of nature, improve sketching and painting skills, and practice strategies to bring the 3-dimensional world onto the page. More than just an art class, nature journaling is about observation, curiosity, wonder, and honing these abilities.
Wednesday, January 29th
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Class Size: 30 Students Class Fee: $38 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout. Materials: All art supplies are included in the class fee. Participants are welcome to bring their own sticks, branches, and botanical materials for reference. Instructor: Melinda Nakagawa
This class takes place indoors. Supplies may get messy, so casual attire is recommended.
About the Instructor
Melinda Nakagawa
Melinda Nakagawa is a biologist, naturalist, and educator with a passion and skill for connecting people to nature. She founded “Spark in Nature” to guide participants to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world, slowing down to nature’s pace and seeing rather than just looking at the world. With an approach that bridges nature, art, and heart, she welcomes all people regardless of their skill level or background.
Celebrate Laura Hecox Day by joining Saturdays in the Soil, a recurring volunteer event at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek!
Come together as a community to care for Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. Discover more about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature and making a lasting impact. It’s the perfect chance to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and give back!
Saturday, January 25th* Volunteer Gardening 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Outside the Museum in Tyrell Park 1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
*Saturdays in the Soil will return to every third Saturday in February 2025.
What to Expect
This project requires volunteer support with general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting.
Please let us know if you need special accommodations when you email to RSVP.
This program happens rain or shine, but we will cancel in the case of muddy conditions or inclement weather.
All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Volunteers under 18 require a parent/guardian to sign waivers.
Please follow the latest guidelines for covid safety at the time of the program.
Laura Hecox Day
Join the Museum for the annual Laura Hecox Day open house, celebrating the pioneering lighthouse keeper, naturalist, and Museum founder.
Come learn about the Museum’s rich cultural and natural history, connect with community partners, engage in arts, crafts, and games for kids, & get your hands dirty helping with our Pilkington Creek Restoration project!
Join the Museum for the annual Laura Hecox Day open house, celebrating the pioneering lighthouse keeper, naturalist, and Museum founder. Born in 1854 and raised in the original Santa Cruz lighthouse, she spent her childhood exploring the tidepools and trails of our region. Laura curated a natural history collection that became the foundation of Santa Cruz’s first museum and still serves our community after 119 years.
Come learn about the Museum’s rich cultural and natural history, connect with community partners, engage in arts, crafts, and games for kids, & get your hands dirty helping with our Pilkington Creek Restoration project!
While exploring the native plants of Santa Cruz, learn to appreciate the diverse landscapes through a camera lens. Apply photography tips, tricks, and techniques to capture scenic landscapes.
This open-air workshop will lead you on a nature walk to find inspiration from native flora for your photography. Guided by an expert horticulturist, participants will learn the botanical science behind the flora subject matter. Capturing a verdant story, tips on floral photographic composition, color theory, seasonal good lighting, camera techniques, framing your leafy subjects, and honing in on your creative eye while out in nature.
Open to ages 16+/all experience levels. Both cameras and smartphones are welcome.
Location: Antonelli Pond, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Class Size: 25 Students Class Fee: $38 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout. Materials: Participants must bring their own cameras or smartphones. All other supplies are included in the class fee. Instructors: Christine La, Photographer; Dion Shattuck, Horticulturist
This class takes place outside. Dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Thank you Land Trust Santa Cruz County for the access to Antonelli Pond. Learn More
About the Instructors
Christine La
Christine La is a freelance photographer who takes inspiration from getting outside and partaking in nature therapy. After graduating in Environmental Public Policy and Media & Cultural Studies from UC Riverside, Christine has transitioned from a career in marketing to photography.
Dion Shattuck is a Horticulturist for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History focusing on native plant restoration, landscape design, and garden education. He has a passion for sustainability and is currently pursuing a masters in Ecological Engineering. He loves spending time immersed in local habitats such as wetlands, redwood forests, and coastal bluffs.
This January, the Museum will once again partner with the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz to transform the London Nelson Community Center into a mycology paradise. Stroll through a re-created woodland forest, discover hundreds of mushroom species, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages. With fascinating speakers, demos, and wild mushroom treats, it’s three days of fungi fun you won’t want to miss! 1/10-12, 2025 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair!
Come to Santa Cruz and explore the fascinating world of Fungi. Learn interesting and fun facts about the hundreds of beautiful and fascinating species of mushrooms found in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Area. Fungi will be beautifully displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition features three days of fantastic fun, informative speakers and demonstrations, with fungal activities for the whole family.
The Fungus Fair is held each year in January in Santa Cruz at the London Nelson Community Center. This three day event features hundreds of species of local fungi presented in a unique fashion, and draws thousands of visitors each year. The Fair showcases speakers, a special Kids’ Room, and a taxonomy panel for identification of fungi you find. Many books and mushroom-related items are available for sale, as are wild mushroom delicacies.
Did you know that without fungus, we’d have no bread, cheese, beer, or wine? Or that anti-cholesterol medicine was developed from mushrooms? Come to the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair to learn all there is to know about the fascinating world of mushrooms.
This unique Santa Cruz tradition features fantastic fungus fun for the whole family. Bring the kids and stroll through a re-created woodland forest displaying hundreds of wild mushrooms; the Fungus Fair also features a special room full of hands-on activities for the kids, including fungus exploration tables, clay mushroom building, face painting, and more!
FFSC mushroom experts will be available throughout the fair to identify the mushrooms you’ve found. Bring yours, ideally stored in a paper bag rather than plastic. Paper allows fungi to “breathe” and keeps them fresher!
Nationally and locally renowned speakers will present talks on a wide variety of topics in the Main Lecture Room (Room 3) and the Mushrooms 101 Room (Room 1). See Program Schedule for details.
The habitat display area will present hundreds of mushroom species commonly found in the Santa Cruz/San Francisco/Monterey Bay area.
Visit the Kid’s Room for mushroom activities!
Mushroom Cap Creation Station
• Design your own “spore-tacular” mushroom cap to wear around the festival! This all-ages activity lets you make your own unique fungal fashion statement styled after our own native Amanita muscaria. Take your custom mushroom cap home and show off your mycological masterpiece!
Fungi Fine Lines and Watercolor Wonders
• Create scenes full of fantastic fungi, from morels to chanterelles! Using stencils, trace the shapes of your favorite mushrooms in wax crayon and then paint a watercolor scene for your fungi. For some extra “pop”, use white crayon and dark watercolors to make your mushrooms magically appear! Perfect for all ages.
Toadstools for Tots
• Let your little ones get creative with this fun and simple mushroom craft! Use simple materials to make mini mushrooms in a playful activity that’s easy for little fingers to enjoy. Leave with a cute handmade mushroom to remind them of their Fungus Fair adventure!
Note to parents: the Kid’s Room is only open on Saturday and Sunday.
Throughout the three day event, Fungus Fair attendees will be able to learn more about local mushrooms, view remarkable mushroom arts and crafts, taste unusual and exceptionally good fungal fare, and be a part of the FFSC’s overriding mission – “We Keep the Fun in Fungi!”
The FFSC actively promotes the study of mushrooms, and is dedicated to encouraging an avid interest in the fungal kingdom. We hunt mushrooms for scientific interest and for the table. We encourage a sense of wonder with regard to one of the least understood segments of our global environment. We are fungiphiles, and you just might be one, too…
Join us for First Friday as we kick off the first special exhibit of 2025!
In addition to our First Friday festivities, we invite you to explore the opening of the Pajaro Photovoice Projectexhibit, on display from January 3 to February 2, 2025.
This powerful exhibit from Regeneración Pájaro Valley Climate Action amplifies the voices and perspectives of five residents of Pajaro, including two high school students, two young mothers working as field laborers, and a community leader. Through a photovoice process, they addressed the question: “How is climate change impacting the town of Pajaro?”
The exhibit presents a deeply personal and poignant look at how climate change affects their lives, families, and community. Using images and text, participants share stories of the immediate and long-term impacts of flooding, heavy rains, drought, heat, wildfire-related air quality, and more.
Special remarks are to be shared at 6 p.m. by artists and Museum Staff.
Friday, January 3rd, 2025 5-7 p.m. Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Accessibility
Drop-by anytime 5-7 p.m. to join the festivities!
Admission to the Museum is free all day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Follow the latest guidelines for health and safety.
Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
This past summer, the Museum bid farewell to long-time Live Animal Caretaker volunteer Marcus Anderson. As a child, Marcus visited the Museum regularly and from such a young age that studying its taxidermied specimens and live kingsnake Prometheus were among his first childhood memories. At age 13, Marcus became the Museum’s Live Animal Caretaker, looking after the Museum’s bees, Prometheus, and tidepool touch tank for five years. These experiences ignited a lifelong passion for animals, laying the groundwork for his future in zoology.
Since the age of 2, Marcus has had a profound fascination with Prometheus, who became more than just a subject of study; he became a friend and a source of inspiration.
Here they are pictured with the beloved California Kingsnake July, 2024 at the end of Marcus’ Volunteer journey.
Prometheus, died October 6th, at the remarkable age of 27. A cherished member of our community since 1997, Prometheus was a beloved fixture among our exhibits, delighting generations of visitors with his striking appearance and engaging presence. Prometheus far exceeded the expected lifespan for a kingsnake in the wild, serving as a testament to the exceptional care he received from our dedicated staff. His longevity allowed him to become an integral part of the Museum’s educational mission, inspiring countless guests to learn more about reptiles and their ecosystems.
Marcus’ connection to Prometheus deepened his desire to understand reptiles, a commitment he solidified through rigorous academic pursuits. While being homeschooled, Marcus sought out additional learning opportunities, enrolling in courses at Cabrillo College. Completing an impressive 48 units per semester, he delved into subjects like Animal Behavior, enriching his understanding and fueling his passion for zoology.
Upon graduating high school, Marcus’s dedication and volunteerism did not go unnoticed. He was recruited by the University of Wyoming’s Department of Zoology and Physiology, earning a prestigious scholarship through the Tomé Scholars Program, along with a travel stipend for research. Excited about the journey ahead, he plans to travel to Australia, the Canary Islands, and Patagonia, aiming to expand his knowledge of reptiles in their natural habitats. These experiences will not only enhance his education but also empower him to become a more effective advocate for wildlife conservation.
Reflecting on his time at the Museum, Marcus shared how volunteering was his first real exposure to the field of zoology, igniting his dream of working with animals and fostering a deep respect for all living creatures.
“Volunteering at the Museum was my first introduction to zoology–when I realized I wanted to work with all the cool animals … everytime I came in I got to see the cool animals, the taxidermies, it’s always fun”
– Marcus
As a dedicated future herpetologist and ophiologist, Marcus aspires to open a reptile center after earning his BS Dual Major in Zoology & Environment & Natural Science, focusing on three core divisions: research, rescue, and education. His dream is to create a sanctuary where people can learn about reptiles, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures. He believes that education is key to changing perceptions, and he is determined to help the public connect with reptiles in a meaningful way.
The Museum is immensely proud of Marcus and his journey. His dedication and respect for living creatures serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. As he embarks on this new chapter, Marcus embodies the spirit of curiosity and commitment that inspires us all to explore the wonders of nature and strive for a brighter future in wildlife conservation.
