Santa Cruz County contains a variety of habitats, from the depths of the Monterey Bay to the peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The unique geology and Mediterranean climate create a rich environment for a wide array of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to this region.
Use the guides below to explore the Santa Cruz habitats featured in the Museum’s exhibits.
Resources for Learning More
Learn more about local habitats and wildlife with these curated resources.
MUSEUM SUPPLEMENTS FOR LEARNING AT HOME:
- Rent an education Kit about local animals and habitats
- Request free lesson plans about local animals and habitats
- Activity: Coyote Skull | K-3 Grade
- Activity: Bird Beaks | 2nd Grade
- Activity: Animals in their Habitat | 2nd Grade
- Activity: Skull Detectives | 2-3 Grade
- Activity: Great Horned Owls | 3-5 Grade
- Activity: Create Your Own Field Guide
- Activity: Animal Tracking
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Animals and Plants of the Monterey Bay by Lorrie Klosterman
- Birds of Northern California from Lone Pine
- California Plants by Matt Ritter
- Fylling’s Guide to Pacific Coast Tide Pools by Marni Fylling
- Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast by Christian Schwarz
- Secrets of the Oak Woodlands by Kate Marianchild
- The Kid’s Guide to Exploring Nature from the BBG
- Trails of Santa Cruz Map from Pease Press
Habitat Landscapes © Sophie Wood Brinker, 2021 | Monterey Bay Panoramic © Eric Knight