The Santa Cruz County CNPS

Events

Link to UPCOMING EVENTS!           Link to past events.

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Public Programs

We plan to hold programs for the public every other month, location to be announced by post. Our meeting location varies through the year to accommodate the season and members living in north and south county. Locations include the UCSC Arboretum, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Cabrillo College Horticultural Center.

Interested in learning more about Santa Cruz County CNPS? Our chapter board meetings are open to all. Learn about our chapter’s work and ways to become involved. Board meetings are generally held in person on the second Monday of every odd month. Email santacruzcounty@cnps.org if interested in attending.

Field Trips and Hikes

Santa Cruz County Chapter of CNPS sponsors a variety of field trips and hikes to places like Mount Madonna Park,  Ferns of Fall Creek, Bonny Doon Ecological Preserve, and Henry Cowell Park. Check here for upcoming events. 

Read the Activity Participant Waiver and be prepared to sign at the event (field trip, habitat restoration, propagation, etc.)

Habitat Restoration

We are a volunteer group working to restore native habitat in the parks and protected lands in Santa Cruz County. Our program provides an opportunity for people to learn about the natural systems that surround them while helping to restore special and wild places. No prior work experience is necessary, just show up at the park. We welcome individual volunteers from 8 to 80 years, as well as special group projects. Wear comfortable layered clothing, bring something to drink, and lots of enthusiasm! We work rain or shine, but if things get particularly unpleasant, we call it a day. Tools provided; bring gloves.. Contact Restoration Program Leader for more information.

Plant Sales

Our next Plant Sale was held at the Cabrillo College Horticulture Center on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Join us for some beautiful native plants at the Cabrillo College Horticulture Center.

Come early, favorites go fast! This year’s annual Fall Plant Sale will again be held at the Cabrillo College Horticulture Center at the top of Sanders Avenue. We will be there to help you select just the right plant for your garden. Sale is on Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in conjunction with the Cabrillo Horticulture Plant Sale and Pumpkin Patch.

Each fall we remind gardeners “fall is the best time for planting native plants.” This sale we have the widest selection of California lilac (Ceanothus) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos) taxa and cultivars we have offered, as well as a variety of favorite water-wise native perennials, shrubs, grasses, and ferns. Many are locally sourced.

We are forever grateful to Cabrillo for their ongoing support and propagation greenhouse space. It’s a productive partnership for both organizations, and local gardeners and plant lovers benefit from being able to shop two plant sales with a broader array of plants. The plant list will be available on here the week before the sale. Check this website for late-breaking details.

Workshops and Conferences

Botanical conferences, meetings, and workshops take place in California each year. Find ones that spark your interest.

• • • Watch the state CNPS website for workshops and professional training.

• • • Visit the website of the Botanical Society of America for information on their conferences.