"Illustrating Nature" | May 5 - June 10

Annual spring showing of best works of artists from the UC Science Illustration program. More than 60 works are displayed that are done in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, colored pencil, graphite, scratch-board and digital media mediums.

Museum of Natural History 831- 420-6113, www.santacruzmuseums.org

Hats Off to Dad | June 1

Treat dad to a steam train ride and Chuckwagon BBQ. Each lucky dad so honored receives an engineer's cap and free handcar ride. One lucky dad is selected per train to ride down the mountain in the locomotive cab. Model trains on display.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Festival at the Cement Ship | June 2 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Celebrate the unique history of the WW1 Concrete Ship Palo Alto, the natural wonders of Seacliff's fossil beds, and the many animals that call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary their home. Enjoy music, fun and food. Experience the park's history through arts, crafts, games and stories. Make a kite to fly on the beach. Visit educational booths to learn about our animal friends.

Seacliff State Beach
Hwy 1 @ State Park Dr., Aptos
831-685-6444, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Natural Science Illustrations for Kids! | June 2 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Christine Elder, graduate of UCSC's Scientific leads youth, age 10-14, on a fun filled day of art activities that introduce techniques used in illustrations like those displayed for the Museum's Illustrating Nature exhibit. In addition to learning methods for creating realistic sketches, participants will complete a final project using the carbon dusting technique. $40 museum members, $55 general. Reservations suggested.

Museum of Natural History
831- 420-6113, www.santacruzmuseums.org

Book signing & reception at MAH - "Line Kiln Legacies: The History of the Lime Industry in Santa Cruz County" | June 2 (1-3 p.m.)

Authors Frank A. Perry, Robert W. Piwarzyk, Michael D. Luther, Alverda Orlando, Allan Molho, Sierra L. Perry and Kenneth Jensen discuss the historical findings and history of the area's lime industry. Free.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | June 3 (1-3 p.m.)

Create fun crafts that feature the cool creatures of the tidepools. Make a seastar suncatcher, or create your own sea anemone! There are activity sheets, scavenger hunts, and a take home souvenir of your day.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Beginning Birding | June 3 (8 -10 a.m)

Santa Cruz Bird Club guides a birding walk through the park. No birding experience necessary. Bring warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes and drinking water. Binoculars and field guide helpful. Free. All ages.

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

Lecture: South Africa Explorations | June 3 (1:30 p.m.)

Visiting Scholar Martin Grantham, encyclopedic plantsman and cheerful lecturer, will give an illustrated talk on his recent research in South Africa. $15 public, $10 Arboretum Members.

Arboretum - UC Santa Cruz
1156 High St., Santa Cruz 831-427-2998, www.2.ucsc.edu/arboretum/

First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | June 5 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Visit our aquarium, exhibit hall, and touch tanks. Take a tour or explore on your own. Join us as we explore Monterey Bay with our hands-on family programs!

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Professor Starma: The Singing Astronomer | June 8 (7-8 p.m.)

A fun, entertaining and informative tour of the sun and planets by way of slides, transparencies, models, and song. Free. All ages.

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