Fall is the best time for planting native plants. We will provide a selection of California lilac (Ceanothus) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos) taxa as well as a variety of drought-tolerant native perennials, shrubs, grasses, and ferns. The list of plants available for sale will be posted on our WEBSITE the week before the sale so that you can print it out, plan your purchases, as well as check out other chapter events. Our sale is held at the same location and time as the Cabrillo Horticulture Plant Sale and Pumpkin Patch. Cabrillo College Horticultural Center

Join us for our annual Open Farm Tour, a chance to walk our 26.5 acres of diversified organic farmland overlooking the Pacific near Año Nuevo. I'll be leading guided tours at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm through the water retention landscape and perennial systems we're building here. Come hungry and plan to stock up. We'll have our farm products for sale: seasonal produce, fresh-cut flowers, hot sauces, salsas, jams, and pre-orders for our famous hoshigaki. Native Outlaw will run their Texas-style BBQ all day, plus a farm pizza tasting at 11a. Cash and card welcome. This is part of Open Farm Tours countywide. More info HERE.

Celebrating local food, sustainable agriculture, culture, and community at Esperanza Community Farms in Watsonville. Connect with local farmers, community organizations, artists, and neighbors. Explore a mini farmers market featuring fresh organic fruits and vegetables, enjoy healthy and organic food, and discover local organizations working to protect our environment and build a healthier community. The festival will also feature art vendors, live music, games and activities for children, local food, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Come enjoy a day at the farm, support local farmers and small businesses, learn about sustainable agriculture, and celebrate the people and organizations helping create a healthier and more resilient community. More INFO

Bilingual Cooking Classes for the Whole Family. Learn how to make delicious, nutritious, affordable plant-based meals using donated produce. The first 25 families to sign up and show up will receive a bag of produce to use in class and take home. Eat for the Earth is collaborating with Raices y Cariño for these classes with support from the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. Subsequent classes held on the second Wednesdays in December through June. At Raices y Cariño, 7 Hangar Way, Watsonville. Register HERE.

Join Santa Cruz organizations for free guided walks exploring the San Lorenzo River, from the redwoods to Monterey Bay. Discover birds, steelhead, native plants, history, and the connections between people and nature from different perspectives. Feel free to sign up for just one walk, all four, or something in between! All walks are free and open to the public, and are best suited for school-age children and older. Walks are easy to moderate, and will cover between 1 and 2 miles. Please wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water, and please leave pets at home. Heavy rain may cancel. September 12, 9 am-12 pm: Celebration of CA Biodiversity Week w/ Santa Cruz Bird Club; October 3, 10 am-12 pm: Native Plants & The Urban River w/ Coastal Watershed Council; October 24, 9 am-11:30 am: Nature & Mindfulness w/ Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project; and November 7, 9:30 am-11:30 am: Where River Meets Ocean w/ SC Museum of Natural History. Info and sign up HERE.

Learning about different tree species? How in-tree-guing! During this 1 mile walk, we’ll be chattin’ about a handful of trees that reside in the park, and giving you the tools you need to identify species during your future park visits. Beleaf us, it’ll be a great time! This free program will start in front of the Visitor Center and meander down River Trail and back through the Redwood Grove. Hard rain cancels! Hope to see you there! To RSVP click HERE.