Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour

Younger Lagoon Reserve 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

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, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. A tour is offered on selected Thursdays and Saturdays of each month beginning at 10:30 AM. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested.

Homeschool Day at the Seymour Center

Seymour Marine Discovery Center 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Homeschool Day at the Seymour Center Friday, February 2, 10 AM – 12:30 PM Receive $1 off each admission when you RSVP. Spark your curiosity and inner scientist at homeschool day––a morning of special activities designed for families. Kids discover the fascinating world of ocean science and how it helps protect nature and spur local solutions. Special programming from 10 AM-12:30 PM • Hands-on lab investigations • Live marine creature explorations • Microscopes • Crafts • Behind-the-scenes tours • Scenic outdoor trails Activities included with Seymour Center admission. Members are always free! Info and RSVP at https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/calendar_event/homeschool-day-seymour-center/

Event Series Early Bird Tour

Early Bird Tour

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserach Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (Royal Oaks), CA, United States

Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.

Elkhorn Slough: Early Bird Tour

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserach Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (Royal Oaks), CA, United States

Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.

Año Nuevo SP – Seal Adventure Weekend

1 New Years Creek Rd Pescadero, CA, United States

For one weekend only, visitors have extraordinary access to linger for an entire morning (8:30 am-12:00 pm) or afternoon (1:30 pm-5:00 pm) to view the elephant seals at the peak of the breeding season. This is a rare opportunity, one that can be enjoyed by everyone—from families to avid wildlife photographers.Seal Adventure Weekend tickets will be available for sale online at www.CoastsideStateParks.org, starting in November 2022. Tickets are $89 per person. The number of tickets is limited to avoid over-crowding and to enhance the experiences of visitors. The nonprofit Coastside State Parks Association (CSPA) and California State Parks will host Seal Adventure Weekend, a special fundraising event to support educational and interpretive programs at Año Nuevo State Park and other California State Parks along the San Mateo coast. CSPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the official cooperating association for California State Parks on the coast of San Mateo County. All money from ticket sales will be used to support programs and projects at Año Nuevo and other local state parks. Half the cost of the tickets is a donation to CSPA and is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birding

We are offering a bird watching program on Feb 3rd at 9:00am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the campfire center of the campground. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and a jacket so you're not murmuring under your breath "brrrrrrrrrrrrd."Reservation required; click here to RSVP.

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.

Discovery Open House at Soquel

Discovery Preschool and Family Center 2800 Porter St., Soquel, CA, United States

Please join us for an Open House Event at Discovery Preschool in Soquel! Learn about the Reggio Emilia philosophy and what makes a quality preschool program. Our experienced and passionate educators will be available to answer questions and give you a tour of our unique learning environments. You can RSVP for the tour by visiting our website and clicking the banner on our homepage (or just show up)! We do prefer this to be an adult only event so that we can all focus on getting our questions answered, but if you have no alternate childcare, we understand! We hope to see you there!

FREE

Discovery Open House at Soquel

Discovery Preschool and Family Center 2800 Porter St., Soquel, CA, United States

Join us for an Open House Event at Discovery Preschool in Soquel! Find out more about our Reggio Emilia inspired program, meet our experienced and passionate educators and see our creative and unique learning environments! Come discover how quality preschool supports not only your child, but also you, your family and our community. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and treats! We enroll children as young as 2 years old. This event is intended for parents only, so that you can focus on having all of your questions answered. However, we understand if you do not have alternate childcare, please don't hesitate to join us with your child. You can RSVP for the event at our website www.discoverypreschoolandfamilycenter.com/apply

FREE

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register

UCSC Arboretum: First Saturday Tours

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Around the World in 60-90 Minutes! The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, or Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens, the developing World Conifer Collection, or Rare Fruit Garden. Tour length varies depending on what’s in bloom and what the participants request.  

Natural Bridges Volunteer Tidepool Training Day 3 of 5

Natural Bridges State Beach is seeking volunteers to share the amazing and beautiful life of the rocky shore  with the public in the visitor center and outside in the tidepools. Help us lead school programs and discover the many ways you can help at the park.  Come join our Natural Bridges docent team by attending our 5 week long tidepool training session. Training is every Saturday January 20th -February 17th .(Saturday February 10th will be our Migration Festival.) Sign up here

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!