San Lorenzo River Walk Series: Where River Meets Ocean

Join our Education Director and discover the estuary where freshwater meets Monterey Bay and learn why these habitats are vital for wildlife. This walk is part of the San Lorenzo River Walk Series, see the complete schedule below.

Free • Guided Nature Walks • School Age Children and Adults

Fall 2026 Walk Schedule:

Celebration of California Biodiversity Week • September 12 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

A Cultural and Natural History of the Downtown River focusing on Birding starting at Tannery Arts Center. Guide: Jane Orbuch (Santa Cruz Bird Club)

The Urban River • October 3 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Explore the ecology, history, and cultures that have shaped the San Lorenzo River and Santa Cruz. Guide: Erin Loury (Coastal Watershed Council)

Nature & Mindfulness • October 24 | 9:00 AM–11:30 AM. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Experience the redwood forest through natural history and guided mindfulness. Guides: Nathan Smith (Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project) & Nikola Ristic (Spirit Without Boundaries)

Where River Meets Ocean • November 7 | Time 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Discover the estuary where freshwater meets Monterey Bay and learn why these habitats are vital for wildlife. Guide: Suzy Clark (Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History)

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Sun protection • Binoculars (optional)

Easy–moderate walks, approximately 1–2 miles.

Please leave pets at home. These walks are best suited for school-age children and older.

Presented by: Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project • Coastal Watershed Council

Santa Cruz Bird Club • Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Accessibility and Logistics

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Sun protection • Binoculars (optional)

Easy–moderate walks, approximately 1–2 miles.

Please leave pets at home. These walks are best suited for school-age children and older.