Enhancing the visitor experience at one of the most accessible parks to Downtown Santa Cruz, new interpretive signage and a floating walkway are now open at Neary Lagoon, a critical watershed for the city and a picturesque spot to connect with nature. 

Made possible by a grant from the California Habitat Conservation Fund, a mile-long wooden pontoon walkway and trail system added greater accessibility to this urban watershed, allowing visitors to access a complete circuit around and through the refuge. Permanent and migrating species to Neary Lagoon include mallard and wood ducks, pied billed grebes, a multitude of coots, the world’s meanest geese, several varieties of fish and the occasional great blue heron or hawk. Greenbelt trails, a pollinator garden and recreational facilities are all featured at the park.