Friends of the Norris Center (FNC)
The Friends of the Norris Center (FNC) are a group of community members and students dedicated to advancing the mission of the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History. Following in Ken’s spirit, Norris Center members are part of a community of people who carry their passion for the natural world into all aspects of their lives. FNC is a not-for-profit organization, and membership is open to all.
Become a Friend of the Norris Center
- Advance natural history training and Norris Center activities
- Provide community and alumni engagement and professional development networks
- Expand Norris Center programming
- Support Norris Center research on natural history and field-based education
- Increase public outreach, advocacy, and financial support for the Norris Center
Member Benefits
- Online announcements of upcoming events and activities
- Norris Center sticker (a new design each year!)
- Access to members-only events, including volunteer days and tours at local natural reserves
- Discount on Norris Center events (fee-based workshops, classes, etc.)
- Invitation to annual membership event
- See our Member Events Page!
Membership Levels
- Ohlone Tiger Beetle, $20: Standard benefits (see below for details)
- Trifolium Clover, $50: Standard benefits
- Parrot Mushroom, $80: Standard benefits
- Santa Cruz Black Salamander, $150: standard benefits plus Norris Center 2024 Plant-Pollinator Wall Calendar (while supplies last) and membership in ROAM, the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums
- Peregrine Falcon, $500: above benefits plus personalized natural history education opportunity and choice of Norris Center hat or field guide (including the new UCSC Campus Insects Field Guide)
- Spinner Dolphin, $1,000 and above: Lifetime membership with above benefits plus naming rights for a Norris Center Butterfly Tray
Two ways to join!
Join online using UCSC’s secure online giving site or
Download and mail the FNC membership form with your check or credit card information
Note: You will receive a membership card in the mail.
Memberships are good through the end of the current calendar year, then renew on January 1 thereafter. If you join in the last quarter of the calendar year (October-December), your membership will extend through the following year.
Interested in volunteering? Drop us a note at FNC@ucsc.edu and we’ll get back to you with volunteer options.