Rights of Nature is a growing legal and cultural movement that recognizes ecosystems — like rivers, forests, and oceans — as living entities with inherent rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate. Instead of treating nature solely as property, this framework gives communities a legal tool to defend the natural world when it’s threatened. We are a grassroots working group pursuing a ballot initiative to grant local ecological entities legal rights to exist and evolve. We're currently researching which ecosystem or species — such as the San Lorenzo River, salmon, or wildlife corridors — should be the focus of the policy. We need researchers now, and will need help with communications and signature collection as we move forward. We hope you will join us. Please visit our website HERE.

Offshore drilling leases and deep-sea mining are once again being proposed along the California coast, despite the major risks these industries pose to marine ecosystems and coastal communities. While these activities would occur in federal waters, local governments still have powerful tools to push back through ordinances that regulate onshore support facilities within their jurisdictions. Save Our Shores is partnering with local governments to strengthen California’s historic “Blue Wall” by updating existing ordinances to include protections against facilities supporting both offshore oil drilling and deep-sea mining. Your voice matters and representatives need to hear from you. Get info and sign up to keep informed HERE.

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden relies on 100+ volunteers year-round to keep this place growing! By volunteering you become part of a community that directly supports the Arboretum’s overall mission to connect people with plants. No matter what group you work with, you will learn by working side by side with home gardeners, experienced and amateur naturalists, active and retired professionals as well as people who are just beginning to explore the world of plants. To become a volunteer at the Arboretum, prospective volunteers review available volunteer opportunities then fill out an online application form. More info HERE.

Do you love hands-on science and getting out in nature? Watsonville Wetlands Watch partners with the City of Watsonville and County of Santa Cruz to regularly collect water quality data at a number of sites throughout the Watsonville Slough System. Join our water quality testing team and help us monitor the health of our sloughs in Watsonville! You'll receive basic training in water quality testing methods. We provide volunteers free snacks on the day of our monthly water quality data collection. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to hike on rugged or muddy terrain. For more info, or to sign up, email Geniva HERE.