Wilder Ranch State Park – Birding Walk

On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes.Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.

Natural Bridges Stewardship invasive plant removal party

Join our Natural Bridges Volunteer team to assist with removal of invasive plants. These plants are still small and the ground moist, so it is much easier now! This is an opportunity to get to off trail sites where the deer, bunnies and birds live.. Wear long pants, socks, close-toed shoes, layers on top, hat and bring sunscreen and a water bottle. If you have them bring gloves and a trowel or dandelion puller, otherwise borrow from the park. Snacks provided so come join the party!  Please sign up: call 831-423-0871 or santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule

Half Moon Bay – Guided Walk at Gray Whale Cove

Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara.  Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast.  From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact [email protected] or call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today! 

Discovery Midtown Preschool Open House Event

Discovery Midtown Preschool 818 N. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, CA

Join us for an Open House Event at Discovery Midtown Preschool on the N. Branciforte Ave! 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

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

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Sandhills Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, 2591 Graham Hill Rd, Scotts Valley, CA 95060, USA

Hike around an ancient seafloor?! Yes please! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Santa Cruz Sandhills, we'll be meandering through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800' above present-day sea level! Join us on April 13th at 10:00am to explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. RSVP for this event here!We'll meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels. 

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

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!

Santa Cruz Mission – Adobe Tour

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, 144 School St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Join us for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape. This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

Downtown Santa Cruz: Antiques Faire

Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire Lincoln Street (between Pacific and Cedar), Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 8am-6pm. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.

Live Oak Jack Rabbit 1-Mile Run & Student Art Contest FUNdraiser

The 3rd annual Live Oak Jack Rabbit 1-Mile Run and Student Art Contest FUNdraiser will take place on Sunday, April 14th, at Shoreline Middle School on 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:00 AM. Registration for the 1-mile races on the USATF-certified track are open to the public online at: http://tinyurl.com/LOJR2024 The first wave of runners takes off at 9:00 AM and races continue every 15 minutes through 11:45 AM. Race registration fee is $10 per runner with the funds raised going to support the art program for the Live Oak School District students. All are invited to join this community fun run for the 1-mile challenge as a solo runner or as part of a relay team, view student art on display and cast your vote for your favorites, browse the merchant marketplace, enjoy food, entertainment and community partner booths. For more information about the event sponsor, the Live Oak Education Foundation non-profit group, visit their website at: www.LiveOakEdFoundation.org

Free

Bean Hollow State Beach – Guided Walk

Join a State Park Educator and enjoy the flora, fauna, and coastal views on this leisurely 1.5 mile out-and-back along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Hike is mostly flat with some mild elevation gain and loss. In the springtime, this hike will be bursting with color as the wildflowers bloom! Meet at the Bean Hollow State Beach south parking lot on Hwy 1. Exact location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQQT6TYsGdb7Wuko9Time: 10:00amParking:  Free parking located at Bean Hollow State Beach South Parking LotPreparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks.  Steady rain will cancel. Contact: [email protected] or (669)758-1819

Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza

Branciforte Small Schools 840 N. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, music, dance, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos. This local festival is like the traditional fiestas celebrated each summer in Oaxaca, Mexico. Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that means “a commitment of sharing and cooperation.” Guelaguetza is a celebration that honors the gods for sufficient rainfall and a bountiful harvest.

$10