Natural History Museum: Saturdays in the Soil

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

Go join the 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 Creek.

free

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United States

Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number below. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.

Mushroom Market

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

It’s mushroom season! Join local fungiphiles at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a mushroom market just in time for the Holidays. Pick-up mushroom themed gifts for yourself or your loved ones while exploring local mushrooms and engaging in family-friendly activities during this FREE event. Free admission to the Museum all day! Mushroom ID station with the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz (bring your mushrooms!) Fungus forward food from Areperia 831 Mushroom products from Far West Fungi Santa Cruz Local artists including Alessandra Chapman, Sarah Brothers Bot, and The Fabrica …and more! Saturday, December 9, 2023 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tyrrell Park, 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Interested in contributing to our mushroom display? Mushrooms may be dropped off at the Museum during operational hours the week of the event (Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Enter through the main entrance and leave them with the staff person at the desk. The Museum is located at 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz. Accessibility Drop-by anytime 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to join the festivities! Admission to the Museum is free all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free throughout the neighborhood and bike parking is available at the corner of Pilkington Ave. and E. Cliff Dr. Biking, walking, or carpooling are all recommended. Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum. Activities will be on somewhat lumpy grass.

Free

Natural Bridges State Park: Free Public Tidepool Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Explore the ocean without getting your feet wet on this exciting tidepool tour! Join an interpretive docent to climb up the rocky trail and out to view the amazing animals that make their home in Santa Cruz tidepools. King Tides tidepool tours will be held on January 10, 11, 12 @ 3pm. King Tides are when the ocean’s tides are the lowest they will be that year, so it’s one of the best times to go tidepooling!

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United States

Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number below. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.

Natural Bridges State Park: Free Public Tidepool Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Explore the ocean without getting your feet wet on this exciting tidepool tour! Join an interpretive docent to climb up the rocky trail and out to view the amazing animals that make their home in Santa Cruz tidepools. King Tides tidepool tours will be held on January 10, 11, 12 @ 3pm. King Tides are when the ocean’s tides are the lowest they will be that year, so it’s one of the best times to go tidepooling!