Renowned author and illustrator Marni Fylling will share her latest illustrated field guide at Natural Bridges State Beach on March 14
FEB 26, 2025 —SANTA CRUZ, CA — Get to know some of the less familiar wild residents who live in our backyards when Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks hosts a book talk with nature author and illustrator Marni Fylling on Friday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Natural Bridges State Beach Visitor Center and ParkStore.
Fylling’s Illustrated Guide to Nature in Your Neighborhood makes the everyday extraordinary. In the same lighthearted, yet scientifically accurate, style of the beloved Fylling’s Illustrated Guide to Pacific Coast Tide Pools, this portable guidebook reveals the splendidly strange animals and plants just outside your door.
Fylling will talk about her new book, how she came to be a scientific illustrator, what makes the discipline unique and how she approaches her illustrations. There will be a question-and-answer period, and Fylling will sign books after her talk.
Members of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be able to buy Fylling’s new book at a $5 discount at the event and receive 15% off in the ParkStore anytime. Attendees may become a member at
the event.
Doors open for the book talk at 5:30 p.m. and the talk starts at 6 p.m. The event is free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged. Arrive early to shop the Natural Bridges ParkStore! Parking is $10 and helps Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks support the park.
About Marni Fylling
Marni Fylling has been enchanted by the natural world for as long as she can remember, finding her earliest inspirations in her urban backyard and her dad’s college biology textbook. She studied zoology at UC Davis and natural science illustration at UC Santa Cruz. A science illustrator, writer, and educator, her favorite activity is exploring tide pools, although sketching insects and wildflowers (or just about anything else) is a close second. She is the author of two books with Heyday, Fylling’s Illustrated Guide to Pacific Coast Tide Pools and Fylling’s Illustrated Guide to Nature in Your Neighborhood.
About Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Established in 1976, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events. Friends operates a robust online ParkStore offering nature- and history-themed merchandise for sale to benefit local parks and beaches. Friends also operates ParkStores at Natural Bridges, New Brighton, Santa Cruz Mission, Seacliff and Wilder Ranch. Learn more at www.ThatsMyPark.org or via Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
