9th Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bike Ride | Aug 4 (6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

Limited to 500 riders and features two challenging rides: 100M & 100K. Reg. fee $45/$55.

Scotts Valley High School
831-460-1818, www.santacruzcycling.org

Monterey Sea Canyon Birdwatching Tour | Aug. 11-12 (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Travel just a few miles off the coast to the Monterey Bay's 6,000 foot deep canyon where more than 70 bird species travel from both hemispheres to feed on these rich waters. Monterey Seabird Tours are available during peak migration seasons, limits the number of travelers on a tour, and are led by expert naturalists and birders.

Monterey Boat Charters, Monterey Wharf
831-375-4658, www.montereyseabirds.com

Starlight Evening Train | Aug. 11 (6-11 p.m.)

Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a 2-hour, round-trip railway excursion from the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Star Stories | Aug. 12 (2-3 p.m.)

A fun story telling time with stories about various astronomical events and heavenly bodies. Free. Ages 5-12.

Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Ben Lomond
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Starlight Evening Train | Aug. 18 (6-11 p.m.)

Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a 2-hour, round-trip railway excursion from the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Aloha Celebrity Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival | Aug. 19 (9 a.m - 3 p.m.)

A fun event for new and novice paddlers as well as those with experience. The Celebrity races launch at 9 a.m. and offer a chance to discover the excitement of outrigger canoe racing. The Polynesian Festival begins at 11 a.m. with a taste of the tropics, fresh flower leis, Hawaiian shaved ice, Maori face painting, print making and dance performances. Free event.

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
831-420-5273, www.santacruzwharf.com

Race through the Redwoods | Aug. 19 (8-10:30 a.m.)

What a setting... this annual event has appeal for the avid runner and those who just enjoy a lush forest atmosphere. The main 10K and Kids' mile races begin and end at the Henry Cowell picnic area. Participants are invited to a pre-event pancake breakfast held at the City's Covered Bridge park and prepared by the Felton Fire Department. Advance registration on line at www.active.com or onsite day of the race.

Henry Cowell State Park, Felton
www.racethrutheredwoods.com

Moonlight Dinner Train | Aug. 25 (6-11 p.m.)

Moonlight dinner, dancing, and train ride through a redwood forest lit by flashlight. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Full Moon Madness | Aug. 25 (6:30-9:30 p.m.)

Join a moonlit guided tour of the redwoods and moon gaze through telescopes. Activities include music, multi-media presentation about the park's nocturnal critters, crafts for kids and refreshments.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Hwy 9 @ North Big Trees Rd., Felton
831-335-7077, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Rare Habitat Walk | Aug. 25 (2-5 p.m.)

Elkhorn Slough Foundation Stewardship Director Kim Hayes will guide a group of 20 through breathtaking maritime chaparral perched high on the ridge tops of Blohm Ranch. Priority given to Elkhorn Foundation members.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reerve
1700 Elhorn Rd.
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org