The Museum's newest permanent exhibit, the Garden Learning Center, resides outdoors on the eastern side of the Museum building. The Garden Learning Center provides examples of sustainable garden techniques and was designed to promote water and soil conservation, increase ecological diversity, and keep harmful chemicals out of our watershed. Interpretive panels throughout the garden illustrate concepts in sustainable gardening, and introduce visitors to common native plants suitable for planting in our region. Visit our Garden Learning Center; we hope to inspire you to implement some of our sustainable practices into your home garden.

This exhibit was made possible by a grant from Ecology Action Santa Cruz and the State Water Resources Control Board, with additional funding from the Seabright Neighborhood Association.

Hummingbird Garden

The Garden Learning Center was expanded in July 2010 to include a Hummingbird Garden. Volunteers replaced a patch of non-native English ivy and periwinkle with California native plants that will provide food and shelter for our local wildlife.

The Hummingbird Garden was made possible by a grant from the Seabright Neighborhood Association. Additional thanks to the California Native Plant Society, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Native Revival Nursery, and our many Museum volunteers.