
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
- 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.