“Join Save Our Shores at Sunny Cove, Beer Can & Hidden Beaches to help restore these beaches after the holiday weekend. For info and registration (required) go HERE.
Author: Environteers
Founder and director of Environteers.org - Environmental Volunteer Opportunites in Santa Cruz County
Coastal Watershed Council: Floods – Ecological Impacts and the Resiliency of the San Lorenzo River, May 31, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
“Learn how floods interact with the river ecosystem and what the ecological benefits of flooding are with the Coastal Watershed Council’s own Sam Adelson! Sam Adelson is an environmental educator and watershed scientist living in Felton. He is a dedicated steward of the San Lorenzo River, working with the community to promote and celebrate its value and its beauty. He has a background in watershed science and restoration, and CWC’s youth Watershed Rangers environmental education program focused on the San Lorenzo River. Presentation at the Santa Cruz Public Library Felton Branch, 6121 Gushee St., Felton. Info HERE.
Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Discover Center: Celebrate the Base of the Marine Food Web – Plankton!, June 2, 11 am – 3 pm
“Family friendly plankton crafts and plankton viewing throughout the day, and learn more with First Friday artist Steve Mandel. Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave., For more info contact: explorationcenter@noaa.gov.
Watsonville Wetlands Watch: Prolific Propagators, June 2, 11 am – 1 pm (And Every Friday)
“As a coastal estuary and wetland system, the Watsonville Slough System is on the front lines of climate change. Projected sea level rise, increased storm strength, and changes in the climate are likely to threaten the Watsonville wetlands, and wildlife that depend on these wetlands, in a variety of ways. These wetlands are spread throughout the City of Watsonville, and support both an amazing greenbelt and a trail network for bicycling and walking. Help sow seeds & transplant plants for restoring native plant communities and wildlife habitats throughout this area. Wear old clothes, sunhat, and sunscreen. Garden gloves are provided. No training or garden experience is necessary. A fun and gratifying experience! Meet at 500 Harkins Slough Rd – the building on the top parking lot next to the basketball courts. No registration needed. More info contact Jose HERE
SC Mountains Trail Stewardship: National Trails Day, June 3, 9 am – 4 pm
Join us on Saturday, June 3, for our largest trail work event EVER – at 18 locations with 3 levels of difficulty – in honor of National Trails Day. Activities include: planting native plants, removing invasive species and trail maintenance. Then a big party together in DeLaveaga Park, for an afternoon of food, drink, and raffles! Participants will enjoy free Tacos El Chuy and Humble Sea beer, plus earn an entry into our National Trails Day raffle – full of amazing prizes from local businesses and established outdoor brands.” Partnering with Save Our Shores, Coastal Watershed Council, Wasonville Wetlands Watch, SC Museum of Natural History, State Parks and others! More info and sign up HERE. Sign up soon – several sites are full.
Groundswell Coastal Ecology: Seabright Coastal Restoration, June 12, 9 am – 12:30 pm
“Come join your local community in coastal restoration at Seabright Beach. Help make our coast a better place and learn about coastal ecology. Activities vary by season: Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter, clearing invasive plants; Late Summer/Fall, native plant propagation; Fall/Winter, planting native plants. Every Monday!” More Info HERE.
CA State Parks Week: Guided History Walk at Forest of Nisene Marks, June 14, 10 am – Noon
“Delve into forest history—and prehistory—with a 2 hour walk through the Forest of Nisene Marks. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the Georges Picnic Area next to the steel bridge about one mile past the kiosk. This is a light to moderate hike and is a free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $8. For more information, call (831) 685-6444. This event is made possible by California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Event is free and pre-registration is highly recommended.” Sign up HERE.
Groundswell Coastal Ecology: Coastal Restoration Day, June 17, 9 am – Noon
“Come join your local community in coastal restoration at various coastal sites in Santa Cruz County. Help make our coast a better place for nature and people and learn about coastal ecology. Exact sites and meeting location varies.”
For more info: Allison Wickland allison.wickland@groundswellecology.org
S C Museum Of Natural History: Saturdays In The Soil, June 17, 10 am – Noon
“It’s time to get your hands dirty at our monthly volunteer program in our native plant garden. Learn about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while coming together as a community (in a physically distanced manner) to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. This native plant garden requires general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Please follow current state and local guidelines for covid safety at the time of the program. Every third Saturday at the SC Museum of Natural History.” RSVPs are required. Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to express interest. More info HERE.
Amah Mutsun Land Trust: Tending To The Amah Mutsun Garden At The Pie Ranch, June 17, 1 – 4 pm
“Volunteers have been an essential part of our repair and regeneration efforts after the CZU August Lightning Complex fire burned through Pie Ranch. Designed by tribal member, Matthew Lopez, the Native Garden is shaped like a pie with pathways representing the four directions. Each “pie slice” represents different ethnobotanical native plants featuring grassland foods, fibers and basketry plants, nuts and berries, and personal care. Some of us will stay in the garden for the whole work shift and some will venture to other projects around the farm. Volunteers help with planting, weeding, harvests, culling and mulching. There is also maintenance work to be done. Volunteer work days at Pie Ranch are on the third Saturday of each month. Pie Ranch, 2080 Green Oaks Way, Pescadero.” To RSVP go HERE or email: aarganbright@amahmutsun.org
Forest Of Nisene Marks Trail Work Day, June 18, 9:30 AM – 2 PM, 2 – 4 Hour Shifts
“Join us for a trail work day in Nisene Marks SP! You’ll feel great to be of service and give back to the park we all love! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and comfortable shoes you can hike to work site in as well as work/garden gloves if you have them. Bring a bag lunch and water. State Parks will provide liability release and all tools needed. Past work days have included installing and removing seasonal bridges, cutting trees that have fallen across the trail, removing ivy, and brushing back overgrown trails. Wide range of jobs to fit everyone! 3rd Sunday of each month, 9:30 am, 2 – 4hr. shifts. Covid safe. Meet at 9:30am at the entrance kiosk, coffee and baked goods will be available!” Info HERE.
UCSC Seymour Center: Younger Lagoon Reserve Tours, June 24, 10:30 am – Noon
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 habitats, 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. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Call 831-459-3800 or sign-up online HERE. Virtual tours are available ONLINE.
Groundswell Coastal Ecology: Pilkington Creek Community Restoration Day, June 25, 10 am – 1 pm
“A dedicated group of volunteer land stewards is working to replace invasive plants with a glorious diversity of native plants. These plants provide structural habitat as well as produce nectar, berries, seeds that support many species of animals. Come join your local community in restoring this riparian woodland to native habitat. Help make this a refuge for birds and pollinators and learn about stream ecology. Meet at Tyrrell Park (by the Museum of Natural History), 1305 E Cliff Dr.” More INFO
Environteers 