When it rains it pours, and spores, and blooms, and creeps... Norris Center students out in

our biggest classroom- the campus itself- learning about salamanders, fungi, and plants

It's winter quarter and we're celebrating another wonderful rainy January- full of fungi, salamanders, and lots of opportunities to get outside and explore our vibrant campus. We're also celebrating our 10th anniversary as a natural history center at UCSC! We're especially grateful to have had so many opportunities to engage with all of you over this last decade and we hope you're able to join us at our special upcoming events this year!

Come to our 10th Anniversary Natural History Symposium at the UCSC Haybarn!

When: Saturday February 24th 12:30-4:30

Where: UCSC Haybarn (near UCSC entrance)

Who: Naturalists of all ages are welcome!

Admission is FREE, with a $10 donation strongly encouraged for non-student adults 12 & up ($5 for current Friends of the Norris Center members) . See our Symposium Event Page for more details on program, schedule, and parking.

Dr. Justin Cummings, Third District Santa Cruz County Supervisor will join us as our keynote speaker.

To celebrate our 10th year, we're excited to host a fun-filled day of inspiring speakers, natural history exhibits, participatory nature art, and community building! Hear talks from alumnus and current 3rd District Santa Cruz County Supervisor Dr. Justin Cummings, Latin American and Latino Studies professor Dr. Lily Balloffet, and several current students studying natural history topics at UCSC. Learn to make nature block-prints under the guidance of UCSC Arts undergraduates. And of course, come see exhibits from the Norris Center's collections, including local mammals, birds, insects, and select specimens from the Ringel World Butterfly collection.

Photos from our many public events over the last 10 years

Get involved with the Friends of the Norris Center!

Become a member and get access to members-only events, discounts to upcoming Norris Center-sponsored workshops, and exclusive Friends of the Norris Center stickers (a new one each year!). Your membership helps support all aspects of the Norris Center, including student projects and our Winter 2024 symposium. Renew or join online here! If you're interested in joining the Friends of the Norris Center board, new board members will be selected at the Norris Center Winter symposium on February 24th. Email FNC@ucsc.edu if you're interested in learning more!