Join mushroom enthusiasts Dan Tischler and Justin Pierce from the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz to explore local habitats in search of interesting fungi. We will discuss a bit of the fungus life cycle and some of the various roles that fungi play in natural ecosystems. Learn to identify at least one or two common species and get tips for finding and identifying others that may be encountered in our area. Be prepared to walk about 3 miles round trip as we explore redwood, mixed hardwood/fir/pine, and meadow habitats. This walk will be held at Quail Hollow Ranch. Park information can be found here. In the case of rain, we have permission to use indoor facilities. Participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch or snacks. About the walk leaders: Dan Tischler has been hunting wild mushrooms on the California coast since around the time he learned to walk. He started as a child gathering  porcini and later came to recognize a few other common edibles. This led to an interest in learning about all the other fungi out there. Now his main interests are learning about the complex lifestyles of fungi and the roles they play in broader ecosystems. […]

The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz is excited to present the return of Kids Day Downtown, a day-long festival of activities, events and entertainment just for kids. The sidewalks of Downtown Santa Cruz will be filled with exhibitors, free activities, and entertainment, plus in-store activities and specials throughout downtown at your favorite businesses. Come experience a great sample of community groups with great youth programming. Education, sports, arts, science, dance, theater, and other offerings will be present with hands on activities all day. The festival runs from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 21st.

Boardwalk Fun Run 1K and 5K Sunday, April 5, 2020 1K- Ages 12 and Under 5K- Ages 4 and Up Lace up your shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! All registered runners receive: Finisher medal Boardwalk treats $5 MyBoardwalk Card for games Up to 2 hours of free-play in the Casino Arcade. $8 Off Ride Wristband for race day Continue the fun after the race is over and go on rides, play games and enjoy the beach! Register Now Sign up before February 15 for a $10 discount! Or sign up before March 14 for a $5 discount! Online registration ends April 4. Onsite registration available on event day from 6:30am-8am at the Season Pass/Group Services Office. Race Info Race-Day Timeline 6:30am: Race Registration and Bib Pick‑Up 7:30am: Warm-up led at Neptune’s Stage 8:00am: 1K Race Starts 8:30am: 5K Race Starts 8:30am-10:30am: Free-Play in arcades for people with event bibs (kids under 12 with bib can have one non-participant adult chaperone) 8:45am-9:30am: Entertainment on Neptune’s Stage 9:30am: Course Closed 10:30am: Awards at Neptune’s Stage 11:00am: Boardwalk Rides Open