Seabright and Harbor events

Hear the story of Phernado, the Mt. Lion – his life, his death, how he came to the UCSC Norris Center, and his second life teaching students. Dr. Gizelle Hurtado will speak about the work involved in preparing Phernado, and the educational experience and lessons that students gained, including; removing fur, de-fleshing bones, cleaning bones, identifying bones and then reassembling Phernado. Please note there will be photos of blood, tissue, and bones being worked on in this talk. About the Speaker : Dr. Gizelle Hurtado is the Assistant Director at the Norris Center for Natural History at UCSC. Gizelle is also the Curator of the Natural History Museum at the Norris Center. Gizelle earned her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from New Mexico State University, where she studied the impacts of urbanization on small mammals. Gizelle is a wildlife biologist and mammalogist. She is originally from San Jose, CA. She loves teaching and loves being in the field. REGISTER HERE Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Ticket Price: $12 General | $8 Students Discounts: $5 member discount Accessibility and Logistics : Please note there will be photos of blood, tissue, and bones being worked on in this talk. This program will take place indoors at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Seating will be provided, and light refreshments will be available. Cancellation Policy

Join our macabre evening with a fantastic night of sipping and sketching skulls using a negative drawing technique on black paper by creating highlights and details with white ink while the black paper becomes the spooky shadows. Recreate familiar animal skulls or perhaps make your own mutant species by combining animal skulls and imaginary details. No previous art experience is necessary, just bring some curiosity and willingness to play! About the Speaker Aliza Heckert holds a bachelors in art, has exhibited across the county, and has been teaching in Santa Cruz County for over 15 years. She is a multimedia artist who loves the process as much as the product of art making. Aliza provides a range of expressive options for all her classes and fosters a fun and relaxed environment. REGISTER HERE Capacity : 20 Ticket Price: $40 General Discounts : $5 Off Members Age limit : 13+, Kids must be accompanied by adults Accessibility and Logistics This program will take place indoors at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Refreshments will be provided. Parking is available on Pilkington and street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Please allow a few extra minutes to find parking and get settled before the program begins. Cancellation Policy

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Swing by the Museum on Halloween and decorate you very own animal mask! Whether you’re looking to get inspired by our animal exhibits or are aiming for something a little more supernatural, flex your crafting muscles and add something unique to your costume. Drop-In | All Ages | FREE with Admission

Join our Education Director and discover the estuary where freshwater meets Monterey Bay and learn why these habitats are vital for wildlife. This walk is part of the San Lorenzo River Walk Series, see the complete schedule below. Free • Guided Nature Walks • School Age Children and Adults Fall 2026 Walk Schedule: Celebration of California Biodiversity Week • September 12 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM A Cultural and Natural History of the Downtown River focusing on Birding starting at Tannery Arts Center. Guide: Jane Orbuch (Santa Cruz Bird Club) The Urban River • October 3 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Explore the ecology, history, and cultures that have shaped the San Lorenzo River and Santa Cruz. Guide: Erin Loury (Coastal Watershed Council) Nature & Mindfulness • October 24 | 9:00 AM–11:30 AM. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Experience the redwood forest through natural history and guided mindfulness. Guides: Nathan Smith (Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project) & Nikola Ristic (Spirit Without Boundaries) Where River Meets Ocean • November 7 | Time 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Discover the estuary where freshwater meets Monterey Bay and learn why these habitats are vital for wildlife. Guide: Suzy Clark (Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History) What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Sun protection • Binoculars (optional) Easy–moderate walks, approximately 1–2 miles. Please leave pets at home. These walks are best suited for school-age children and older. Presented by: Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project • Coastal Watershed Council Santa Cruz Bird Club • Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History REGISTER Accessibility and Logistics What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Sun protection • Binoculars (optional) Easy–moderate walks, approximately 1–2 miles. Please leave pets at home. These walks are best suited for school-age children and older.