“One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish”… Enjoy Dr. Seuss-themed hands-on learning fun as we celebrate the ocean. Get up close and personal with ocean life—investigate what lives on a kelp holdfast, and check out marine animals as they eat special treats! Head to West Beach afterwards and continue the excitement at the Santa Barbara Ocean Festival. Free for kids with paid adult admission. Presented by ... Ty Warner Sea Center (211 Stearns Wharf) Venue ... Ty Warner Sea Center (211 Stearns Wharf)  (805) 962-2526 x110  Email   Website

Quasars to Sea Stars is a science work-study program where students work closely with educators and scientists to learn about the natural world. Teens accepted into the program will attend on-going trainings, work shifts, and group activities, as well as participate in outreach events as representatives of the Museum. Eighth graders with an interest in science, nature, and the Museum are encouraged to apply. Applications are due April 30 and are available on our website and at the Museum.   Email   Website

The “Town Hall” series seeks to create an environment of trust and respect that engages a diverse set of voice to discuss and explore critical issues facing Santa Barbara and the world beyond. It is open to all members of the community, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn from their peers and voice their views on matters of local, state and national concern. The goal is not to advocate for specific view points or solutions, but to deepen our understanding of different perspectives and approaches to the wide array of problems that confront us as a civil society. In January 2013, President Obama challenged the nation to address the issue of climate change: "Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, crippling drought, and more powerful storms... America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it." Join a dialogue that explores how Santa Barbara is currently impacted by climate change and what researchers expect to see in the city’s future. What are Santa Barbarans doing now and what more can be done to prevent the acceleration of Global Warming? How can our city officials, educational institutions, companies, and citizens be leaders in the challenges that lie ahead? Moderated by Stan Roden, JD, Mediation-Arbitration Specialist. PANEL: Davis Davis, President and CEO of The Community Environmental Council; Frank Davis, Director of National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis; Professor, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management; John Ledbetter, Principal Planner for the Santa Barbara City Planning Division; Bruce Allen, Co-Founder of SOS California; John Jostes, Nationally Recognized Environmental and Public Policy Mediator; Visiting Faculty at Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. Presented by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and sponsored in part by the Santa Barbara Foundation. Venue: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.  Email   Website

This dramatic and moving year-in-the-life documentary follows passionate field biologist Joseph Brandt into the world of endangered species recovery. His mission: to enable the iconic California condor to fly free once again. It’s a mission tasked to biologists but fundamentally wrapped up in public policy – revealing the true challenge of environmental sustainability – that place where human preferences clash with the goal of renewal. Join filmmaker Jeff McLoughlin, and featured cast Joseph Brandt, Wildlife Biologist and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Jan Hamber, California Condor Archivist, for a special question & answer session after the screening. Proceeds from admissions will benefit Los Padres ForestWatch and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Co-Sponsored by Los Padres ForestWatch Venue: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.  Email   Website

Homelessness does not just affect the homeless...our whole community is impacted. It is estimated that more than 4,000 people (including families, adults and children)are homeless in Santa Barbara County. Services, programs and associated costs for managing temporary and chronic homelessness could cost the region as much as $35-$40 million annually. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, the faith community, and the business sector each play a role in crafting and implementing solutions to the issue of homelessness; yet a solid solution to homelessness elludes us. Join a conversation that matters with a group of leaders from these sectors of Santa Barbara as they have a candid conversation about the options before us. Come to listen and share your perspectives, not only on what the real world challenges are, but how we can make progress as stewards of our own community. Venue: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.  Email   Website

Swirl, sip and savor tastings wine from premier Central Coast wineries complemented with sweet and savory delectable delights at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Enjoy the serene beauty of nature at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History as you stroll the banks of Mission Creek shaded by majestic oak trees. TICKETS: Members $60; non-members $85; At the Door (if available) $95. At-the-door tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis for $95 each. Proceeds benefit the Museum's exhibits and education programs. IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an adults-only event. Guests must be at least 21 years old. No children or pets allowed. For more information and a complete listing of the participating wineries go to www.sbnature.org/winefestival. Venue: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.  Website

"Every Cork Wins" a Prize! Back by popular demand, the "Every Cork Wins" raffle returns to the Santa Barbara Wine Festival™. This is the one raffle where you a guaranteed to win a prize. Just donate $20 for a chance to pull a cork, and you will win a prize from one of the wineries or vendors, a Museum Membership, or even a pair of tickets to next year’s event. Average retail cost of prizes is $50, so don't forget to bring a few $20 bills. There are still some tickets available but don't wait till the last minute!!!!!  Website

On June 21, 2012, American Public Transportation Association (APTA), in partnership with The Sierra Club, The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and public transportation systems across the country will celebrate the 7th Annual National Dump the Pump Day. In these tough economic times with high gas prices, everyone is looking for a way to save money. National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation (instead of driving) and save money. Riding public transit is an economical way to save money, particularly when gas prices are high. The latest APTA Transit Savings Report shows that a two person household that downsizes to one car can save – on the average – about $10,000 a year. DUMP THE PUMP REWARD: If you take the MTD to either the Museum or Sea Center, just show your MTD Bus Pass or Ticket and receive one free regular admission with the purchase of an equal or greater priced admission. Venue: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.  Email   Website

Big scientists start small, and children are natural scientists who energetically explore, investigate, and discover. Science PlayLab provides a fun, hands-on environment that connects kids to nature and science through creative play and experimentation. The exhibit is designed for children ages 4–8 years to be experienced with their entire family (adults, teens, seniors and toddlers); there is something for every age to enjoy. Science PlayLab offers the whole family a variety of special adventures, to play and learn together, and to foster a sense of wonder for our natural world. This exhibit explores movement through nature in the air, water, and land. At each of the interactive stations, children and adults can observe, investigate, experiment, predict, invent, and imagine. A list of the interactive stations can be found on our website at www.sbnature.org. Entry into Science PlayLab is included with general admission to the Museum. Members are FREE. Non-members: $10/adult, $7/senior, $7/teen, $6/child. Parking is free. Science PlayLab is open from February 4-April 15, 2012 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Venue: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.  Email   Website

Free for Museum Members -- Join us at 9 AM for a sneak peek of Arctic Sanctuary before it opens to the general public at 10 AM. Coffee and hot cocoa will be served. The photographer will be available for questions.   Email   Website