A special hybrid presentation that will change how you think about climate action. A presentation by Brian von Herzen, PhD Founder & Executive Director, Climate Foundation. Marine Permaculture works with the ocean's own biology: reconnecting seaweed to its supply of deep nutrients in spite of unprecedented ocean warming, regenerating kelp forests, reviving marine ecosystems, and sequestering carbon at scale. This is not sacrifice-based climate action. It creates abundance — food security, coastal livelihoods, thriving reefs, and cleaner air. The work has earned global recognition: XPRIZE Milestone for Carbon Removal, the Singapore Liveability Challenge, and features in Smithsonian Magazine and the documentary 2040. In person: Temple Beth El, Aptos. Online: Join on Zoom HERE.

This is an immersive, hands-on introduction to mushroom foraging and forest ecology led by local expert, Starlynn Hartnek. This workshop emphasizes real-world identification skills, seasonal species recognition, and understanding the trees and habitats mushrooms associate with. Expert guides will also point out other seasonal wild foods encountered along the route, Participants will practice observation and identification skills in the field, compare edible species with toxic lookalikes, and use field guides to examine found specimens. More info and registration HERE.

Enjoy snacks and refreshments from India Joze & Iveta Cafe. London Nelson Community Center, Room 3

Santa Cruz County is a critical stronghold for the threatened California red-legged frog. Join Wildlife Biologist Michael Westphal for an inside look at three decades of research, restoration, and on-the-ground conservation efforts centered around this remarkable amphibian. This talk explores what it takes to protect a species on the brink and how our community can help ensure the California red-legged frog thrives in Santa Cruz County for generations to come. SCMHN, 1305 East Cliff Dr. Register HERE.

Surfing means so much to Santa Cruz: it drives our local economy, shapes our community, and connects us to the Monterey Bay sanctuary, which is an incredibly biodiverse ecosystem. But what happens when these waves and the ecosystems that support them aren't protected? Join Save The Waves Coalition for an evening exploring the surf economy of Santa Cruz through a short film screening, followed by a live panel discussion and audience Q&A with local experts and community members. We will be introducing the California Surf Reserves Bill: new legislation aimed at protecting the surf breaks and coastal ecosystems that matter most to our community. This is a free community event; no tickets are required. Please RSVP HERE.

Bring your camera and join award-winning wildlife photographer Kevin Lohman for an informal, “getting started” wildlife photography field workshop in the gardens. Designed for anyone with an interest in hummingbird photography, this relaxed session will cover practical tips for finding, observing, and photographing these fast-moving birds, along with guidance that applies to wildlife subjects more broadly. The workshop will take place outdoors and will run up to two hours. In the Arboretum’s Horticulture 2 Meeting Hall. Info HERE.

Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. On Seasonal Saturday meetups we venture into local habitats — from rocky tide pools to forested trails — to uncover the biodiversity in our own backyard. We take middle schoolers out into local natural spaces to do various scientific studies and nature hikes. Learn MORE.

Please join us once again for the State of the San Lorenzo River Symposium. The event will kick off with opening remarks from Senator John Laird followed by talks about history, science and policy issues relevant to restoration of the watershed. We'll wrap up the event with a walking tour of the lower San Lorenzo River. Presented by SC Water Dept., San Lorenzo Valley Water District, Coastal Watershed Council and the Resource Conservation District of SC County. At the London Nelson Center. Stay tuned HERE for more details.

This event is designed to bring together the entire Santa Cruz County bike community in all its diversity, and will showcase the power of bikes and biking to enhance quality of life through: Art & self-expression; Sustainable Transportation; Family activity; Safe mobility; Culture & community focus & Fun! All are welcome! We're inviting families, kids, seniors, students, and everyday riders to see themselves reflected in Santa Cruz’s bike culture. At the Bicycle Trip! More INFO

Join HGP at the Del Mar Theater for an Evening of Hope, featuring a screening of the National Geographic's Jane Goodall documentary, The Hope, as well as an engaging panel discussion on aspects of hope. The film documents Dr. Goodall's time with family in Tanzania and the approaching 60th anniversary of her arrival to the chimpanzee kingdom in Gombe. Following the film, we'll hear from a broad section of community members and leaders, such as noted author Jonathan Franzen about the role of hope in their lives. Tickets ($18 donation that supports our work) are available on Eventbrite HERE, as well as at our Downtown Store (1338 Pacific Ave. - 11am - 6pm daily) where you can pick up tickets without the online Eventbrite fees.

Schedule: 9am-11am San Lorenzo River Clean Up, in collaboration with the City of Santa Cruz and Coastal Watershed Council. 11am-2pm - Family Activities and Up-cycle Vendor Fair: Activities include: Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild – upcycle jewelry workshop, Printmakers of the Tannery- printmaking, Animal costume and sign. making for Animal Parade, Paint and Plant- workshop designing planters and potting plants, Upcycle vendors. 2pm - Riverwalk Animal Parade meets at Tannery and parades on Riverwalk, in animal costumes or with animal signs downtown to join City of Santa Cruz Earth Day. 10am - 2pm - Exhibit: “The Many Faces of San Lorenzo River”, a community based , multimedia, exhibit will be on display at River Studio 116

Stock your garden with premium organic seedlings while supporting student education! Browse a huge variety of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and strawberries—all grown by UCSC Farm staff, students, and volunteers in our greenhouses. Proceeds support the Center for Agroecology’s hands-on learning programs. Please plan to park across the street from the Hay Barn in parking lot 116. We encourage you to bring a basket, wagon, or other means to carry your plants. We will have a limited number of cardboard boxes available but encourage you to bring your own. At the Hay Barn. More INFO, including payment methods.

Celebrate Dr. Ann and Invest in the Future of Farmworker Families. Join us at the Civic Plaza Community Room (275 Main Street, 4th Floor) as we celebrate the birthday of our beloved founder, Dr. Ann López, and uplift the life-changing work of the Center for Farmworker Families. Come together with community and help fund scholarships for graduating students from farmworker families — opening doors to college and vocational dreams. More INFO.