City of Watsonville Nature Center

The City’s Nature Center is part of the Department of Public Works and Utilities. As part of our Conservation Outreach and Education Program, the Nature Center provides workshops, youth activities, school programs and adult education to residents. The Center’s exhibits and staff work to connect our community to the various environmental services offered through Public Works & Utilities.

Additionally, the City is committed to preserving and protecting our wetlands of Watsonville. From restoring degraded wetland habitat, enhancing and creating public trails along the wetlands to opening a nature center dedicated to inform and guide the community, the City has involved thousands of residents in habitat protection.  Over fifty thousand Watsonville residents and hundreds of wildlife species share this beautiful and unique environment, accessible in our own neighborhoods. The City of Watsonville began the task of inspiring and educating its residents and visitors about this exclusive hidden treasure located at the heart of the city in 2004.

Nature Center Open Hours:

Saturdays and Sundays: 10am –5pm

Guided Nature Walks: Sundays 1:30pm  Learn more…

Weekday tours and workshops by appointment Learn more…

Closed:  Easter, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

Watsonville Wetland Trails open to the public every day!

Free Admission!

Location & Contact

City of Watsonville Nature Center

Map & Driving Directions

Coming South on Highway 1:

1. Take the Main Street/Highway 152 exit.
2. Turn Right on Green Valley Road.
3. Turn Left on Harkins Slough Road, before crossing over the highway.
4. Travel over Harkins Slough Bridge and past Ohlone Parkway.
5. Turn Left into parking lot, just past the great white dome.
6. Look for Nature Center signs.

Coming North on Highway 1:

1. Take the Green Valley Road exit, immediately turn Right on Harkins Slough Road.
2.  Travel over Harkins Slough Bridge and past Ohlone Parkway.
3. Turn Left into parking lot, just past the great white dome.
4. Look for Nature Center signs.

Coming South on Highway 101:

1. Exit on CA-129 west toward Watsonville.
2. Turn Right at CA-129 w/ Chittenden Road. Continue to follow for 12.5 miles. Chittenden will turn to CA-129 Riverside Road.
3. Turn Right on Main Street.
4. Turn Left on Ohlone Parkway.
5.  Turn Left into parking lot, just past the great white dome.
6. Look for Nature Center signs.

 Watsonville Nature Center – 30 Harkins Slough Road – Watsonville, CA 95076  Phone: (831) 768-1622              Fax: (831) 768-1622