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/

Henry Cowell Campfire Program | June 4-5 (8 p.m.)

The Campfire Center is located at Graham Hill Rd Campground. Celebrate Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! Each week a different aspect of the cultural and natural history of the park will be highlighted through songs, skits, stories, and a slideshow.

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

Henry Cowell Junior Ranger Programs | June 5-8 (4-5 p.m.)

This event is at the Campfire Center at the Graham Hill Rd. Park campground entrance. The one-hour program includes active games, nature crafts, hikes and scientific activities. An amazing opportunity for children giving them the skills to be a junior ranger complete with books and active rewards programs at other California State Parks.

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

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

Campfire Program at Big Basin | June 6-7 (8 p.m.)

Join us in our historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest, or park issues while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows at 8:00 p.m. and the campfire program begins at 8:30 p.m. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome!

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Hwy 236, 9 miles from Boulder Creek
831-338-3944, www.bigbasin.org

Summer Nature Cub - Age 3-6 | June 6-8 (Fri.-Sat. 4:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.)

This fun program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their parents. Pretend, sing, play and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Hwy 236, 9 miles from Boulder Creek
831-338-3944, www.bigbasin.org

Summer Bugs by Night | June 6 (8:45-10 p.m.)

Meet at the Campfire Center at the Campground Graham Hill Rd. entrance. A fun evening for families. Take a short walk to the bug observation tower and learn about the nighttime bug life at Henry Cowell A special night-light shows many creatures not normally able to see.

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

Jr. Ranger Program - Age 7-12 | June 6-8

Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest! Explore and play games as you learn about plants, animals, geology and more. For ages 7-12, this one-hour program is for kids only! Please register your child 15 minutes before the program begins. Meet at the Nature Lodge.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Hwy 236, 9 miles from Boulder Creek
831-338-3944, www.bigbasin.org

Santa Cruz Birders’ outing | June 7 (7-10:30 p.m.)

Meet at 7:00 a.m. in the church parking lot at the intersection of Zayante and Graham Hill roads for a half-day trip. Bring water and snacks. We will look for American Dipper, and Winter and Bewick's wrens and other nesting species.

Lower Henry Cowell - Graham Hill Rd. @ Zayante Rd., Felton
Santa Cruz Bird Club, www.santacruzbirdclub.org

Climb Huckleberry Hill with Kim | June 7 (9:30 a.m.- noon)

Join ESF Stewardship Director Kim Hayes as she hikes through the coast live oak forest and maritime chaparral adorning the hills of Sala.

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