Santa Cruz has been an outdoor painting hotspot since the 1890’s, well-known across the nation as a destination for exploring art while surrounded by nature. In fact, the Seabright Community in particular has been an artistic hub for plein air painters for over a hundred years and continues to have a robust presence even today....
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is thrilled to be partnering with the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute as they open the vault to bring you a month of intriguing science mysteries and behind-the-scenes research! To celebrate the end of Genome June and the opening of the Museum’s new Treasured Trees exhibit, our final...
Jumbo July wraps up by showcasing the giants dwelling within the redwood duff. These gargantuan trees hide an equally massive array of wildlife, and none more extraordinary than the seemingly mythical Giant Salamander. There is a lot to unpack with these large legends and here is an opportunity to learn about their incredible survival abilities,...
For one night only, meet the creative genius behind the internationally acclaimed children's book, Câmbio. During this intimate evening, join celebrated author Taylor Lahey as he shares the rich story behind crafting his historical fiction. What started as a research trip to Brazil evolved into an experience with a city's time-tested sustainability program. Taylor's work...
For Safari September’s grand finale, travel back in time to learn the mysteries of the prehistoric American Cheetah! Discover how this extinct top predator once dominated ancient North America and why it no longer exists. Using cutting-edge paleogenomics research, uncover how scientists use prehistoric data to inform future conservation efforts. After the presentation, Dr. Josh...
Where are all the dinosaur fossils in California? What happened to California dinosaurs? Did they exist here? Were there dinosaurs in Santa Cruz? If not, why? Learn the answers to those questions and much more as we unearth the mysteries of California’s dinosaurs. Join vertebrate paleontologist and environmental geologist, Prof. Hilde Schwartz, as she takes...
Join us for the member and volunteer exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a recent whale rescue in Monterey Bay. Featuring powerful footage, this presentation offers an immersive, firsthand view of the teamwork, precision, and challenges involved in freeing entangled whales safely and effectively. This event is for Museum Members only. REGISTRATION CLOSED
Santa Cruz County is a critical stronghold for the threatened California red-legged frog. Join Wildlife Biologist Michael Westphal for an inside look at three decades of research, restoration, and on-the-ground conservation efforts centered around this remarkable amphibian. This talk explores what it takes to protect a species on the brink and how our community can...
Celebrate the flower-filled month of April with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and the Santa Cruz County chapter of the California Native Plant Society as we spotlight the science and beauty of local flora. Join graduate researcher Georgia Vasey for an engaging talk on the role of prescribed fire in restoring California’s coastal...
Join local author-illustrator and Art of Nature artist Sophie Wood Brinker for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Birds of Santa Cruz. In this engaging talk, Wood Brinker will share her creative process for illustrating the 25 bird species featured in her book, from early field observations along the coast to the final hand-painted...
Did you know that every other breath we take comes from phytoplankton? Dive into the hidden world of plankton and discover the tiny organisms that form the foundation of Monterey Bay's rich marine ecosystem. Join marine scientist and educator Jane Silberstein for an engaging introduction to phytoplankton, zooplankton, and the remarkable roles they play in...
