The San Lorenzo River watershed is home to birds and bugs, fish and fungi, you and me! Explore the river ecosystem during the 3rd Annual Exploring the San Lorenzo River Series. Learn from local naturalists, scientists and artists.
Choose your own adventure.
Majestic Giants
Saturday, February 9, 10:00 a.m.
What is the difference between old-growth and secondary-growth? How does the history, geology, and ecology of the San Lorenzo watershed influence us and the redwoods? Led by Spencer Klinefelter, Education Assistant at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, we will discuss these topics as we meander along Fall Creek.
Fungus Amongus
Saturday, February 23, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a morning of mushroom hunting in Sycamore Grove. Learn from Phil Carpenter of the Fungus Federation about mushrooms: how they grow, how to identify common species and what we know and don’t know about this magic family of organisms. While exploring the area learn about the history and ecology of Sycamore Grove from City of Santa Cruz Park Rangers.
Fungus, Flora, Fauna
Saturday, March 9, 10:00 a.m.
As winter shifts to spring, nature stirs! Explore a beautiful and unique part of the San Lorenzo watershed, and see the late fungus and early flowers that welcome the first migratory birds to our area. This tour will be led by local naturalist Christian Schwartz and will take place at Loch Lomond.
Levees and Climate Change Resilience
Saturday, March 23, 1:30 p.m.
How will climate change affect the City of Santa Cruz and the San Lorenzo River? Flooding, fire and drought are predicted to impact our community. Learn about steps the City is taking to address vulnerable areas like the San Lorenzo River and what actions you can take to prepare ourselves. This tour will take place on the Riverwalk and will be led by Tiffany Wise-West, the City of Santa Cruz Sustainability and Climate Change Manager and Joe Hall, San Lorenzo River and levees expert.
Fungus, Flora and Fauna
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 a.m.
As winter shifts to spring, nature stirs! Explore a beautiful and unique part of the San Lorenzo watershed, and see the late fungus and early flowers that welcome the first migratory birds to our area. This tour will be led by local naturalist Christian Schwartz and will take place at Loch Lomond.
San Lorenzo River 2019 BioBlitz!
Saturday, April 20, 9:00 a.m.
On Earth Day and World Fish Migration Day 2019, put your new knowledge of the San Lorenzo River ecosystem and wicked identification skills to use. Work with fellow naturalists, nature enthusiasts, scientists, and volunteers to study and record the biodiversity along the lower San Lorenzo River.
LandScapes and Activism
Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m.
Learn about the history of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz from 1955 to 2005 and how transformations of the river landscape impacted the local ecology and human history. Check out old photos of the levees and surrounding downtown. During the tour, we will walk the Santa Cruz Riverwalk taking frequent breaks to take in the modern landscape and discuss how it came to be. The tour will start at the Museum of Art and History.
Faults, Floods, and Fossils [Sold Out]
Saturday, May 11, 10:00 a.m.
Explore the geologic history of the San Lorenzo Valley, how to identify the different kinds of rocks, river processes, faults, floods, and fossils. We are looking forward to this repeat of Frank Perry’s popular walk, described here.
Field Journaling along the San Lorenzo River
Saturday, May 18, 9:00 a.m.
Explore Coastal Watershed Council’s San Lorenzo River Habitat Enhancement site with local artist Melody Overstreet. Learn about the ecological community at the San Lorenzo River through observation, plant care, drawing and guided reflection. We will develop our naturalist eye through the practice of drawing plant species and the landscape.
Indigenous People in the San Lorenzo Valley
Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m.
Learn about the first people to live in the Santa Cruz Mountains. How did they interact with the abundant natural resources? What evidence do we have to learn about their lifestyles? Where are they now? More information on the tour to be announced soon.
Bilingual Bird Walk – Camino Bilingüe Sobre Los Aves
Saturday, June 22, 9:00 a.m.
Walk along the San Lorenzo River and discover the different families of birds that live here. Learn to observe birds who come from near and far to the San Lorenzo River. Local bird enthusiast Nanci Adams, will lead the bilingual walk. This tour is great for all ages!
Camine a lo largo del río San Lorenzo y descubre las diferentes familias de aves que viven allí. Aprender a observar las aves que vienen de cerca y lejos a nuestro Río. Nanci Adams, una entusiasta de aves, conducirá el paseo bilingüe. La caminata es una gran oportunidad por todas las edades!
Thanks to our sponsors!
