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12/16 Member Meet-Up: Mushrooms

‘Tis the season for mushrooms! Join Museum staffer Marisa Gomez for a guided exploration of the Santa Cruz Mountains where we will work together to identify what we find in the duff and stumps of redwoods, firs, oaks, madrones, and more.

Saturday, December 16, 2023
10 a.m. to noon

Free
Member Exclusive | Join today!

Accessibility

  • Location details and further instructions will be shared with registrants in advance of the program. The location. will be in Santa Cruz County within a 20 minute drive of the Museum.
  • Please leave your doggos at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
  • As is the case with most mycologic, botanic, and geologic explorations, we will likely not travel very far due to constant distractions and pauses. That being said, be prepared to traipse through the woods on uneven terrain for up to 2 miles.
  • We will be helping each other identify the mushrooms that we find and no prior knowledge is required.
  • We encourage you to bring a copy of Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast to aid in your identifications and help you develop skills that you’ll be able to take with you after the program. Members receive 10% off in our store.
  • iNaturalist is a useful tool to aid in your identifications, as well as support an effort to document our area’s biodiversity. We invite you to consider downloading the app ahead of time and we will help you learn how to use it.

About the Walk Leader

Marisa Gomez is the Community Education and Collaboration Manager at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Her specialty is in facilitating experiences where communities can connect and build skills together over a shared appreciation for nature. She’s particularly fond of mushrooms, rocks, and natural dyes.

The Curious World of Seaweed

This extraordinary exhibition features captivating color “portraits” of seaweed, inspired by Josie Iselin’s book of the same name. The exhibition shares surprising stories highlighting Indigenous peoples’ and women’s connections to seaweed and examines its vital role as the base of the food chain.

Seaweeds have three requirements for survival: something to hold onto, sunlight to provide energy, and nutrients to fuel growth. They find these three elements in a thin section of the ocean, which accounts for less than two percent of the entire sea floor. Yet seaweeds are the supreme eco-engineers, oxygenating the waters and creating habitats for countess organisms. This exhibition examines how these surprisingly sophisticated marine plants keep our planet opulently rich in life. 

Order the Book

Pick up a copy of the book that inspired the exhibit, The Curious World of Seaweed. In this beautiful volume Josie Iselin explores both the artistic and the biological presence of sixteen seaweeds and kelps that live in the thin region where the Pacific Ocean converges with the North American continent—a place of incomparable richness. 

Also available for purchase in-person at the Museum Store.


Josie Iselin is a photographer, author, and designer of many books. Her newest book, The Curious World of Seaweed, presents visually rich narratives of our iconic West Coast seaweeds and kelps. It was released by Heyday Books in August 2019 and has been shortlisted for the Northern California Book Award and the Alice Award, recognizing illustrated books. She holds a BA in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard and an MFA from San Francisco State University. She currently teaches in the School of Design at SFSU.

Visit her website: https://bullkelp.info/

  • Video: Kelp and Conservation
    This Collections Close-Up video explores two kinds of conservation: the preservation of biodiversity records in the form of marine algae specimens and the fight to save the kelp forests of the California … Read more
  • Monterey Bay Algae Guide
    Dip your toes into the world of algae with this illustrated guide to local species and foraging ethics. Monterey Bay Algae: An Illustrated Guide to Appreciating Algae (PDF | HTML) Monterey Bay … Read more
  • Collections Close-Up: On Kelp and Conservation
    From glittering blues to shimmering silvers, the ocean punctuates the visual landscape of all who are fortunate to spend time along the Monterey Bay. Yet many of the beauties of the bay … Read more

The Curious World of Seaweed is a traveling exhibition from author and artist Josie Iselin in partnership with Exhibit Envoy. The exhibit is based on the book of the same name by Iselin (Heyday Books).

Thanks to Our Exhibit Sponsors

FULL 11/18 Family Fun with Tule

Get crafty with us for some hands-on learning this Native American Heritage Month. Join us for a Family Fun event all about tule, a plant traditionally used by local Indigenous communities to create different items and tools. During this event, Museum educators will help families create boats and other crafts.

Saturday, November 18, 2023
1-2:30 p.m.
Free | Donations Appreciated 

Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.

Accessibility 

  • All ages are welcome. However, this program is best suited for children ages 5 years & older and their families.
  • Instructors will adapt the program for the needs of the group.
  • Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • All materials will be provided for registered participants. 
  • Restrooms and water fountain will be available inside the Museum during this program. 
  • Recommendations: Wear layers, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring any snacks/water you might need. 
  • Please leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
  • Follow the latest guidelines for COVID safety at the time of the program.

11/16 BIPOC Bonfires

Be in community for monthly bonfire talks at Seabright Beach led by local leaders of color, in partnership with County Park Friends. November’s conversation will focus on Native American Heritage Month.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

BIPOC Hours: 4-5 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

BIPOC Bonfire Talks: 5-6:30 p.m.
Location: Seabright Beach

Monthly Series Topics

  • February 28: Kick-Off Event!
  • March 16: Buffalo Soldiers with Aniko Milan
  • April 20: Colorism and Internal Racism with Santa Cruz Black
  • May 18: Black Expressive Arts and Silent Disco with African Roots Social Club and Dewitt Productions
  • June 22: BIPOC Roller Skaters History of Venice Beach with County Park Friends
  • July 20; BIPOC Joy with Areperia 831
  • August 17: Father Taj
  • September 21: National LatinxHeritage Month with County Park Friends
  • October 19: TBD
  • November 16: National Native American Heritage Month with County Park Friends

About the Series/Sobre la Serie

Check out the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History during special extended hours for our BIPOC community, then walk over to the beach to enjoy time together around the fire learning about historic or significant BIPOC figures, amazing natural wonders or discussion of issues we face today. This series continues on the 3rd Thursdays of the month 4-5 p.m. at the museum and 5-6:30 p.m. at the beach!

Visite el Museo de Historia Natural de Santa Cruz durante el horario extendido especial (el mismo día 4-5) para nuestra comunidad BIPOC, luego camine hasta la playa para disfrutar del tiempo juntos alrededor del fuego aprendiendo sobre figuras históricas o significativas de BIPOC, asombrosas maravillas naturales o discusión de los problemas que enfrentamos hoy. ¡Esta serie continúa los terceros jueves del mes de 4 a 5 p. m. en el museo y de 5 a 6:30 p. m. en la playa!

Collection Club

This invitation is for Museum club-level members and a small group of our friends to preview our new exhibit and view collections items not regularly on display.

We hope you will join us as we close our very popular exhibit, Underground: Unearthing Unseen Worlds, hear insights from our exhibits team, and prepare elements for our upcoming exhibit, The Curious World of Seaweed.    

Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Light refreshments will be served

3/23 Educator Workshop with the Amah Mutsun

Saturday, March 23, 2024

9am-3pm

Breakfast and Lunch provided

Please Note: This workshop will take place at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education located at 400 Encinal St.

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a FREE workshop connecting local educators with tribal leaders.

This workshop aims to deepen knowledge, clarify terminology, and provide a space for dialogue about incorporating a Native perspective into K-12 curriculum. Teachers will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with colleagues and tribal representatives as they consider the strengths and weaknesses of their current curriculum and consider ways that they might better incorporate an Indigenous perspective into future lessons.

Featuring Valentin Lopez, Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting this event

Membership: Get 6 months for Free

What does it mean to be a Member of the Museum?

There’s never been a better time to become a Museum Member and take advantage of the benefits! Membership is perfect for anyone who loves all that Santa Cruz County has to share, from its shoreline to the summit. You’ll love the hikes, walks, talks, and fun events the Museum offers. Join our diverse community now and gain unique opportunities to immerse yourself all year long in nature experiences and environmental education that informs and inspires! Meet fellow nature lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Standard Membership Benefits 

Our programs, exhibits, walks, talks, and events are exceptional and will have you ready to sign up for more. With just two standard program fees, your membership pays for itself.

Included in all Memberships:

• Free admission to the Museum

• 10% off at the Museum Store

• Exclusive invites to Exhibits

• Early Bird Program Registration

• Exclusive Free Programs for Members

• Program Discounts and more…

Annual Membership Levels and Benefits 

Friend Membership | $100 Family level benefits plus participation in the ASTC Passport Program. Discounts on Summer Camps, and invitations to small member-only events.

Family Membership | $50 Standard benefits plus free admission to the Museum for two adults, two single-use guest passes, and discounts on Summer Camps.

Individual Membership | $35 In addition to the standard benefits, one single-use guest pass.

Senior Membership | $15 

Standard benefits

Student Membership | $15 

Standard benefits

Gift Membership

choose the membership level

Get 6 months FREE for family membership or above

Join the Club! Club Membership

receive enhanced recognition and special access to the Museum

Pat & Kirk Smith Club | $250 Friend level benefits plus an invitation to additional VIP Club events throughout the year, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.

Humphrey Pilkington Club | $500 Friend level benefits plus a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.

Laura Hecox Club | $1,000 Friend level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.


Lightkeeper Society

(with confirmation of a planned gift) 

Laura Hecox Club level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.

Join today and save! 

Other ways to join or renew: stop by the Museum to join during regular business hourscall the Museum at (831) 420-6115, or send a check to 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Give the gift of Membership! Share your love of nature with friends and family through the purchase of a gift membership. Let us know how we can make your gift special.

Get 6 months FREE for family membership or above

Watsonville – Let’s Go Outside! – ¡Vamos afuera!

Free Family Programs | Programas familiares gratuitos

Join our free programs, connect with science and nature, and have fun with your family and friends. Share this invitation and join our community! To receive email reminders about upcoming programs and events in Watsonville, subscribe to our monthly newsletter below.

Venga a disfrutar de nuestros programas gratuitos, conéctese con la ciencia y la naturaleza, y diviértase con su familia y amigos. ¡Comparta esta invitación y únase a nuestra comunidad! Para recibir notificaciones sobre los próximos programas y eventos en Watsonville, suscríbase a nuestro boletín mensual.

Free Upcoming Programs | Próximos programas gratuitos

Mobile Museum

January 10, 2025| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Watsonville Public Library

Join us at the Watsonville Public Library. We will be showcasing our skull collections. Come learn about the different local animals and their adaptations!

Museo Móvil

14 de enero de 2025| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Biblioteca pública de Watsonville

Venga a la Biblioteca pública de Watsonville. Mostraremos nuestras colecciones de cráneos. ¡Venga a vernos para aprender sobre los diferentes animales locales y sus adaptaciones!

After-School Activity: Environmental Science Workshop

January 14- February 4, 2025 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Environmental Science Workshop

Join us at the Environmental Science Workshop to participate in the “Nature Insipred Studio” workshop. Every Tuesday between 1/14-2/4. Come learn about different forms of printmaking!

Actividad después de la escuela: Taller de Ciencias Ambientales

14 de enero a 4 de febrero, 2025 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Taller de Ciencias Ambientales

Venga al Taller de Ciencias Ambientales para participar en el programa “El taller inspirado en la naturaleza”. Todos los martes entre el 14/1 y el 4/2. ¡Venga a aprender sobre diferentes formas de grabado!

Family Fun: Pajaro Valley Arts

January 23, 2025 | 12-1:30 p.m. |Pajaro Valley Arts

Come to Pajaro Valley Arts and join us in learning about pollinators while making a butterfly to take home!

Diversión Familiar: Pajaro Valley Arts

23 de enero de 2025 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Pajaro Valley Arts

¡Venga a Pajaro Valley Arts y acompañenos para aprender sobre los polinizadores mientras hace una mariposa para llevar a casa!

Family Fun: Toddler Tumble Time

February 11, 2025 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Watsonville Public Library

Come for Toddler Tumble Time each second Tuesday of the month. We will be showcasing our museum collections. Come join us to learn about natural history!

Diversión Familiar: Hora de Toddler Tumble

11 de febrero de 2025 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Biblioteca pública de Watsonville

Venga a disfrutar la Hora de Toddler Tumble cada segundo martes del mes. Mostraremos nuestras colecciones del museo. ¡Venga para aprender sobre historia natural!

After-School Activity: Environmental Science Workshop

February TBD, 2025| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Environmental Science Workshop

Join us at the Environmental Science Workshop every first and third Tuesday of the month. Discover this botanical process with fresh flowers and a cardboard press. Come and learn how to make a plant press to dry and preserve your favorite flowers.

Actividad después de la escuela: Taller de Ciencias Ambientales

febrero de 2025| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Taller de Ciencias Ambientales

Venga al Taller de Ciencias Ambientales cada primer y tercer martes del mes. Descubra este proceso botánico con flores frescas y una prensa de cartón. Venga y aprenda a hacer un prensador de plantas para secar y conservar sus flores favoritas.

These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.
Estos programas son financiados por el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, creado a través AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.

Explore the nature of Santa Cruz — wherever you are! Connect with local experts and deepen your understanding about nature, science, and stewardship online and in-person. Stay updated about upcoming events!

¡Explore la naturaleza de Santa Cruz, dondequiera que esté! Conéctese con expertos locales y profundice su comprensión sobre la naturaleza, la ciencia y la gestión en línea y en persona. Mantengase actualizado sobre los próximos eventos.

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. Sign up to volunteer! Fair Volunteer Signup Link / Fair Setup Volunteer Signup Link.

Este enero, el Museo se asociará una vez más con la Federación de Hongos de Santa Cruz para transformar el Centro Comunitario London Nelson en un paraíso micológico. Pasee por un bosque recreado, descubra cientos de especies de hongos y disfrute de actividades para todas las edades. ¡Regístrese para ser voluntario! Fair Volunteer Signup Link / Fair Setup Volunteer Signup Link.