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 foster 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: 

• Climate 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

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 831-768-3166 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 831-515-8306 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 soon

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 (831) 515-8306.