Annual Events

Morning in the Kindergarten
Santa Cruz Waldorf School
Morning in the Kindergarten - Come visit with your 4-5 year old.
Date: 02/10/2018 from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Morning in the Kindergarten

Children 4 to 5 years old are warmly invited to experience a morning in the kindergarten while parents meet our teachers and learn about our approach to early childhood. Kindergarten visits are on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on the following dates:

 

February 10, 2018
March 3rd, 2018

 

RSVP by calling 831-824-2161 or emailing enrollment@santacruzwaldorf.org Space is limited.

 

Choose Your Own Adventure Tour
State Park Henry Cowell
Join us on a guided scavenger hunt along our trails.
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Choose Your Own Adventure Tour
Saturdays at 1 pm

Join us on a guided scavenger hunt along our trails. The group chooses from a selection of pre-planned walks, and then together seeks out the wonders of the woods! With our ample selection of trails, abundance of wildlife, and constantly changing seasons, no two adventures will ever be the same!

 

Meet at the Visitor Center, in the day-use area of the park located off Highway 9 in Felton. Tour is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10.

 

Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. 335-7077

Elephant Seal Walks
State Park Ano Nuevo
3 mile hike over sand and sloping terrain to see thousands of elephant seals, including newborn pups, their mothers, and bulls
Date: Every day (Oct 20-Mar 31)
Ages: All: (Lots of walking) Admission Fees: Guided $7; Self-guided free
Special Instructions: Dec 15 - Mar 31

Explore Año Nuevo with a Docent Naturalist

Guided Elephant Seal Walks

Ticket sales open Friday, October 20

Cost: $7 per person + $3.99 reservation fee

www.parks.ca.gov/anonuevo

Journey to view a large colony of Northern elephant seals, guided by your docent naturalist on this moderate 3-mile, 2.5 hour adventure. In the month of December, male elephant seals, or bulls, arrive along the shore of Año Nuevo State Park to establish hierarchy, while pregnant females come ashore to birth to their pups.

 

These popular guided walks take place rain or shine, so be prepared for windy, rainy conditions as well as muddy trails. Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear is strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted. Pets are not allowed in the park. Parking is $10. For more information, please call (650) 879-2025 or for recorded information (650) 879-0227.

 

People with accessibility needs may reserve an equal access tour along the boardwalk.

These tours take place on Fridays, weekends, and select holidays. For reservations and info call ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-4445. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

 

Self-Guided Seal Walks

Daily, between 8:30am and 3:30pm (Natural Preserve closes at 5pm)

Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view a large colony of Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour self-guided trail! Visit the female elephant seals as they return to shore to molt, or shed their fur, in this annual excursion.  Additionally, young pups are still ashore from the winter breeding season. Layered clothing, closed-toes shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted inside the dune area. Pets are not allowed in the park. Walk is free; day-use vehicle fee is $10. Entrance to the reserve for your self-guided walk requires a free permit that can be obtained at the entrance station, or the Visitor Center. Please contact the park at 650-879-2025 for further information.

 

If you require mobility assistance, you may request a volunteer-led equal access tour. You will board our accessible van and get a ride to our wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. A volunteer(s) will accompany you to the two seal-viewing decks, explain the Northern elephant seal natural history, the history of the park, and answer questions. Reservations are required. Please, allow a 2-week advance notice. The volunteer led tour is free, day-use vehicle fee is $10. Contact the park at 650-879-2033 or email Ano.EqualAccess@parks.ca.gov. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

State Park Pigeon Point Light Station
Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa at 10:00am
Ages: All

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is currently under repair, but that doesn't mean that the First Order Fresnel Lens can't shine! The Fresnel lens, the original lighthouse beacon, will light up once again from its temporary home in the Visitor Center. As dusk settles, the 24 beams of light provide a dramatic glimpse of how the lighthouse once guided ships passing by this rocky coastline. Bring a flashlight and join us for a unique experience. For more information, call the park at (650) 879-2120 or go online to www.Parks.CA.gov/PigeonPoint. Event is free. Events made possible by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks.

* Please note the lighthouse will NOT be lit. The original lighthouse beacon, the First Order Fresnel lens, will be lit but in its temporary location inside the Visitor Center. The lighthouse is being repaired and is currently not accessible to the public.

Second Saturday on the Farm
Ag History Project
Join us for demonstrations using antique farm equipment, crafts, farm animals, wooden cow milking, water pumps, learning to driv
Date: The 2nd Sa of every month from 11:00am to 3:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: $2/person Kids under 1 are free

Every month we produce a 2nd Saturday on the Farm, a family event that focuses on a particular area of agriculture each month. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day's special focus. We host over 2,500 visitors each year at 2nd Saturday on the Farm.

 

We have created some unique interactive educational activities to help you have fun learning about past agricultural practices. What we like to call our "usual" activities include:

• Wooden cow milking: we have life-size wooden cows with rubber teats that help you learn how to milk a cow.
• Kid-driven tractor: we retrofitted a John Deere tractor so that anyone can learn to drive it. You sit in the seat and control the steering wheel while a trained volunteer stands on a platform to your right to controls the speed. We even have space for a parent or friend to stand to your left and enjoy the ride.
• We are currently working on creating a stationary tractor that you can drive down a crop row and the computer screen in front of you displays how well you are handling the tractor.

Romance in the Redwoods
State Park Big Basin
Date: 02/10/2018 at 11:00am
Ages: All

Romance in the Redwoods

Saturday, February 10 at 11:30am 

On this easy, two-hour walk you'll learn about the courtship behaviors of some of the park's most fascinating plants and animals. Join Docent Eva Fewel and discover how some of Big Basin inhabitants celebrate love in the wild! Meet at Big Basin Park Headquarters. Event is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10. Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

 

 

Seafood Foraging Class
Adventure Sports Unlimited Adventure Travel
Great class for the whole family to hunter/gather for a meal and learn about our ocean.
Date: Every day (Feb 9-Feb 11)
Ages: Adults, Kids 6-17 with adult
Special Instructions: Check for age suggestions

Gathering wild food from the sea is one of life's great pleasures, bringing you closer to nature's bounty and beauty. In our Seafood Foraging Class, we will walk along the seashore, wade through tide pools and listen to the ocean's rhythm is an exhilarating way to energize your life and refresh your soul. Not only will you gather wonderful delicacies from the seashore, but you will also explore a vibrant-almost paradoxical world of elegant colors and mysterious creatures.

 

And of course, we will gather wild foods. Wild foods are natural foods-grown without pesticides or human manipulation. Certainly, wild foods are the most organic of foods. Learning to harvest wild food brings a new twist to home cooking, parties and camping. We are going to break the myth of foraging as some kind of a hunter-gatherer survival training and show you how to create delicious gourmet dishes. You will learn that foraging is very satisfying when you become a gourmet forager.

 

The tide pools on our north coast are prolific with colorful and healthy sea vegetables.  We intend with this class to explore these crystal windows into our ocean for delicacies to create a gourmet brunch,  Our quest in this class is to search for animals and plants to create a sushi meal of crunchy salads, succulent soups, and slivers of fresh seafood to augment our rice rolls-yum!  Sushi is best when the seafood is fresh and this offering will be the freshest.  We will introduce poke poling to gather fish for food artistry of our sushi meal.  The class will start on Friday night where we will plan logistics.  Sunday will be a day of collecting and preparing our gourmet meal.  Finishing touches for the feast will be assigned to the students. 

 

It is a great class for the whole family to hunter/gather for a meal and learn about our ocean.  6-17 yr. olds must have an adult/guardian take the class with them.  An ocean only fishing license ($15.00 for one day) is required for collecting.

 

Private group outings are also available, call (831) 458-3648 for details.

Ranch Tours
State Park Wilder Ranch
History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on the weekends
Date: Every Su and Sa at 1:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: $10 parking

Ranch Tours

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

History comes alive at Wilder Ranch State Park on the weekends with Machine Shop Pelton Water Wheel Demos, baking on the woodstove, and ranch tours.

 

Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505.

 

Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Art 1
Art Factory
Art Classes for kids
Date: Every Sa (Jan 13-May 26) from 10:30am to 12:00pm
Ages: 5-7 Admission Fees: $105/month
Special Instructions: Drop-Ins also welcome

We'll explore pastel, mixed media collage, colored pencil, watercolor, tempera and sculpture as a group with simple instruction. A great art foundation starts here!

A sketch book is provided and will be used in class each week.

Free First Friday
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Enjoy our intertidal touch pool, large-screen microscope, and geology exhibit and "dig pit".
Date: Every day from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: All ages Admission Fees: FREE

FREE First Friday 11am-4pm. Enjoy the Museum for FREE with your family on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy our intertidal touch pool, large-screen microscope, and geology exhibit and "dig pit". Santa Cruz Natural History Museum. 1305 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz. 420-6115

Redwood Tours
State Park Henry Cowell
Amazing forest adventure
Date: Every Su and Sa
Admission Fees: Day-use parking fee is $10
Special Instructions: Saturdays 11am and 2pm, Sundays 1pm

Redwood Tours
Saturdays at 11am and 2pm
Sundays at 1pm

How do redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Why are there so few old growth trees left? Answer these questions and more every Saturday on our Redwood Grove Walks. One of our knowledgeable docents will lead you through our magnificent old growth forest and answer any questions you may have. Meet at the Visitors Center in the day-use area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park located off Highway 9 in Felton. Tour is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks.

 

Redwood Saturday Hike
State Parks Nisene Marks
Walk through Nisene Marks
Date: 02/10/2018 at 11:00am
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Redwood Saturday Hike

Saturday, February 10 at 11am

Join us on a mile-long hike of exploration and learning. Together, we will discover how to "read the forest" as we explore Aptos Creek Canyon at a leisurely pace. We will also cover the park's history, both natural and related to the logging industry that thrived here over a century ago. Bring hiking shoes, water, and snacks and meet at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park entrance kiosk. Event is free; vehicle day use fee is $8. For more information, please call (831) 685-6444. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Volunteer in California's Oldest State Park!
State Park Big Basin
We need volunteers!
Date: The 2nd Sa of every month from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Volunteer with the Trail Crew Saturdays

Since 1969 the Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the second Saturday of each month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and water. Join us for a unique perspective of Big Basin, a lively and productive experience with others who share a love of these redwood forests, and the satisfaction of participating in a vital part of the park's ability to educate and inspire the public! Meet at Park Headquarters.

Life on the Ranch: Family Living History Day
State Park Wilder Ranch
Experience the Victorian era!
Date: Every Su and Sa
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Weekends from 11:00am-3:00pm, tours of the ranch houses at 1:00pm

Ranch Tours

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1897 Victorian home, 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, 1896 water-powered machine shop, barns and other historic buildings. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Adult Crafts
Library Felton
Let's have some fun while also helping each other learn and grow as artists and crafters!
Date: Every Su and Sa from 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Come join us at The Felton Library for Adult Afternoon Arts and Crafts. It's every Sunday from 2-4:30pm.

 

Bring something portable that you are working on or come prepared to have fun!

 

 

Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
Santa Cruz Farmers Markets
A moveable feast of fresh, locally grown produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats and poultry, baked goods, music and good comp
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed and Sa
Ages: All

Our family of five farmers' markets showcases the best in regional organic produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs and dairy, sustainably-harvested seafoods and artisan-made goods.

 

Purchasing your food through the area's farmers' markets ensures that you are getting the freshest, healthiest and tastiest foods while supporting local jobs, increasing local spending and promoting the region's strong farming tradition.

 

We provide direct access to sustainable sources of fresh produce and other unique foods and education about food issues, both local and beyond.

 

Santa Cruz/Downtown	Weds 2:30-6:00	Lincoln & Cedar	Year-round
Santa Cruz/West Side	Sat 9-1	2801 Mission	Year-round
Scotts Valley	Sat 9-1	King's Village Dr	April - October
Live Oak/East Side	Sun 9-1	15th & Eastcliff Dr	Year-round
Felton	Tues 2:30-6:30	120 Russell Ave	May - Oct

Life on the Ranch Day - The Early Days on a Dairy Farm
State Park Wilder Ranch
Experience the Victorian era!
Date: Every Su and Sa
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Weekends from 11:00am-3:00pm, tours of the ranch houses at 1:00pm

Life on the Ranch Day - The Early Days on a Dairy Farm
Saturday, August 11 from 11am to 3pm

 

Wilder Ranch State Park invites you to experience old-time activities from its rancho, dairy farm, and cowboy rodeo days. Hands-on activities and living history presentations may include butter churning, ice cream making, roping skills, and demonstrations in the ranch buildings. Come for a picnic on the lawn and follow it up with a game of tug of war, sack races, hoops, stilts, and Wilder Ranch's famous old-fashioned bubbles! This event is appropriate for all ages. Event is free; parking is $10. Please call the park to confirm at (831) 426-0505. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

 

Redwood Grove Loop Walk
State Park Big Basin
Meet famous trees on this walk in the forest!
Date: Every Su and Sa
Ages: All
Special Instructions: See varying hours

Redwood Grove Loop Walk

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 2pm

How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Big Basin Redwood State Park Headquarters.

 

Event is free; day use vehicle fee is $10. Events made possible my California State Parks and Mountain Parks Foundation

 

Maryjo Koch and the Art of Scientific Illustration
Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery
Koch is one of the world's most accomplished naturalist painters around. Exquisite detail!
Date: Every Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa (Jan 24-Mar 16) from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Admission Fees: free

Art Seen

Maryjo Koch and the Art of Scientific Illustration

Maryjo Koch doesn't overlook the little things. When it comes to painting birds nests and honeybees, every little twig and hair matters. With acute attention to detail and precision, Koch is one of the world's most accomplished naturalist painters around.

 

Her hyperrealistic specimens are often found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where Koch works. She has illustrated 18 books, and her work has been featured across the globe.

 

Hours
Tuesday-Saturday 12 PM-5 PM
Holidays and campus breaks observed.

Become a Watsonville Wetlands Docent
Watsonville Wetlands
Join us for docent training in January
Date: Every Wed and Sa

Docent Training Starts THIS MONTH!

There is still time to sign-up for docent training. While there are a variety of ways to volunteer with us here at the Wetlands Watch, becoming a docent is a great way to make a lasting and meaningful contribution to the wetlands, youth, and community! It is a fun and interesting way to learn about the natural and cultural history of the wetlands from experts. Docent trainees are treated to an inside look at the Pajaro Valley and its wide network of wetlands. Local experts share the ecology, history, and restoration of the wetlands during the 7-week program.

The interactive sessions include Wednesday evening presentations and Saturday morning field trips, visiting sites not normally seen by the public. Join our dedicated team of trained docent volunteers who help with field trips, lead wetland tours, participate in special events, work in the greenhouse and native plant demonstration garden and a whole host of other things. No previous teaching or wetland experience is necessary - beginners are welcome.  

 

Come join us - the wetlands are calling!    For more information, contact Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Ria Mukerji at 909-680-9872 or email at  ria@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

Family Arts & Crafts- Garfield Park
Library Garfield
Date: Every Sa from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Ages: 3-6

Get crafty! A Do-It-Yourself craft will be ready and waiting for families, independent-minded kids and teens! Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

 

 

 

Spring Camp: The Art and Science of Nature
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Calling young artists and scientists curious about nature!
Date: Every day (Feb 2-Apr 6) from 8:30am to 3:30pm
Ages: 5-6 Admission Fees: $265 - April 2-6, 8:30-3:30
Special Instructions: Discounts for members and siblings, limited scholarships available

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is proud to present an inspiring week of nature exploration.

Campers draw inspiration from nature through exploration and hands-on investigation! They make new friends at this day camp featuring walking field trips, Museum exploration, science projects, and nature-inspired art.

We invite kindergartners and first graders to come observe, explore, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world here in our backyard as well as in the Museum's collection. With the inspiration of our spring "Art of Nature" exhibit, we will explore what nature reveals to us everyday through a variety of individual and collaborative art projects. Every camper will create artwork to take home, make scientific discoveries, and most importantly, create memories, friendships, and a personal connection to the unique nature of the Santa Cruz coast.

Each of the five days will focus on a different theme that will guide a variety of art projects, science investigations, supervised explorations, and games. "Leave no trace" ethics and safety in nature will be emphasized throughout the week so that campers will leave equipped with a better understanding of how to responsibly interact with the natural world.

Join us to build connections to nature and stewardship for our world. ENROLLMENT WILL OPEN FEB 2 at 9 am.

Tour the Pacific Migrations Center
State Park New Brighton
Self-guided tour highlights history of Pacific Rim migrations
Date: Every Su, Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: 7-12

 Tour the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach

Come explore the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach. This free mini-museum highlights the history of Pacific Rim migrations and how they have influenced the Monterey Bay area. 

The exhibits explore the contributions of Chinese fishers, who established fishing camps on the Monterey Bay coastline beginning in the 1850s. Fishers dried and shipped most of their catch to markets up and down the coast, as well as across the Pacific. Chinese fish merchants also sold their fresh catch in local towns. China Beach, as New Brighton was known at the time, lasted until the mid-1880s. 

The center, which is supported by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. It also includes a ParkStore, offering nature and history-themed merchandise for sale. All proceeds benefit local parks and beaches.

Self-guided tours of the Pacific Migrations Visitor Center are free. Docent-led tours are available for groups. Contact Jean Bernard at the Visitor Center, 831-464-5620, to schedule. Parking at New Brighton State Beach is $10 and supports the park. New Brighton State Beach is located at 1500 Park Ave. in Capitola

Evening Art Program
State Park Henry Cowell
Activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more
Date: Every Sa at 1:00pm

Evening Art Program
Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Join us in the campfire center for a family friendly arts and crafts program. All ages welcome. Topic changes week to week and activities will range from sketching and watercolor to nature journaling and more! Meet at the Henry Cowell Redwoods Graham Hill Campground, located off Graham Hill Road in Scotts Valley. No experience necessary. Event is free; parking is $10. Events made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.