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
Registration & cancellation policies
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!
What to Expect
The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous. Please email education@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.