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plein air painting of a marsh

Intro to Plein Air Painting – Superblooms

Watsonville Wetlands 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, CA, United States

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...

After-School Activity: Animal Tracks

Arte del Corazón 80 Airport Blvd # 206, Freedom, CA, United States

Come learn about local mammals and their tracks. Come and create an animal track for your to take home! We will be at Arte del Corazon every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Free and open to Watsonville residents. Venga a aprender sobre los mamíferos locales y sus huellas. ¡Venga a crear una huella...

After-School Activity: Plant Pressing

SOMOS Watsonville 112 E Beach St., Watsonville, CA, United States

Discover a 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. Open to Watsonville Residents Descubra un proceso botánico con flores frescas y una prensa de cartón. Venga y aprenda a hacer una prensa de plantas para secar y...

Mobile Museum: Oceans

Watsonville Public Library 275 Main St STE 100, Watsonville, CA, United States

Come find us at the Library! We will be sharing our Oceans themed collections : orca tooth, krill, baleen, and more! ¡Vaya a visitarnos a la Biblioteca! Compartiremos nuestras colecciones con temática oceánica: dientes de orca, krill, barbas y mucho más. These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209...

Nudibranch Painting Party!

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

As part of this Art of Nature exhibit special, join an esteemed artist as you learn the science and art behind the most adorable sea slugs around! Featuring beautiful scientific illustration displays from the exhibit, this program is perfect for aspiring artists and marine biologists alike. Taught by a professional illustrator and exhibitor, this workshop will...

Local Artist Market & Open House

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

Join over 40 local Santa Cruz artists as they showcase their craftsmanship! We will be featuring a wide array of goods, ranging from paintings and photography to jewelry, decor, and embroidery. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to support our community’s artisans, celebrate local talent, and grab a gift just in time for Mother’s...

Pinned butterfly specimens in a drawer

Family Fun: Entomology

Watsonville Public Library 275 Main St STE 100, Watsonville, CA, United States

Come for Toddler Tumble Time. We will have diverse specimens to share with everyone! Specifically, we will be showcasing our entomology collections. Open to Watsonville Residents Venga a disfrutar la Hora de Toddler Tumble cada segundo martes del mes. ¡Tendremos diversos ejemplares para compartir con todos! Mostraremos nuestras colecciones de entomología. These programs are funded...

After-School Activity: Plant Pressing

Environmental Science Workshop 120 2nd St., Watsonville, CA, United States

Make a print that will last forever inspired by the different things you see in nature! This printmaking technique is called “embossing”. Used during the 19th century to design stamps and seals for documents, to make coins, and to make a variety of different types of prints. Free and open to Watsonville Residents ¡Haga una...

Family Fun: Science Illustration

Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden St., Watsonville, CA, United States

Come do scientific illustrations with us! You will be making close observations of specimens and using descriptive language and drawings to reflect your observations. Open to Watsonville Residents ¡Venga a hacer ilustraciones científicas con nosotros! Observará detenidamente los especímenes y usarás lenguaje descriptivo y dibujos para plasmar sus observaciones. These programs are funded by the...

Find Us At: The Redwoods Festival

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton, CA, United States

Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History as we team up with the Sempervirens Fund to celebrate 125 years of protecting redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Hosted among the redwoods at the historic Roaring Camp, our first-ever Redwoods Festival will celebrate the redwoods. A day filled with fun, connection, and a celebration of...

After-School Activity: Geology

Arte del Corazón 80 Airport Blvd # 206, Freedom, CA, United States

Dig into fun! Discover rocks, fossils, and the secrets of our Earth! We will be at Arte del Corazon every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Free and open to Watsonville residents. ¡Explora y diviértete! Descubre rocas, fósiles y los secretos de nuestra Tierra! Estaremos en Arte del Corazón cada 1er y 3er miércoles...

a line of people hiking in a field

(FULL) Member Meet-Up: Cotoni-Coast Dairies

Cotoni Coast Dairies Davenport, CA

Don’t miss this special, limited-time opportunity for a private guided tour of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument – before it’s even open to the public! Guided by land stewards and environmental scientists from the Bureau of Land Management, learn what it took to designate a National Monument, the history of the land, and observe all...

Micro May

Oil Painting in Miniature

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

Explore the tiny side of Tyrrell Park and learn to paint in oils! In celebration of Spring, learn how to capture the beauty of nature’s miniature marvels using oil paints. From pint-sized pollinators to delicate florals, this workshop will train your eye to find, and appreciate, the artful beauty hidden under your nose. This open-air...

After-School Activity: Ornithology

Arte del Corazón 80 Airport Blvd # 206, Freedom, CA, United States

Meet our local birds and craft your own mushroom hat — nature and fun in one! Free and open to Watsonville residents. ¡Conoce las aves de nuestra zona y crea tu propio sombrero de hongo — naturaleza y diversión en uno!  These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209...

Rispin Mansion – National Trails Day

Capitola Capitola, CA, United States

Be part of a select group of volunteers who will gain access to the currently off-limits, and rumored to be haunted, Rispin Mansion property. To celebrate National Trails Day, the Museum is partnering with the City of Capitola and Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship to remove invasive plants as part of a garden beautification project...

World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup

Seabright Beach 1300 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Celebrate World Oceans Day with the Museum as we team up with Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup! Give back to your community while showing your love for marine ecosystems as we take to Seabright Beach scrub it clean of trash. All trash grabbers, gloves, bags, and other materials will be provided by the...

Family Fun: Science Illustration

Watsonville Public Library 275 Main St STE 100, Watsonville, CA, United States

Come do scientific illustrations with us at Toddler Tumble Time! You will be making close observations of specimens and using descriptive language and drawings to reflect your observations. Open to Watsonville Residents ¡Venga a hacer ilustraciones científicas con nosotros! Observará detenidamente los especímenes y usarás lenguaje descriptivo y dibujos para plasmar sus observaciones. These programs...

After School Activity: Mammals

Environmental Science Workshop 120 2nd St., Watsonville, CA, United States

Discover local wildlife and take on the egg drop challenge — science meets adventure! Free and open to Watsonville Residents ¡Descubre las especies locales y participa en el desafío del huevo — ciencia y aventura se unen! These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California...

After School Activity: Mammals

SOMOS Watsonville 112 E Beach St., Watsonville, CA, United States

Discover local wildlife and take on the egg drop challenge — science meets adventure! Free and open to Watsonville Residents ¡Descubre las especies locales y participa en el desafío del huevo — ciencia y aventura se unen! These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California...

Member Opening: Treasured Trees

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

Museum Members are invited to join us for s special opening celebration of our newest exhibit, Treasured Trees: The Story of Coast Redwoods. Enjoy a festive evening with refreshments, and be among the first to explore the exhibit! RSVP Online or email events@santacruzmuseum.org Delve into the rich natural history of California’s coast redwoods. This exhibit...

After School Activity: Mammals

Arte del Corazón 80 Airport Blvd # 206, Freedom, CA, United States

Discover local wildlife and take on the egg drop challenge — science meets adventure! Free and open to Watsonville Residents ¡Descubre las especies locales y participa en el desafío del huevo — ciencia y aventura se unen! These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California...

Redwoods in Collage

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...

3 people working in a garden
Saturdays in the Soil

Saturdays in the Soil

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

We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! Join us and volunteer in the Museum’s...

Rockin’ Pop Up!

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

Looking for a GNEISS way to spend your weekend? Well, you won't want to take this special event for GRANITE! Join geologists from University of California, Santa Cruz to share your mineralogical marvels and have them identified inside the Museum's galleries. Price: This special event is Free with Admission. $5 Adults | $3 Students and...

Camp: Santa Cruz Safari (FULL)

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

Calling young explorers and scientists curious about nature! This summer, young naturalists join us on a journey to investigate the wildlife of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Coast. Campers spend the week exploring nearby beach, creek, and garden habitats, and learning about the wild world of animals around us. CAMP FULL JOIN THE WAITLIST For...

Camp: Magnificent Museum (FULL)

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

Are you curious about curating? Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History this summer to learn about the natural world by studying museum specimens, exploring outdoors, and building a museum collection of your own. Campers will build friendships while investigating nature, playing games, and creating awesome crafts! CAMP FULL JOIN THE WAITLIST For students...

BioBlitz: Snapshot Cal Coast

Davenport Landing Beach 335 Davenport Landing Rd., Davenport, CA, United States

Join a state-wide citizen science initiative as the Museum teams up with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center for a tidepooling BioBlitz! Coinciding with a King Tide, assist marine biologists as they survey the flora and fauna found in the crevices of Davenport Beach. Watch the sunrise as you contribute to the California-wide...

Featured Genome June

The Redwood Genome

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

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...

Redwoods in Sculpture

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

Let’s get festive with redwood horticultural art! Celebrate the new Treasured Trees exhibit and the wonder of forestscapes 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...

Camp: Can You Dig It? (FULL)

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

Are you a fossil forager, a dinosaur discoverer, or a rock wrangler? Join the Museum as we unearth the fossils, rocks, and ancient history of Santa Cruz by exploring the many surprising things you can learn from digging into the ground. Campers entering K-2nd grade will build friendships while investigating artifacts, studying fossils, playing games,...

Camp: Surviving Santa Cruz (FULL)

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

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be able to live here in Santa Cruz? This summer, young adventurers can join us as we investigate the plants and animals that call Santa Cruz home and learn how they manage to survive and thrive here. Campers will go on walking field trips to explore nearby...

Community Beach Cleanup with Save Our Shores

Seabright Beach 1300 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

4th of July is always full of fun, fireworks, and friends! But our festivities can leave a mess on the beaches and potentially harm marine life. So, after celebrating the 4th of July, join the Museum on the 5th of July as we team up with Save Our Shores for a beach cleanup! Give back...

Camp: Wild World of Santa Cruz (FULL)

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

Have you ever noticed how places in nature around Santa Cruz are different from each other? In this camp young adventurers can join us on a journey to study the many incredible and interesting habitats you can find here. Campers will become more observant of the connections in nature around them and deepen their appreciation...

Camp: Biomimicry

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

Biomimicry is an engineering concept that uses ideas from nature to create sustainable solutions. We invite kids to spend the week exploring and drawing inspiration from nature to solve design challenges and engineer their own solutions to help humans live more sustainably on Earth. The week leads up to completing an engineering project and an...

Jumbo July

Redwood Forest Expedition: San Vicente Redwoods

San Vicente Redwoods 12001 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

In collaboration with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, adventure through exclusive areas as you partake in a redwood forest exploration. Guided by an expert ecologist, prepare to trailblaze into the unknown as you explore unique redwood forest ecosystems, survey wildfire scars, and, if you’re lucky, you might even discover an albino redwood! Open...

Volunteer & Member Meetup: Birding Walk

East Glenwood Preserve 425 Tabor Dr., Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Don’t miss this special opportunity for Museum Volunteers and Members to take a private, guided tour of pristine birding habitats. Led by local birding experts, explore the wondrous wilderness of the Santa Cruz County Land Trust! The nature preserve’s habitats include sandhills, ponds, and wildflower meadows. Veteran naturalists and nature newbies are sure to be...