Donor tidepooling excursion at Pillar Point
0

Throughout the year, Academy supporters are invited to a suite of exciting, exclusive, curated events, from scientist-led field expeditions to exhibit and planetarium show premieres, guest lectures, and more. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Academy soon!

For more information or to RSVP to these or other events, please contact us at donorevent@calacademy.org or 415-379-5420. Please note that all events are subject to change.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Seal on Farallon Islands surrounded by birds

CRUISE TO THE FARALLON ISLANDS
Sunday, September 24 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Director’s Circle and Leadership Circle donors at $25,000 and above are invited to a Local Expedition exploring biodiversity in the San Francisco Bay. Join Academy scientists for a full day ocean cruise with the Oceanic Society to the wild Farallon Islands, one of the most spectacular and biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. Witness the wonder of whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea birds, and more.

Space is limited. RSVP by September 8.

0
fish in Philippines Coral Reef

SPEAKING OF STEINHART
Sunday, October 1 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Members and donors are invited to a special panel of Academy experts sharing insights and anecdotes about Steinhart Aquarium’s one-hundred year history as a San Francisco cultural icon, our current work, and mission for regeneration. Moderated by Executive Director Scott D. Sampson, our esteemed panel includes Bart Shepherd, Rebekah Kim, and Peter Hartlaub.

RSVP by Wednesday, September 27.

0
Biologist in larval rearing room

STEINHART BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
Sunday, October 1 | 12:00 PM

Friend's Circle donors at $10,000 and higher are invited to join Academy scientists for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour ofSteinhart Aquarium after the Speaking of Steinhart panel.

Spaces are limited. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 27.

 

0
large green dinosaur eye

SUPERNATURAL 2023
Friday, October 27 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Enjoy spirited science, kooky costumes, and tasty treats at our family-friendly Halloween fundraiser that scares up vital support for our mission and educational outreach programs.

Buy tickets or make a donation today.

0
Image of bubbles with elements and copy "Spark the Universe in us"

SPARK: THE UNIVERSE IN US DONOR PREMIERE
Wednesday, November 8 | 6:00 PM

Donor Circles are invited to an evening of hors d'oeuvres and beverages followed by the donor premiere the California Academy of Sciences’ all new, original planetarium film Spark: The Universe in Us explores how hundreds of millions of celestial events have forged the elements that make up the Solar System, Earth, and us.

0
Image of tress with text "Legacy of Hope"

LEGACY OF HOPE
Save the Date
Friday, December 8 | 8:30 AM

In partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the Academy offers a special program for our Eastwood Associates to hear directly from our esteemed scientists and collections managers.

0

Past Event Recordings

0
Image of reefs with text "Legacy Symposium Hope for Reefs."

LEGACY SYMPOSIUM: HOPE FOR REEFS
Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Senior Director of Steinhart Aquarium, Bart Shepherd, dives into Phase II of the Academy’s Hope for Reefs initiative, where the team is creating powerful pathways—biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement—to reverse the rapid decline of Earth’s reefs in this generation. Opening remarks by Scott Sampson, PhD, Executive Director and William R. and Gretchen B. Kimball Chair, California Academy of Sciences. Click here to watch the recording.

0
Peter Roopnarine with Smilodon saber-toothed tiger specimen

Lilienthal Lecture & Donor Reception
Fossils, Ecosystems, and Ecological Regeneration:
Explaining the Past, Predicting the Future

Dr. Peter Roopnarine, the Academy’s Curator of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology, discusses his research studying the rise and fall of ancient ecosystems to understand how ecosystems today may respond to current human-driven crises, such as biodiversity loss and climate change. This lecture is part of the Claire Matzger Lilienthal Distinguished Lecture Series. Watch the recording here.

0
Legacy of Hope

Legacy of Hope
In partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the Academy offers a special program for our Eastwood Associates to hear directly from our esteemed scientists and collections managers. 

View our past virtual programs here:

0
Image of wildflowers with copy, "Eastwood Associates Symposium: Thriving California."

Eastwood Associates Symposium: Thriving California

The Academy’s Sarah Jacobs, Assistant Curator of Botany and the Howell Chair of Western North American Botany, digs a bit deeper into our Thriving California initiative.

Check out the recording here. 

0
Chen Brain and Mind lecture

Chen Institute Brain & Mind Lecture and Donor Reception

Thanks to the generosity of the Chen Institute, the Academy is thrilled to announce the Chen Institute Brain & Mind Lecture series, an annual event exclusively for members and donors that explores brain science and mind health in our rapidly changing world.

Watch recordings of past lectures here.

0
More to explore
image-standard
View of Wander Woods in the East Garden at the Academy
Recognition & Naming Opportunities

Celebrate your family’s support of the Academy—and leave a legacy that will endure and inspire for generations.

image-standard
Guests point at fish in Philippine Coral Reef exhibit at the Academy
Legacy Match Challenge

Share your intention to leave a future gift to the Academy and unlock a matching gift of $10,000+ today.

image-standard
Academy donors and community scientists explore tidepools at Pillar Point
Local Expeditions for Donors

Embark on a Local Expedition with Academy scientists and experience Bay Area biodiversity like an insider.