Check out 'Family Spooky Night' Oct. 27 at the Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab--and other upcoming events

Every year, a blast of warm weather followed by cool nights ushers in autumn on the central coast, where an array of seasonal events are planned at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab.

Kicking off the festivities will be "Family Spooky Night" on Friday, October 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Make your reservations early for this fun-filled evening that will be "just spooky enough."

See details below, and make note of all the opportunities for fun and exploration from now through January 2003.

Friday, October 25, 6:30-8:30 PM

Family Spooky Night: "Dem Bones, Dem Bones"

Public $5, Friends of Long Marine Laboratory Members $3

Just in time for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, you can visit the Seymour Center at night! Join us for an evening that's just spooky enough. We'll have storytelling, crafts, and a close up look at skulls and skeletons from marine animals. Take an after dark look at the largest blue whale skeleton displayed in the world! For advance reservations, call (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Sunday, October 27, 2:15-3:30 PM

Marine Mammal Research Tour - Behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab

Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 7 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Call the Seymour Center for reservations (required): (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Tuesday, November 5

Free First Tuesday at the Seymour Center

As fall descends, life in Monterey Bay changes in an endless cycle of renewal. Join us as we explore migrations, recycling, endings, and beginnings during our daily fall program, The Great Circle of Life. Family programs every day! Call for daily schedule: (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Thursday, November 14, 2:15-3:30 PM

Marine Mammal Research Tour - Behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab

Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 7 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Call the Seymour Center for reservations (required): (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Thursday, November 21, 5:30-10 PM

CHEERS!

Join us for dinner at the Crow's Nest Restaurant for a fundraiser to support the Seymour Center's Education Programs. Call the Crow's Nest for reservations: (831) 476-4560.

Saturday, November 23, 11 AM-12 PM

Family slide show and live bird demonstration: "Helping Hands for Falcons and Eagles"

Public $8 adult/ $5 children (6-16 years) (Price includes Seymour Center admission), Friends of LML Members $3 adult/$2 children

Did you know peregrine falcons nest on skyscrapers? Ever get e-mail from a bald eagle? How do golden eagles help wild pigs and why is this a problem? Join UCSC biologist Glenn Stewart as he presents a slide show about the work of the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group (SCPBRG) and then introduces you to one of the live "bird ambassadors" of his program. Advanced reservation required; call (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, La Feliz room, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Sunday, November 24, 2:15-3:30 PM

Marine Mammal Research Tour - Behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab

Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 7 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Call the Seymour Center for reservations (required): (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Friday-Sunday, November 29-December 1, 10 AM-5 PM

Family programs at the Seymour Center

Bring your turkey sandwiches for a picnic and take a stroll in Santa Cruz. Join us as we explore migrations, recycling, endings and beginnings during our daily programs in The Great Circle of Life. Come play with "Snow in the Sea?!" and help with "What Belongs on the Beach?" Aquaria, hands-on animals, tours, and spectacular views.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C. (831) 459-3800

Tuesday, December 3

Free First Tuesday at the Seymour Center

As fall dwindles and winter begins, life in Monterey Bay changes in an endless cycle of renewal. Join us as we explore migrations, recycling, endings and beginnings during our daily program The Great Circle of Life. Family programs everyday! Call for daily schedule: (831) 459-3800

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Saturday, December 7, 10 AM-6 PM

Jingle Shells Art and Book Festival at the Seymour Center

Celebrate the holiday season by the sea. Meet artists and authors, shop for unique ocean-themed holiday gifts, enjoy live music, refreshments, free gift wrapping, children's activities, and explore Seymour Center exhibits, aquarium, and touch tanks. Join us as we light up the largest blue whale skeleton in the world at 6 PM! Entrance fees to the center are waived during the entire day. Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C. (831) 459-3800. (The Seymour Center and its Ocean Discovery Shop will be open until 9 PM on Thursdays, December 12 and 19. During these extended holiday hours, enjoy hot chocolate, holiday treats, and the opportunity to behold the glowing glory of Ms. Blue. Admission fees are waived during the extended 5 - 9 PM hours.)

Thursday, December 12, 2:15-3:30 PM

Marine Mammal Research Tour - Behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab

Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 7 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Call the Seymour Center for reservations (required): (831) 459-3800

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

December 12 and 19, 5-9 PM

Extended Holiday Shopping Hours.

The Seymour Center and its Ocean Discovery Shop will be open on Thursday evenings. During these extended holiday hours, enjoy hot chocolate, holiday treats, and the opportunity to behold the glowing glory of Ms. Blue. Admission fees are waived during the extended hours.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Sunday, December 22, 2:15-3:30 PM

Marine Mammal Research Tour - Behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab

Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 7 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Call the Seymour Center for reservations (required): (831) 459-3800

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Thursday-Sunday, December 26-29 &

Thursday-Sunday, January 2-5

Seymour Center holiday hours.

We're open regular hours: 10 AM-5PM (Sunday 12-5 PM). As winter descends, life in Monterey Bay changes in an endless cycle of renewal. Join us as we explore migrations, recycling, endings and beginnings during our daily program, The Great Circle of Life. Family programs everyday! Call for daily schedule: (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Tuesday, January 7, 10 AM-5 PM Free First Tuesday at the Seymour Center

New winter programs begin. Join us as we celebrate "Marvelous Marine Mammals!" Dress up like Rocky the sea lion, find out how much sea otters eat in the "Otter Fodder" game. Call for daily schedule: (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Thursday, January 9, 2:15-3:30 PM

Marine Mammal Research Tour

Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 7 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Call the Seymour Center for reservations (required): (831) 459-3800.

Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Rd. End of Delaware Av., S.C.

Saturday, January 11, 2003, 8:30 AM

Whale Watching Trip with Don Croll, UCSC asst. professor of biology

Moss Landing Harbor. Public $40 adults, $30 children (12 and under). Members $35 adults, $25 children. Come aboard for a fantastic half-day trip on the Princess of Whales, Monterey Bay's premiere whale watching boat, powered by bio-diesel (no nasty fumes!). Scout for gray whales, dolphins, and birds. Ride in comfort with full galley, view decks, and lavish indoor cabin. Makes a great holiday gift! Call (831) 459-3800 for information. To book a reservation, call Sanctuary Cruises for reservations; be sure to mention the Seymour Center, (831) 643-0128.

Saturday, January 25, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Annual Docent Training begins

Looking to get more involved in your community? Curious about the ocean and it's many mysteries? Become a Seymour Center docent! In this fun and educational 10-week class, you will learn about marine science, interpretation, and current LML research in preparation for joining our docent team. Call Christy Walker, volunteer services manager, at (831) 459-3854 to register.