WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville Nature Center is opening for visitors this weekend for the first time since the pandemic.
A bilingual open house will be held Saturday from 3-5pm, with a workshop on emergency wildfire preparedness. Numerous organizations and agencies will be on hand for the event, including Regeneracion Climate Action, Pajaro Valley Health Trust, Second Harvest Food Bank, Watsonville Fire Department and Bike Santa Cruz County.
Participants can learn about how to create a personal emergency go-bag, sign up for emergency alerts and receive free emergency supplies, including non-perishable food donated by Grocery Outlet and Second Harvest.
“Last year made us all very aware of the risk we face,” said Public Works outreach manager Cristy Cassel-Shimabukuro. “Our main goal is for people to be aware that there are things they can do to prepare… and that there are resources here in the city that can be used.”
The center itself will also be open Saturday from noon-6pm.
After a year of being shuttered, staff said they are eager to invite visitors back in once again.
“It’s exciting,” Cassel-Shimabukuro said. “We’ve missed taking people out on our trails, connecting with Watsonville people. We’re thrilled to once again offer this free resource to the community.”
Watsonville Nature Center is located behind Ramsay Park at 30 Harkins Slough Rd. For information call 768-1622.
