Join us at the Sanctuary Exploration Center for a dive into the rescue efforts of the Whale Entanglement Team (WET) at Marine Life Studies. Through up-close footage of whale rescues, the WET team will reveal how the lives of humans and whales intertwine in ways far beyond ropes and lines. Admission is free but seating is limited and no reservations. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The presentation begins at 6:00 p.m.

Join local author-illustrator and Art of Nature artist Sophie Wood Brinker for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Birds of Santa Cruz. In this engaging talk, Wood Brinker will share her creative process for illustrating the 25 bird species featured in her book, from early field observations along the coast to the final hand-painted portraits. Blending art, science, and storytelling, she’ll explore how careful attention to movement, behavior, and habitat informs her work, and how illustration can deepen our connection to the natural world. Info and tickets HERE.

The way to care for humans and gardens have lots of similarities. We will explore the realm of self care, health maintenance and disharmony management through the lens of herbal medicine and metaphors of organic garden management. This class will be an herb walk where we will visit common garden plants, “weeds” and medicinal plants and learn how to use them for our self care. Instructor: Darren Huckle L.Ac., DAOM. Info and tickets HERE.

We're throwing open the doors to our beautiful downtown office! Explore our new downtown office & get hands-on with our mini nature museum. Come curious, leave inspired! Step inside for a free interactive evening where nature, art, and community come together. Explore interactive exhibits created by interns from the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History at UCSC, who will be there to guide you through their work. All are welcome, and it is completely free! At the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Office, 911 Center St, SC More INFO.

VegFest brings the local community together to celebrate and learn about a plant-based, cruelty-free, animal friendly, and environmentally-sustainable lifestyle with thousands of attendees! 100+ exhibitors; Plant-Based restaurants, vegan treats, and free food sampling; Local beer, wine and hard cider; Live music; Cruelty-free fashion and beauty shops; Speakers discussing health, nutrition, environment, compassion and animal liberation; and much more! SC County Fairgrounds, Watsonville. Info HERE.

The Only International Surf & Environmental Film Festival! Featuring inspiring nonfiction and documentary films on surf and water sports, travel and adventure, conservation and climate. Protecting surf ecosystems & enrolling others to join the campaign. Watch and be inspired by stories from those on the frontlines of coastal protection! Tickets and proceeds benefit surf ecosystem conservation projects worldwide. At the Rio Theatre. Info and Tickets HERE.

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