Event highlights for the week of January 24, 2018.
Green Fix
Watsonville Wetlands Restoration
The Watsonville Wetlands are some of the largest and most abundant wetlands. They’re home to more than 220 species of birds, and countless other animals. Unfortunately, more than 90 percent of California’s wetlands have been destroyed or degraded. Every fourth Saturday presents a chance to pitch in for ours, with seasonal restoration work and time for birdwatching. Sturdy shoes, shade and reusable water bottles are recommended. All ages, no experience necessary.
INFO: 9 a.m.-noon. Saturday, Jan. 27. The Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center. 500 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville. 728-4106. watsonvillewetlandswatch.org. Free.
Art Seen
Maryjo Koch and the Art of Scientific Illustration
Maryjo Koch doesn’t overlook the little things. When it comes to painting birds nests and honeybees, every little twig and hair matters. With acute attention to detail and precision, Koch is one of the world’s most accomplished naturalist painters around. Her hyperrealistic specimens are often found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where Koch works. She has illustrated 18 books, and her work has been featured across the globe.
INFO: Wednesday, Jan. 24-Friday, March 16. Opening reception Wednesday, Jan. 24, 4-7 p.m. UCSC’s Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery, 11 Cowell Service Road, Santa Cruz. 459-2953. cowell.ucsc.edu/smith-gallery. Free.
Friday 1/26-Sunday 1/28
‘Urinetown’ the Musical
Urinetown is a critically acclaimed Broadway classic about, er, a town that doesn’t have private toilets. In an attempt to regulate water consumption, Urinetown has outlawed the use of private facilities, and people must use public, pay-per-use amenities owned and operated by Urine Good Company, a malevolent corporation run by the corrupt Caldwell B. Cladwell. Will Urinetown’s residents be ever be free to pee? There’s only one way to find out.
INFO: Shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Hawks’ Nest Theater at Mount Madonna School, 491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna. 408-847-2717. mmsurinetown.bpt.me. $16 adults, $11 18 and under.
Saturday 1/27
Laura Hecox Day
Honor the Museum of Natural History’s founder with a day of activities, including tidepooling and a beach clean-up. Hecox was the first Santa Cruz lightkeeper and a naturalist who shared her profound love of the environment and marine life with the world through her curated exhibits. Before passing away in 1916, Hecox donated her collections to the city; they became part of the Santa Cruz’s first public museum. Celebrate Hecox’s legacy while enjoying the beauty of our own rocky coast. Layers, comfortable shoes and reusable water bottles are recommended.
INFO: Beach cleanup 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Seabright Beach, intersection of East Cliff Drive and Mott Ave., Santa Cruz. To register contact vo*******@sa*************.org. Free.
Guided tidepooling 1-2:30 p.m. 511 41st Ave., Santa Cruz. Pre-registration is required, register online at santacruzmuseum.org/public-programs. $10 general admission, $5 members, children free.
Saturday 1/27
‘Into Africa’
Are Zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Why do giraffes have blue tongues? And how on Earth did baboons get the best butts? Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom might have answers to these and many way more important questions. Their new presentation “Into Africa” captures the wonders of wild African landscape and wildlife. The lecture is based on Frans Lanting’s landmark photo exhibition of the same name, produced as a partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and the National Geographic Society. Proceeds will benefit the marine science education and conservation programs at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center.
INFO: 3 and 7 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 459-3800. seymourcenter.ucsc.edu. $20/$45.
Saturday 1/27- Sunday 1/28
‘Songs of the Past, Present, and Future’
They say you have to know the past to know the future, and that’s true for music, as well. Santa Cruz Symphony’s “Songs of the Past, Present, and Future” features works from Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss and Michelle Bradley. After the intermission, Rimsky Korsakov rounds out the evening with “One Thousand and One Nights” inspired by Scheherazade and featuring concertmaster Nigel Armstrong.
INFO: 7:30-10 p.m. Jan. 27: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. 307 Church St., Santa Cruz. 420-5260.
2-4:40 p.m. Jan. 28: Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts. 250 East Beach St., Watsonville. SantaCruzTickets.com. $29-$85.
