Our Events
Explore upcoming Ecology Action and partner events to learn more about sustainable initiatives in California.
We invite the public to walk or bike through this temporary project, then take the survey!
As part of the Salinas Safe Routes to Schools Plan, the bike lanes on McKinnon Street between Harden Parkway and Harden Middle School will be changed to separated bikeways and temporary curb extensions will be added on Westminster Drive. These changes will be in place for 30 days, with the goal of improving safety and getting feedback from the community.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS:
- Allows the community to test out the design
- Provides protected space for students biking to school
- More walking and biking supports a healthy community and environment
You are invited to walk and bike on McKinnon Street and Westminster Drive during the installation to see what a permanent project could look like and share your feedback.
The Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program trains and certifies landscape industry workers in Monterey Bay-Friendly Landscaping design and maintenance practices.
In order to become certified, gardeners attend the certification-level series which consists of ten weekday evening class sessions for a total of 20-30 hours of instruction and a Saturday class project. Gardeners must obtain a passing score on a final exam that covers all core subjects and must complete a comprehensive self-evaluation of their landscape practices. Continuing education is not required to maintain certification. However, certified gardeners are encouraged to attend continuing education classes.
The next 10-week Green Gardener Certification-level course will be offered both online and in-person in April 2022 at the Watsonville/Aptos Adult School, 294 Green Valley Road in Watsonville. Participants will have the opportunity to earn the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Certification.
REGISTER BY CALLING WATSONVILLE ADULT EDUCATION AT (831) 786-2160 OR BY HEADING TO THIS LINK
QWEL/Green Gardener Certification is sponsored by the water utility members of the Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County, Ecology Action, and Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education
Bike and Walk to School (BWTS) day happens bi-annually: once in the Fall (October) and one in Spring (May).
For many years, Ecology Action has been the primary organizer for the county-wide BWTS events, but some schools may choose to host their own BWTS events separate from EA’s support.
We are excited for this Spring’s event on May 19th! Please check with your child’s school to confirm their participation.
The Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program trains and certifies landscape industry workers in Monterey Bay-Friendly Landscaping design and maintenance practices.
In order to become certified, gardeners attend the certification-level series which consists of ten weekday evening class sessions for a total of 20-30 hours of instruction and a Saturday class project. Gardeners must obtain a passing score on a final exam that covers all core subjects and must complete a comprehensive self-evaluation of their landscape practices. Continuing education is not required to maintain certification. However, certified gardeners are encouraged to attend continuing education classes.
The next 10-week Green Gardener Certification-level course will be offered both online and in-person in April 2022 at the Watsonville/Aptos Adult School, 294 Green Valley Road in Watsonville. Participants will have the opportunity to earn the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Certification.
REGISTER BY CALLING WATSONVILLE ADULT EDUCATION AT (831) 786-2160 OR BY HEADING TO THIS LINK
QWEL/Green Gardener Certification is sponsored by the water utility members of the Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County, Ecology Action, and Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education
The Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program trains and certifies landscape industry workers in Monterey Bay-Friendly Landscaping design and maintenance practices.
In order to become certified, gardeners attend the certification-level series which consists of ten weekday evening class sessions for a total of 20-30 hours of instruction and a Saturday class project. Gardeners must obtain a passing score on a final exam that covers all core subjects and must complete a comprehensive self-evaluation of their landscape practices. Continuing education is not required to maintain certification. However, certified gardeners are encouraged to attend continuing education classes.
The next 10-week Green Gardener Certification-level course will be offered both online and in-person in April 2022 at the Watsonville/Aptos Adult School, 294 Green Valley Road in Watsonville. Participants will have the opportunity to earn the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Certification.
REGISTER BY CALLING WATSONVILLE ADULT EDUCATION AT (831) 786-2160 OR BY HEADING TO THIS LINK
QWEL/Green Gardener Certification is sponsored by the water utility members of the Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County, Ecology Action, and Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education
Ecology Action Bike and Walk Smart staff will provide information to Bayview parents about how to be safe while walking and biking with their children and will be a space for parent discussion around the challenges of active transportation
Kid tested, parent approved. As more families head out by bike, there are a lot of options to consider. We’ll help you navigate the how-to’s of riding with children.
Register for this free webinar here.
Of all the barriers people face to biking, kids usually land at the top of the list. How early can you get your kiddo on a bike with you? What are the different ways you can carry your kids or ride with them? Is a cargo bike better than a trailer? With a bit of preparation, we’re confident that you can navigate the childcare/school, work, errand, and extracurricular point-to-point by bike!
In this new workshop, Ecology Action staff will guide you through the many options for family biking. Topics will include gear, family testimonials, riding through the developmental stages, and recommendations for riding with kids safely, conveniently, and having fun along the way. Find out how parents and caregivers are replacing the minivan with the bike and why kids can’t seem to get enough.
FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS AVAILABLE FOR ALL ATTENDEES*
For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit gosantacruzcounty.org
This free workshop is offered to all as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips. While certain benefits are only available to people employed by businesses in downtown SC, all may attend.
*To request helmets and bike lights, attendees must be employees of a business in SC County and enrolled in GO SC on gosantacruzcounty.org
Tired of $6.50-a-gallon gas? Are you curious about making your transportation trips easier? Want to learn more about how eBikes can help level-up your commute, saving you both time and money?
Register for this free webinar here.
Maybe you’ve thought about biking to work, but you’re concerned about hills, distance, or the extra time it will take you. Perhaps you’d love to ride, but you are a busy parent with kids to transport and errands to run.
From hauling kids, to arriving to work sweat-free, this workshop will explore eBike options for a diversity of lifestyles and budgets.
Ecology Action staff will provide an overview introduction of eBikes. Topics will include frequently asked questions, different eBike technologies, cost, environmental benefits, and investigate if eBikes can really replace cars.
We’ll also dive into the question on everyone’s mind: “Are eBikes cheating?” Spoiler alert: they’re not. Additionally, we’ll cover all of the GO SC benefits available to you, including zero interest eBike financing, eBike rebates, free two-week eBike test rides, free transit passes, and much more!
FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS FOR ALL ATTENDEES*
For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit gosantacruzcounty.org
This free workshop is offered to all as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips. While certain benefits are only available to people employed by businesses in downtown SC, all may attend.
*To request helmets and bike lights, attendees must be employees of a business in SC County and enrolled in GO SC on gosantacruzcounty.org
Gas prices putting a strain on your pocketbook? Are you curious about how to ride your bike safely and confidently around town? Want to learn the rules of the road and how you fit in as a cyclist?
Register here for this free webinar.
How about gear selection, fit and sizing for your bike, avoiding bike theft, or choosing a low-traffic route? Get answers to these questions and more at this urban cycling workshop.
Ecology Action staff will run through all the basics of urban cycling and guide curious cyclists of all levels and backgrounds. We’ll also cover all of the GO SC benefits available to you, including bike financing, free two-week e-bike rebates and test rides, free transit passes, and much more!
FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS FOR ALL ATTENDEES*
For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit gosantacruzcounty.org
This free workshop is offered to all as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips. While certain benefits are only available to people employed by businesses in downtown SC, all may attend.
*To request helmets and bike lights, attendees must be employees of a business in SC County and enrolled in GO SC on gosantacruzcounty.org
Open Streets Santa Cruz Is Back!
Sunday, October 16th 2022
West Cliff Drive | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Open Streets Santa Cruz returns to West Cliff Drive on Sunday, October 16th 2022! Join us for another day of walking, biking and playing in the streets on a day free from car traffic. Come back soon for details on this year’s event, including booth/activity locations and performance guide.
BOOTHS & ACTIVITIES—TO BE UPDATED SOON!!!
Open Streets Santa Cruz 2022 will be the largest event yet, with more than 60 local organizations, businesses and performers hosting some incredible activities and resources!
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Enter to win a new bike by visiting all of the City of Santa Cruz booths.
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Enjoy complimentary massage from Ho’āla Bodywork and Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab.
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Sip on coffee courtesy of Environteers and munch on pizza samples from Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta.
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Test your bike skills on Ecology Action’s bike safety obstacle course.
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Bring the pups to the dog hydration station at Peace of Mind Dog Rescue and treat them to puppucinnos courtesy of WOOFPACK.
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Join classes on Congolese dance, Worldanz, and Aikido.
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Catch live performances from 10 local bands and musicians.
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Take eBike test rides from Bicycle Trip of Santa Cruz & Capitola and Epicenter Cycling.
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Check out Spring Hill School’s booth for hands on activities for children to explore, imagine, and create.
More Ways to Take Action
Less Emissions is our mission – and with a little help from our friends we know we can get there.
What We’re Thinking About
Our brainpower is always turned on, generating new ways to guarantee a greener future. Take a look at a few of our big ideas.