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Explore the nature of Santa Cruz — wherever you are! Connect with local experts and join your community in deepening understanding about nature, science, and stewardship online and in-person. Stay updated about upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter.

Upcoming Events

  • 1/3 First Friday: Pajaro Photovoice Project Exhibit Opening
    Join us for First Friday as we kick off the first special exhibit of 2025! In addition to our First Friday festivities, we invite you to explore the opening of the … Read more
  • 1/10-12 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair
    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 … Read more
  • 1/18 Landscape Photography and Native Plant Walk
    While exploring the native plants of Santa Cruz, learn to appreciate the diverse landscapes through a camera lens. Apply photography tips, tricks, and techniques to capture scenic landscapes. This open-air workshop … Read more
  • 1/25 Laura Hecox Day
    Join the Museum for the annual Laura Hecox Day open house, celebrating the pioneering lighthouse keeper, naturalist, and Museum founder. Born in 1854 and raised in the original Santa Cruz lighthouse, … Read more
  • 1/25 Saturdays in the Soil
    Celebrate Laura Hecox Day by joining Saturdays in the Soil, a recurring volunteer event at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek! Come together as … Read more
  • 1/29 Nature Journaling: Stick Season
    Explore the hidden beauty of winter and uncover the secrets of seemingly bare forestscapes. The leaves may have fallen, but the beauty of the trees remains to be captured on canvas. … Read more
  • 2/14 Valentines Day Special: Beach Glass and Bubbles
    Give the gift of an experience to your loved one this Valentine’s Day! As part of this special seasonal offering, discover the beauty of beachcombing as you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece … Read more
  • 3/23 Intro to Plein Air Painting – Sandhills
    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 … Read more

Registration Policies
Want to know more about our events or share your suggestions about potential topics? Email us at events@santacruzmuseum.org.

Upcoming Nature Club Events

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. Learn more.

  • 2024-25 Fall/Winter Nature Club
    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 … Read more

Watch previous lectures, tutorials, and more.

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Public Programs at the Museum offer dynamic and inclusive places for learning, dialogue, study, and exploration. Through community outreach, virtual presentations, small-group gatherings in nature, large community events, and stewardship and volunteer opportunities, the Museum builds community around a shared curiosity for and appreciation of the natural environment. Programs help communicate how science impacts our daily lives by connecting local experts with community members, including academics, artists, non-profit organizations, and tribal members.