Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe

Thursday, May 30, 7:30PM Friday, May 31, 7:30PM Saturday, June 1, 7:30PM Sunday, June 2, 3:00PM Music Center Recital Hall (UCSC) TICKETS $10-$29 (Free for UCSC Students with ID) Gilbert and Sullivan’s absurdly comical operetta, Iolanthe, performed in English by UCSC voice students with members of the UCSC Orchestra and local professionals. This family-friendly production is conducted by Bruce Kiesling and directed by Sheila Willey. Costumes designed by Brooke Jennings Hair and makeup by Jessica Carter and Sharon Ridge Set and lighting design by Dave Dunning of Legend Theatrical

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.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birdwatching

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

We are offering a bird watching program on June 1st at 8:00am. 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 parking lot of the campground. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and weather appropriate attire. RSVP for this event at this page.

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.

Half Moon Bay State Beach – Junior Rangers

Francis Beach Amphitheater, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

During this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

Event Series Storybook Stroll

Storybook Stroll

Scotts Valley Branch Library 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

Take a fantastical stroll through an inspiring, imaginative world where anything can happen: leaves turn into fish, cats fly with wings, frogs eat rainbows, and dreams become visible. “If” is a visual feast that children and adults will enjoy on this year’s Storybook Stroll on the Scotts Valley Library's Patio.

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

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!

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email [email protected]

Guided Hike to Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock

Hike to Castle Rock Falls and Goat RockJune 2, 2024  (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)Castle Rock State Park, Headquarters​Hike one of the most exciting and scenic trails in the Bay Area.  This moderate 5.15 mile loop has 1,190 feet elevation gain and amazing panoramic views.  We leave from park headquarters and visit the top of Castle Rock Falls.  We continue along a rocky trail with views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and the Pacific Ocean.  At Castle Rock Trail Camp, we enjoy a relaxing lunch.  On our way back to headquarters, we pass Goat Rock with its breathtaking vista. This hike is rated “moderate” because hikers need to step onto rocks, balance, and scramble over rocks.  Hikers should be comfortable with their sense of balance.Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing.  Rain cancels.  Meet at Park Headquarters. Program is free, parking in lot is $10/car.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop 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!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA 95018, USA

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday and Sunday 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!

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email [email protected]

Bookshop Santa Cruz: More Than 80 Women Over 80

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

Local contributors to the stories, poems, essays and more that were compiled by Dena Taylor and Wilma Marcus Chandler in When a Woman Tells the Truth, are inviting you to join in the celebration!  Hear some of the honesty, wisdom and humor that was on from the sadness, grief, adventure, romance, and activism that will be the greatest souvenir to bring home from Santa Cruz.

Free