Sat, Nov. 22

Guided Coastal Nature Walk

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CA
Sun, Nov. 23

Guided Redwood Hike

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center,…
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA
Sun, Nov. 23

Wreath Making

Fall Wreath Making Workshop at Santa Cruz Maker Studios! Celebrate the magic of Autumn! This is a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll design and craft your very own fall wreath made with all real flowers and foliage, perfect for your front door, a gift, or a festive center piece. No prior experience needed! The materials will be provided and the…
Santa Cruz Maker Studios, Santa Cruz
Sat, Nov. 29

Guided Coastal Nature Walk

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…
Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CA
Sun, Nov. 30

Guided Redwood Hike

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center,…
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA
Thu, Dec. 4

King Tides

California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The extreme low tides, expose tide…
All of Santa Cruz County
Thu, Dec. 4

Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat,…
Younger Lagoon Reserve, Santa Cruz, CA
Thu, Dec. 4

Full Moon Hike

Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. For ages 8 &…
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Felton, CA
Mon, Dec. 8

Guided Mushroom Walk

Learn about fascinating fungi and the basics of mushroom identification; just looking, not eating! Open to ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany ages 17 & under.
Aptos Village County Park, Aptos
Mon, Dec. 15

Guided Mushroom Walk

Learn about fascinating fungi and the basics of mushroom identification; just looking, not eating! Open to ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany ages 17 & under.
Aptos Village County Park, Aptos
Sat, Dec. 20

Saturdays in the Soil

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 Garden Learning Center and Pilkington…
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz, CA