Seabright & Harbor

Butterflies are known for intricate wing patterns and flitting flight patterns. They are also indicators of the health of our environment and ecosystems, especially those that migrate across our state and region. Join Megan Gnekow, a local scientific illustrator, for an evening exploring the beauty and resilience of some of our most famous flying friends as you sip on wine, beer or seltzer water of your choice. With materials provided by the instructor, you will practice techniques for illustrating them accurately in colored pencil. For your illustrations, Megan will provide specimens and photographs to help illuminate the details needed to create accurate and life-like illustrations. PROGRAM FULL – Email [email protected] to join the waitlist About the Speaker Megan Gnekow is an artist and scientific illustrator whose work focuses on ecological relationships that support special-status species in California. She represents the 7th generation of her family with deep ties to Santa Cruz. She has supported the Art of Nature exhibit as both a juror and participant since 2010. Megan is the Chair of the Collections Committee and a member of the Governance Committee, where her work in civil rights for the University of California helps support the museum’s ongoing efforts to build an inclusive, welcoming museum for all. Capacity : 20 Ticket Price: $40 General Discounts : $5 Off Members Age limit : 12+, 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

Join us as we kick off Museum of the Macabre, a month where we explore the strange, the eerie, and the curious side of nature. Enjoy a special Cabinet of Curiosity exhibit alongside live taxidermy demos, real snakes, spooky crafts and more! Enjoy FREE admission to the Museum all day with special activities indoors from 5-8pm. Costumes welcome! Featuring: Partners : The Center for Monster Studies, UCSC | The Norris Center for Natural History | Bay Area Herpetological Society Activities : Special Exhibit | Face Painting | Spooky Crafts! Food : Areperia 831 Drinks : Donation-based bar with wine, beer and non-alcoholic options

Dr. Gizelle Hurtado will speak about the story of Phernado, the Mt. Lion. His life, his death, how he came to the Norris Center, and his second life teaching students. Dr. Gizelle Hurtado, Maddie McNelis (UCSC PhD Candidate), student curators, and interns in the mammal projects internship at the Norris Center at UCSC worked on Phernado, the Mt. Lion for almost 2 years. Gizelle will speak about the work involved in preparing Phernado, and the educational experience and lessons that students gained from working with Phernado, 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

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Swing by the Museum on Halloween and decorate you very own 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

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.