Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Pigeon Point Lighthouse History Walk

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA, United States

Lighthouse History Walk with Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic ParkJoin us for a 45 minute walking tour of the historic grounds of Pigeon Point Light Station. Meet by the fence in front of the first cottage. Hear tales of whalers, bootleggers, shipwrecks, the building of the lighthouse, the “Wickies” and their families, and the restoration of the tower (currently closed to the public). Visit the Fog Signal Building to view the magnificent First Order Fresnel lens and explore the exhibits. ADA accessible.Register: Lighthouse History Walk

Natural Bridges Monarch Training Day 3 of 5

Natural Bridges State Beach is seeking volunteers to share the beautiful monarch lifecycle and migration with the public in the visitor center and outside in the grove. 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 monarch training session. Training is every Sunday September 15th -October 13th from 2:00 pm -6:00 pm. Sign up here

Gateway School Fall Festival

Gateway School 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA

4-6pm Enjoy live music, food, fun, hayrides, rock wall, pie contest, games, prizes and more. There will be a Life Lab pumpkin sale. Admission is free. 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz. Growing Up in Santa Cruz is a proud sponsor.

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.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birdwatching

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

We are offering a bird watching program on October 5th 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 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.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Good Fire Fair

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

The Good Fire Fair is aimed to address the use of fire as a management tool, the importance of fire to the CA landscape, and encourage/inspire residents to take specific actions that will allow them to live alongside fire in the safest way possible. Event will include educational booths, activities, demonstration burns (weather dependent) and more! Cooperating organizations include CAL Fire, Fire Safe Santa Cruz County, California Indian Basketweaver's Association, Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, SC County Land Trust, Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association and more.This event is held from 10:00am - 3:00pm in the main parking lot of Henry Cowell Redwoods, parking is $10.

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

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk in the Woods

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

Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!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

Wilder Ranch State Park – Guided Coastal Walk

On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. 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.

Watsonville EV Ride & Drive

Learn how you can save money by driving electric and qualify for up to $10,000 to help you make the switch! Ecology Action hosts the Monterey Bay Region's premiere EV Ride and Drive and EV Display shows. We are proud to present our FIRST ever EV Ride and Drive in Watsonville at the Watsonville Elks Lodge to celebrate National Drive Electric Week on Saturday October 5th, 2024. With both English and Spanish speaking EV experts available to help, attendees will be able to test drive the latest electric vehicles, peruse a variety of electrified cars on display, and talk to EV owners. Attendees are also invited to engage with family-friendly organizations and activities including a special E-Bike test ride orchestrated by our Watsonville Bike team. Kids will have the opportunity to decorate a helmet and take a spin or stride in the bike rodeo! Additionally, 15+ local community-based organizations will be in attendance to connect with you! Don’t miss this FREE family fun event with the opportunity to explore sustainable modes of transportation.

Free

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]

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: A Guided Walk in the Woods

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

Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!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 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!