We're thrilled to welcome Peter Cowhey from UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) to the Board of Directors. An author, educator, and thought leader with vast experience in government relations, Cowhey will bring his vast knowledge and innovative thinking to the organization.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
San Diego, CA 6,902 followers
The Nat is here for nature—past, present, and future. Explore the natural history of Southern California and Baja Cali.
About us
Mission: To interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.
- Website
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http://www.sdnat.org
External link for San Diego Natural History Museum
- Industry
- Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- San Diego, CA
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1874
Locations
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Primary
1788 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Employees at San Diego Natural History Museum
Updates
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🧐 Have you seen this snake? Herpetologists at The Nat are looking for the Baja California Ratsnake (Bogertophis rosaliae)—it’s the rarest snake in the entire United States. Although it is documented along the entire length of the Baja California peninsula, it's known to science from just one individual in the United States and has never been photographed alive in California. The roadkilled specimen above was collected over 40 years ago, and we have it in our collection. This species is elusive because it occurs in a remote corner of California that is rarely visited by people, and since it's a top predator, it occurs at low densities in the landscape. But, why should we bother looking for it? Rediscovering this snake would be a huge win for establishing their continued status as part of the tremendous biodiversity of our region. Hunting for “white whales” like these is hard, but our scientists are patient and dedicated to the quest. Happy #WorldSnakeDay! 🐍 #TheNat #HereForNature #Snakes #Snake #RareSpecies #BajaCalifornia #California #Herpetology #SnakeDay
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✨ A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...Ewok's roamed San Diego. Wait, no—that's not right. But there are certainly going to be a few roaming around during Comic-Con next week. So, for all you Jedi, Storm Troopers, and Padawan who don’t want the galactic fun to end, come hear from environmental biologist, Frank Santana on Tuesday, July 30 at 7 PM. He will share how movies like Star Wars and Harry Potter, Marvel comics, and Star Trek draw inspiration from the natural world and learn why nature is crucial for a future rich with compelling stories. Plus, it's the perfect place to rock that Comic-Con costume one more time! Tickets are $15 for non-members and $12 for members. We have a good feeling about this Nat Talk. 😉 https://bit.ly/3kUEuAk If you wear a costume, please note it cannot cover your entire face (people entering the building need to be able to be properly identified—thanks for understanding). Also, please do not bring weapons of any kind. #TheNat #HereForNature #BalboaPark #SanDiegoComicCon #ComicCon #ComicConMuseum #ComicCon2024 #SDCC #SDCC2024 #SDCC24
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🔎 The Nat’s scientists have been surveying urban canyons in San Diego for wildlife—including plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. The wildlife surveys will tell us how these canyons contribute to conserving regional wildlife and how to better manage greenspaces to maximize benefits for nature and people. Scientists have already found rare plants in many of our urban canyons, proof that these urban pockets of wildlife serve as refuges for all species. We’re excited to keep exploring our urban greenspaces! #TheNat #HereForNature #UrbanCanyons #HealthyCanyonsInitiative #RarePlants #WildlifeSurveys #Biodiversity #SanDiego #KumeyaayLand
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Love the outdoors and our region's natural beauty? Passionate about marine life? Or maybe you’re a natural history buff eager to inspire the next generation? Volunteer at The Nat and join the adventure! Docent: Lead school groups through exhibits or bring interactive programs to local schools. Whaler: Share marine knowledge on local whale-watching cruises. Canyoneer: Guide hikes showcasing our region’s natural beauty. NATuralist: Engage visitors on the Museum floor (ages 11+ can volunteer with an adult). Nat Garden Corps: Maintain our Nature Trail and share native plant knowledge with visitors. Plus, occasional behind-the-scenes opportunities in our science departments! 🔍 Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3LbnJKH #TheNat #HereForNature #SanDiego #SanDiegoNaturalHistoryMuseum #NaturalHistoryMuseum #BalboaPark #VolunteerOpportunities #SanDiegoVolunteer
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A dedicated group of botanists from both the U.S. and Mexico (including curator of botany Jon Rebman) have embarked on an expedition to uncover rare plants in Baja California. This remarkable cross-border collaboration is not just about unique flora, but also about fostering binational scientific partnerships. Together, they're exploring remote areas, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the conservation of rare plants. Recently, the #BajaRare project has found several rare plants, including 📸 3. Sonoran false prairie-clover (Marina orcuttii), 📸 4. Little purple monkeyflower (Erythranthe purpurea) 📸 5. San Pedro Martir snake head (Castilleja ophiocephala) 📸 6. Braunton’s Baja California milkvetch (Astragalus brauntonii var. lativexillum). Great job team! @expedicionesbotánicas #TheNat #HereForNature #RarePlants #NativePlants #Botany #Science
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Haven't read the San Diego Collaboration for Conservation report yet? This is the last week to submit your public comment—deadline is July 7! The report was informed by your contributions at the San Diego Biodiversity Conservation Summit in February and will serve as a model for comprehensive biodiversity conservation in San Diego. Your feedback and reflections are valuable and will help inform the final version of this report. 👉 View the report and give your feedback here: https://lnkd.in/ezjz7gyA San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) The Nonprofit Institute
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💚 Supporters, community members, and staff gathered today for the ceremonial ribbon cutting—er, garland cutting—of our new outdoor exhibit, the Nature Trail. We are excited for this free amenity to be explored by park visitors and learn about the amazing flora of The Nat's mission region in Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. 🌼 Explore the garden yourself this Saturday, June 29 from 10 AM–2 PM at our Garden Fair. You can meet community partners, learn more about planting native, pick up seeds to jumpstart your own garden, enter raffles, and more. We hope to see you there! #TheNat #HereForNature #NatureTrail #NativePlants #SanDiego #KumeyaayLand #VisitSD #GardenFair
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We're thrilled to see our new Nature Trail featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune's Home & Garden section! The Nature Trail is a brand-new public garden featuring plants from Southern California and the Baja California peninsula. We welcome you to join us this Saturday, June 29 for a free Garden Fair celebrating our newest outdoor exhibit. Learn about planting native, pick up seeds to jumpstart your garden, enter raffles, and engage with local community organizations like San Diego Canyonlands, San Diego Habitat Conservancy, Forever Balboa Park, and more. Read the Nature Trail's feature here: https://lnkd.in/gJVTz4VM #TheNat #HereForNature #GardenFair #SanDiego #KumeyaayLand #BajaCalifornia #SouthernCalifornia #NativePlants #Garden
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Michael Field, our director of experience design, takes actions for nature by making sure the Museum purchases sustainable materials when possible. The exhibits team purchases recycled materials, alternatives to plastic laminate, and lumber from trees that have died in Balboa Park. He makes sure the Museum uses LED lightbulbs and that we work with local vendors often! Come learn more about how we’ve taken action for nature over the last 150 years in our newest exhibit, Action from the Archives. #TheNat #HereForNature #Since1874 #ActionFromTheArchives #NatureLovers #BalboaPark #VisitSD #NaturalHistoryMuseum #BalboaParkMuseum #SanDiego #SanDiegoHistory #SanDiegoNature