Dear Friends,

Santa Cruz County has always been shaped by its relationship with the ocean. The tides, the winds, the waves—they are a part of our story, and sometimes they challenge us in ways we can’t ignore. Over the past decade, we’ve faced wildfires that reshaped our mountains, floods that tested our communities, and storms that reminded us of both nature’s power and its fragility. Now, with the recent collapse of part of the Santa Cruz Wharf, we are presented with another moment that asks: How will we respond?

At the Seymour Center, we know the answer lies in the heart of our community. Time and again, we’ve seen the incredible power of people coming together to create solutions. Whether it’s neighbors supporting one another in times of crisis, scientists sharing critical insights, or young minds stepping forward with big ideas, Santa Cruz is a place where resilience is ingrained in our spirit.

When storms reveal the vulnerabilities of our beloved coastlines, we don’t just rebuild—we reimagine. The wharf’s collapse is not just a story of loss but a call to ensure the structures and spaces that connect us to the ocean reflect the future we want: resilient, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the values of this community.

As a science center dedicated to connecting science with action, we see an obligation to:

• Gather our community, to share knowledge, resources, and hope. Together, we’ll explore how science, innovation, and collective effort can create a more resilient future for Santa Cruz.
• Amplify solutions that blend science, education, and local ingenuity. From climate-progressive materials to nature-inspired engineering, the way forward is filled with possibility. We’ll shine a light on it for everyone to see.
• Honor the stories of resilience of our built environment and the people who call this place home. 

Santa Cruz is no stranger to the impacts of a changing climate. Santa Cruz is a place that has shown the world how a community can come together to solve problems and support one another. The storms of the past decade have revealed that resilience isn’t just about weathering what comes next—it’s about embracing the opportunity to shape what’s ahead.

This is our opportunity to lead, to innovate, and to ensure that the next generation inherits a coast that’s conserved and thriving. Together, we can turn this moment into a story of hope, one that shows how a community standing together can achieve incredible things.

We invite you to join us in this work—not just as supporters, but as co-creators of a future that celebrates the best of Santa Cruz. Let’s seize this moment, and turn the tide together.

With gratitude and hope,

Jonathan Hicken
Executive Director
Seymour Marine Discovery Center