Join four Santa Cruz organizations for free guided walks exploring the San Lorenzo River, from the redwoods to Monterey Bay. Discover birds, steelhead, native plants, history, and the connections between people and nature from different perspectives. Feel free to sign up for just one walk, all four, or something in between!
All walks are free and open to the public, and are best suited for school-age children and older. Walks are easy to moderate, and will cover between 1 and 2 miles. Please wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water, and please leave pets at home. Heavy rain may cancel.
Walk Details:
- Saturday, September 12, 9 am–12 pm: Celebrate California Biodiversity Week by joining Jane Orbuch from the Santa Cruz Bird Club for an exploration of the cultural and natural history of the San Lorenzo River, focusing on observing & recording birds for Biodiversity Day. Meet at the Olios Cafe at the Tannery Arts Center starting at 8:30 am for coffee and chatting. We will walk the river levee beginning at 9 am to Chinatown Bridge and back to the Tannery by noon. Special guests will share insights on past, present, and future river plans and assist in identifying birds. Participants are welcome to have lunch at Olios Cafe and explore the Art of Flowers exhibit at the Tannery following the walk. Participants will get a detailed email before event
- Saturday, October 3, 10 am–12 pm: Join Erin Loury and Patrick Lopez from the Coastal Watershed Council for a discussion of native plants and the urban San Lorenzo River. Meet at the Coastal Watershed Council in the GoodTimes building (107 Dakota Ave, Suite 4). We will walk the River levee from the Soquel Ave bridge to the Riverside bridge and back, identifying native plants and discussing urban river restoration.
- Saturday, October 24, 9 am–11:30 am: Join Nathan Smith from the Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project and Nikola Ristic from Spirit Without Boundaries for a discussion of river and redwood forest natural history and guided mindfulness in the beauty of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Meet at the Henry Cowell Visitor Center.
- Saturday, November 7, 9:30–11:30 am: Join Suzy Clark from the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a guided walk of the San Lorenzo River lagoon. Discover the estuary habitat where the river meets the ocean, and learn about its vital importance for wildlife. Meet on the steps of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
