Watsonville Nature Center

We are currently closed during construction improvements happening in Ramsay Park. 
We will reopen in January 2022.

In the meantime you can join us at the following events outside

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We are currently closed during construction improvements happening in Ramsay Park. We will reopen in January 2022.

In the meantime you can join us at the following events outside:


About Us


 The Nature Center is Watsonville’s Conservation Headquarters led by the Public Works and Utilities Outreach Team.
NC Inside

For more than 15 years, the Nature Center has focused on informing and empowering Watsonville residents of all ages to conserve natural resources and appreciate our wetlands and the diverse wildlife that inhabits our area. The Nature Center is a community hub that presents the dynamic relationship of our day-to-day usage of resources in our local environment and beyond. We offer hands-on learning opportunities for all ages,  natural history learning activities, and free resource conservation tools. 
 
Our vision is to build a more informed, connected, and resilient community

Our Work

The role that our local community members play is vital for the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of our shared natural spaces.The Nature Center forster behaviors that practice civil ecology among all the residents of Watsonville and outside visitors. Our values are sustained into environmental connection, community resilience and the understanding of the diversity that exists in the community that the Center serves.

What we Offer

For local residents, the Nature Center is the place to get answers to questions about Public Works & Utilities services including waste reduction, food scraps composting, recycling, water conservation, pollution prevention, wetland protection, climate action and emergency preparedness.  

 The Nature Center offers programs, workshops, and other opportunities that promote connection and awareness about the benefits of protecting our environment.

Our  Conservation Headquarters offers: 

  • NC Plastic Free DisplayClimate action and emergency preparedness
  • Hands-on learning opportunities for all ages
  • Wildlife exhibits 
  • Free conservation tools
  • Guided walks of wetlands trails 
  • Habitat restorations opportunities
  • Drop-in litter clean-up opportunities with tools provided
  • Activities & workshops with local partners  
  • Water rebate information
  • How to save water, make compost, recycle right, and much more

Guided Nature & Birding Walks

Birding Walk near bridge

The Nature Center offers a free, bilingual nature walk every Sunday at 1:30 pm

Join us in exploring our award winning trails through the rich wetland habitat.

  • No reservations required
  • Families with children welcome
  • Binoculars provided
  • Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather

Group Visits & Trail Tours by Appointment

Register your teen or adult group for a FREE guided tour of the wetlands trails. Your group will experience first-hand the beautiful birds and plants living in our local wetlands, and walk away knowing why and how to protect this unique habitat.

  • Minimum group size: 10 people
  • Visits tailored to fit needs and interests of group
  • Bilingual staff available
  • To register please call 831-768-1622 two weeks in advance

Litter Clean-ups

Community groups or youth programs can schedule litter clean-ups on the trails and around neighborhoods at the Nature Center (831) 768-1622 as part of our Beautification program. Materials, instructions and a leader (when needed) will be provided. Must schedule at least 2 weeks in advance.

Individuals and families can also drop-in at the Nature Center on the weekends to do clean-ups on the trails or at Ramsay Park to protect our natural environment. Materials and instructions provided. School volunteer credits are also provided.

Workshops, Clinics, and DIY (do it yourself)  

Calendar coming soonNC DIY

Stay tuned for our upcoming workshops, events, and DIY(do it yourself) days happening throughout the year. Our programs focus on different conservation and nature themes with fun indoor and outdoor activities. All activities are bilingual and free of charge.

All Activities are FREE and
Bilingual in English and Spanish!

Partnering Opportunities

The Nature Center will be serving as a free venue for non-profit organizations to: 

  • Promote and exchange educational activities while combining outreach efforts
  • Share programs, services, and audiences through partnering events and workshops
  • Highlight your organization with other organizations’ audiences
  • Be part of the Nature Center’s event calendar

Our ultimate goal is to better serve the Watsonville community by offering and highlighting resources and opportunities available to them while connecting with them and local organizations to create a stronger community.

We are excited to open a new door to local organizations to use our center as a community resource where we can collaborate and support each other in serving the Watsonville community. To learn more, please contact us at naturecenter@cityofwatsonville.org  or call us 768-3133.