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2/14 Valentines Day Special: Beach Glass and Bubbles

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

Register


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.

Website: https://thelocalbeachcomber.com/

Instagram: @thelocalbeachcomber

2/8 & 2/9 Fungus February Flameworking & Glassblowing

Looking for a fiery way to enjoy Fungus February? Experience the excitement of glassblowing in this special hands-on flameworkging program hosted by the talented artists of “Little Wolf Glass!”

This workshop will teach the process of melting and molding glass into a beautiful molten masterpiece. Under the supervision of a master glass artist, all participants will be assigned their own glassblowing station and learn to use specialized torches and tools to shape glass into a one-of-a-kind glass mushroom pendant to be brought home! Open to ages 16+. Appropriate for all skill levels. All materials and safety supplies are included. 

  • Class Fee: $95 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Matt Szidik, Master glassblower from Little Wolf Glass   
  • Materials Fee: All supplies and safety equipment are included in class fee. 
  • Class Size: 4 participants per timeslot, with each timeslot lasting 50 minutes.

Weekend One: Saturday, February 8th & Sunday February 9th

Timeslots A, B, C, D, E, F detailed below

Location: Tyrrell Park, behind the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Early Members Registration opens Tuesday, January 14th at 12 a.m.

Slots fill up fast! Become a member to access early registration and other perks!

General Registration opens Wednesday, January 15th at 12 a.m.

Saturday, February 8th

Timeslot A

10 – 10:50 a.m.

SOLD OUT

Timeslot B

11 – 11:50 a.m.

Register

Timeslot C

12 – 12:50 p.m.

SOLD OUT

Timeslot D

2 – 2:50 p.m.

Register

Timeslot E

3 – 3:50 p.m.

Register

Timeslot F

4 – 4:50 p.m.

Register

Sunday, February 9th

Timeslot A

10 – 10:50 a.m.

Register

Timeslot B

11 – 11:50 a.m.

Register

Timeslot C

12 – 12:50 p.m.

Register

Timeslot D

2 – 2:50 p.m.

SOLD OUT

Timeslot E

3 – 3:50 p.m.

Register

Timeslot F

4 – 4:50 p.m.

Register

Explore more Fungus February events!

[SOLD OUT] 2/8 San Vicente Redwoods Mushroom Exploration

In collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the unknown as you scout for seasonal mushrooms. Open to ages 12+. Appropriate for all skill levels. 

  • Class Fee: $35 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Liv Fragiacomo, Applied Mycology Fieldwork Lead for the University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Class Size: 15 participants per timeslot  
  • FYI: This program runs rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for all weather and a light hike. 

Date: Saturday, February 8th

Timeslots: 10 – 11 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1 – 2 p.m.

Location:  San Vicente Redwoods

12001 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz, CA

Early Members Registration opens Tuesday, January 14th at 12 a.m.

Slots fill up fast! Become a member to access early registration and other perks!

General Registration opens Wednesday, January 15th at 12 a.m.

Timeslot A

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

SOLD OUT

Timeslot B

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

SOLD OUT

Timeslot C

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

SOLD OUT

This event is sold out. To join the waitlist, please contact events@santacruzmuseum.org.

Explore more Fungus February events!

2/7 Fungus February First Friday

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 5-8 p.m.

Morel less interested in mushrooms? Come to the Museum to learn Spore about mushrooms than you ever thought possible! February’s First Friday offers a fantastic array of all things fungi. From mushroom glassblowing artists to fungal taxonomy experts, we’ve got so many activity stations packed under one roof there won’t be mushRoom to move! 

In addition to the festivities, there will be information on the upcoming lectures lined up for the fungus-themed Naturalist Night series, special seasonal items in the Gift Shop, and more details about this year’s mushroom walks and workshops. 

Friday, February 7, 2025

5-8 p.m.

Location: Inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Community Groups & Vendors:

Accessibility:

  • Drop-by anytime 5-8 p.m. to join the fungus festivities!
  • Admission to the Museum is free all day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Follow the latest guidelines for health and safety.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum.
  • Booths and activities will be indoors.

2/5 An Endangered Mushroom & CA’s eDNA

Join us in kicking off Fungus February with the best mushroom mystery story you’ve never heard! In collaboration with UCSC’s Genomics Institute, learn about how a state-of-the-art DNA database was hacked in order to uncover the hidden locations and scientific secrets of California’s most endangered mushroom. From the field work uncovering this rare fungus’ surprising habitat, to understanding California’s biodiversity research using DNA, you won’t want to miss this NPR-worthy story!

  • Class Fee: $16 – Museum Members receive a special discounted price applied at checkout.
  • Instructor: Julien Pometta & Rachel Meyer, Genomics Institute – UC Santa Cruz
  • Class Size: 60 participants
  • Materials: Light refreshments will be served prior to the start of the program.

Early Members Registration opens Tuesday, January 14th at 12 a.m.

Slots fill up fast! Become a member to access early registration and other perks!

General Registration opens Wednesday, January 15th at 12 a.m.

Date: Wednesday, February 5th

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1305 East Cliff DR, Santa Cruz, CA

Register

Explore more Fungus February events!

Fungus February 2025

Explore a month of fungi fun with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History!

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mushrooms through expert-led adventures, creative art projects celebrating their beauty and diversity, and opportunities to connect with fellow mushroom enthusiasts. Discover the wonders of the forest floor and deepen your appreciation for these mycological marvels.

Upcoming Events

2/5 Naturalist Night: An Endangered Mushroom & CA’s eDNA

Join us in kicking off Fungus February with the best mushroom mystery story you’ve never heard! In collaboration with UCSC’s Genomics Institute, learn about how a state-of-the-art DNA database was hacked in order to uncover the hidden locations and scientific secrets of California’s most endangered mushroom.

Wednesday, February 5th from 6 – 8 p.m.
Inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Learn More

[SOLD OUT] 2/8 Land Trust Walk: San Vicente Redwoods Mushroom Exploration

In collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the unknown as you scout for seasonal mushrooms. Open to ages 12+. Appropriate for all skill levels. 

Saturday, February 8th at various times
San Vicente Redwoods

Learn More

2/8 & 2/9 Workshop: Flameworking & Glassblowing

Celebrate Fungus February with a fiery twist! Join us for a hands-on flameworking workshop where you’ll create a unique glass mushroom pendant. Guided by a master artist, you’ll melt and shape glass using specialized tools at your own station. Open to ages 16+, suitable for all skill levels, with materials and safety gear included.

Saturday & Sunday, February 8th – 9th at various times
Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Learn More

2/15 Land Trust Walk: Antonelli Pond Mushroom Exploration

In collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the unknown as you scout for seasonal mushrooms. Open to ages 12+. Appropriate for all skill levels. 

Saturday, February 15th at various times
Inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Learn More

2/15 & 2/16 Workshop: Flameworking & Glassblowing

Celebrate Fungus February with a fiery twist! Join us for a hands-on flameworking workshop where you’ll create a unique glass mushroom pendant. Guided by a master artist, you’ll melt and shape glass using specialized tools at your own station. Open to ages 16+, suitable for all skill levels, with materials and safety gear included.

Saturday & Sunday, February 15th – 16th at various times
Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Learn More

2/19 Naturalist Night: Cordyceps, Cappuccinos, & Mind Control

Fungus February just got a whole lot spookier, especially when the topic is parasitic zombie fungi! Learn about the sinister Cordyceps mushroom that infects insects using mind-controlling spores and turns them into the walking dead.

Wednesday, February 19th from 6 – 8 p.m.
Inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

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2/21 Workshop: Spore Prints & Mushroom Painting

Explore the art and science of mushrooms in this unique workshop! Using local Santa Cruz County mushrooms as inspiration and medium, you’ll learn to paint and print with spores and gills. The class includes step-by-step guidance from a master mushroom artist, covering spore pressing, layering, color theory, and more, plus a lecture on mushroom biology.

Friday, February 5th from 6 – 8 p.m.
Inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

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2/22 Land Trust Walk: East Glenwood Mushroom Exploration

In collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a fungus exploration! Guided by a master mycologist, prepare to venture into the unknown as you scout for seasonal mushrooms. Open to ages 12+. Appropriate for all skill levels. 

Saturday, February 22nd at various times
East Glenwood Open Space Preserve

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2/26 Naturalist Night: Sky Islands, Sea Islands, Dry Islands, & the Biogeography of Macrofungi

Making maps of the distributions of organisms is one of the most fascinating topics in all of natural history. The theory of island biogeography serves as an ideal starting point in understanding broader patterns of how life travels from adaptation to extinction. How do fungi behave in comparison to other groups of organisms? In what ways do island-dwelling individuals differ from their mainland cousins? Come on an expedition to uncover the geographical mysteries of mushrooms!

Wednesday, February 26th from 6 – 8 p.m.
Inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Learn More

2/28 Naturalist Night: Fluorescent Fungi & Bioluminescent (DNA) Barcodes

Glowing, glowing, gone! For the last lecture of Fungus February, explore the brilliant world of bioluminescence. In this illuminating lecture, learn about the fluorescing fungi that glow under ultraviolet light, mushrooms that create their own light, even in complete darkness, and what in their DNA is coded for them to exhibit these beautiful characteristics. Using hundreds of high-quality photos, explore the mysterious world of bioluminescent and fluorescent fungi, and shine some light on the science of their unique DNA.   

Friday, February 28th from 6 – 8 p.m.
Inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Learn More

Museum of the Macabre 2024 Photos

Thank you to the many community members who joined us for the 8th annual #MuseumOfTheMacabre! Please enjoy these photos and tag us @santacruzmuseum!

Find yourself in our photo booth!

Meet Marcus: From Animal Caretaker Volunteer to Zoology Major

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.

2024-25 Fall/Winter Nature Club

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. Across four excursions, youth will learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and their fellow club members. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum!

Cost: $100 non-members/ $80 members per session (4 programs per session)

*Scholarships are available upon request and funding availability

Registration Deadline: October 1st

Schedule:

Migration Madness & Community Science

Saturday, October 12th, 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Join us in exploring the wonderful wildlife at Neary Lagoon. Participants will learn how to use binoculars and identify birds as we walk a 1-mile loop around the freshwater marsh habitat. We will conduct a bird count to record the species we see and participants will learn about the community science platform eBird.

Ethnobotany & Stewardship

Saturday, November 9th, 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Learn about the common native plants of Santa Cruz and their uses. Together we will explore Pogonip Open Space Preserve and look for native plants using field guides. Then, we will participate in a stewardship project to help these native plants thrive!

Tidepooling & Nature Journaling

Saturday, December 14th, 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Let’s go tidepooling! California King Tides are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and make for excellent tidepooling opportunities along the coast. We will explore the intertidal critters & crustaceans and document our observations with nature journaling!

Museum Deep Dive

Saturday, January 18th, 1:30-4:00 p.m.

This is a special opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Meet our Collections Manager for a tour of the Museum’s collections, learn about the art of writing exhibit labels, and explore the hands-on activities in the Museum. You don’t want to miss this!

Register Now!

Registration & cancellation policies

Cotoni-Coast Dairies

For decades, local groups have fought to conserve the special cultural and natural resources on what is today the Cotoni-Coast Dairies property. Through maps, community voices and breathtaking landscapes, this exhibit explores this unique open space that is now part of the National Monument system.

A Terraced Landscape
The dynamic landscape of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies property is dominated by three cascading marine terraces. This unique topography supports a wide array of habitat types across six watersheds.

Supporting Indigenous Connections
For thousands of years, this land was inhabited by the Cotoni (Cho-toe-knee) people. Today, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is helping to restore Indigenous connections to the land by preserving sacred sites and protecting culturally significant plants on the property. The property’s name name honors the Cotoni people who first stewarded the land.

Preserving the Past
The rich history of this land is preserved in archeological sites throughout the property. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the land was shaped by the expansion of Euro-American industries and technologies, including farming, cattle grazing, dairying, logging, and mining. These cultural resources help us understand the past, and can help shape the future.

Looking Ahead
In the late 1900s and early 2000s, diverse community groups and government agencies fought to protect the land from threats of development, ultimately securing public ownership of the property through a national monument designation. As the property is made more accessible to the public, what do you most want to know about it? What hopes and dreams do you have for the property’s future?

Photos courtesy BLM and Santa Cruz Mountains Trails Stewardship

This Exhibit Made Possible With Support From

Thank you to our Media Partner