Members' Month

We’re honored to spend the month of October celebrating and thanking our members for their ongoing, vital support of the California Academy of Sciences. Explore this page to see what's in store, from animal feedings and exclusive members-only talks to deep discounts on dining, tours, and more.

Not a member? Join or renew today to take full advantage of Members' Month offerings!

Shedding Light on Symbiosis: Lessons from a Bioluminescent Coral Reef Fish
Tuesday, October 4 | 3:00-4:00 pm PT
Boardroom Level 1 & Livestreamed

Did you know that although many marine organisms are bioluminescent, not all produce light the same way? Some species make their own light, whereas more than 500 species of fish rely on a special symbiotic relationship with luminous bacteria to fuel their glow. Join Dr. Alison Gould, Academy Research Scientist, as she shares more about the highly specific symbiosis between a coral reef cardinalfish and a luminous bacterium. Learn more about how these partnerships evolve, remain stable through time, and what they can teach us about our own relationship with beneficial bacteria.

Colonial History of the Academy and Science with Rebekah Kim
Tuesday, October 11 | 3:00-4:00 pm PT
Boardroom Level 1 & Livestreamed

In order to show a more complete and accurate depiction of the history of the Academy, and science as a whole, we must continue to examine and learn from our own past. Join Rebekah Kim, the Academy’s Head Librarian, as she sheds light on the history of science, the legacy of colonialism and racism at the Academy, and how we can harness the learnings from our past to forge a more equitable future of science.

The Academy’s Bold New Direction with Dr. Scott Sampson
Tuesday, October 18 | 3:00-4:00 pm PT
Boardroom Level 1 & Livestreamed

Join Dr. Scott Sampson, the Academy’s Executive Director and William R. and Gretchen B. Kimball Chair, in an engaging discussion about the Academy’s bold new mission—to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration—and how we’re poised to meet the most pressing challenges of our time with three new initiatives. Through the Academy’s new initiatives, Dr. Scott Sampson will share how we’re focusing on ecosystems with vast biological diversity that are in desperate need of regeneration: coral reefs, tropical islands, and locally in California.

Biodiversity and Stability of Sierra Nevada Wildlife Communities
Tuesday, October 25 | 3:00-4:00 pm PT
Boardroom Level 1 & Livestreamed

Sierra Nevada forest communities are under threat from disturbances presented by climate change, fire, disease, and other stressors. Join Rebecca Wilcox, Academy Postdoctoral Researcher, as she shares how the Academy is developing tools to directly measure an ecosystem’s health and resilience–using food webs. By examining the underlying food web, we can evaluate how community diversity and structure varies across the Lake Tahoe Basin, and relates to community stability and health. With this, we hope to answer if biodiversity is thriving, and whether food webs will be robust to disturbances.

Hidden Wonders Tours
Tuesday, October 4 & October 18 | 8:30 & 9:00 am PT
Collections Gallery | Level 1

Take a journey through Hidden Wonders: Inside the Academy’s Collections with volunteer docents to hear fascinating facts, stories, and the importance of why we collect at the Academy! A few highlights from the tours will include the history of the Academy’s Galápagos Island collection, the legacy of Alice Eastwood, and much more. Space is limited, save your spot today!

Academy Collections Sneak Peek
Thursday, October 13 & October 27 | 10:30 am-12:30 pm PT

Have you ever wondered what the Academy's collections look like behind-the-scenes? Now's your chance! Get a sneak peek with our expert Collections Managers for a rare look at the Academy’s Ornithology and Mammalogy, Anthropology, and Botany collections on 10/13 or the Geology, Library, and Entomology collections on 10/27. Space is limited, save your spot today!

Sunday Members’ Brunch
Every Sunday in October | 10:00-11:00 am PT
Terrace Restaurant | West Garden

Start your Sunday morning at the museum with a complimentary mimosa or orange juice and selection of freshly baked pastries, muffins, and waffles for purchase (while supplies last; limit one drink per member).

Penguin Feedings
Every Sunday in October | 10:30 am PT
African Hall

Learn all about our charismatic African penguin colony from Academy biologists during these Sunday breakfasts and special enrichment activity. Unable to visit in person? Tune in to the penguin cam to see the feedings live!

No RSVP required to attend.

Lagoon Feedings
Tuesdays 10/4, 10/18 & 10/25 | 8:45 am PT
The Lagoon

Watch in awe as Academy biologists feed our rays as they glide beneath your feet. Explore the fascinating adaptations of these ocean cruisers and their relatives, and learn about what you can do to keep them and their ocean homes healthy.

No RSVP required to attend.

Swamp Feeding
Tuesday, October 11 | 8:45 am PT
The Swamp

Join our biologists for a live feeding of Claude, everyone's favorite American alligator with albinism, and find out what he eats for breakfast. Questions encouraged!

No RSVP required to attend.

First time registering for an event in Member Connect? Member Connect is the Academy’s new online platform for members-only exclusive livestream programs, all ages on-demand science content, and a digital community of like-minded learners.

To login, simply click here, enter your email address, and receive an access link in your email to start exploring and registering for programs right away! Visit our FAQ page for more information.