Coastal Buffer Zones
Explore the interconnectedness of wetlands, coral reefs, mangrove forests, human impacts, and natural disasters.
Join industry leaders, conservation experts, and scientists to explore how eDNA and biodiversity data strengthen resilience and nature-positive restoration efforts in coastal buffer zones to benefit people, ecosystems and the bottom line. Connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build strategies for action, all within the stunning coastal setting of Santa Cruz, California.
About the workshop
Date: October 26 - 27, 2025
Location: Santa Cruz, California, USA
Time Frame: 1.5 days (Day 1 starts late afternoon, Day 2 runs full day, workshop closes ~3 PM)
Venue: Garden room, Museum of Art and History
Hotel: Dream Inn; 1 night covered for participants (Check in at 4 PM and Check out at 11 AM)
Capacity: ~18 participants
Costs & Funding: Workshop meals and one hotel night covered. Participants cover your own travel.
Language: English
Accessibility: Please let us know about dietary restrictions or accessibility needs when registering.
Contact: lorissa@ednaexplorer.org
Other: While we will have water available, please bring a refillable water bottle to reduce waste.
Explore our venues
Dream Inn
Includes an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, direct beach access, and attached bar and restaurant.
Walk to:
The beach boardwalk and wharf
The downtown restaurant and shopping district
Neary Lagoon Park and Peer
Find out more here
Museum of Art & History
Located in the heart of downtown, the MAH brings people together through vibrant art, history, and cultural experiences. A perfect stop to spark creativity and connection outside the workshop.
Explore rotating art exhibitions and community-driven projects
Step into local history through interactive and immersive displays
Find out more here
Explore Santa Cruz
Known for its coastal charm and laid-back vibe, Santa Cruz offers a perfect mix of oceanfront adventures, culture, and California sunshine.
Stroll along the iconic Beach Boardwalk
Visit Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its sea arches and monarch butterflies
Wander downtown for local shops, cafés, and live music
Agenda
Day 1: Foundational Knowledge Sharing
Dream Inn
1:30 PM - Meet in hotel lobby to head to venue
Garden Room, Museum of Art and History
2:00 PM - Doors open
2:15 PM - Ice breaker activity
3:00 PM - Opening remarks
3:15 PM - Perspectives and use cases: Mike Beck (CCCR) and Rachel Meyer (eDNA Explorer)
4:00 PM - Insurance / finance perspective on nature-disaster nexus: Duke University Team
4:20 PM - Break: Drinks from Front and Cooper (Abbott Square)
4:40 PM - Fireside chat panel and discussion
5:25 PM - Closing remarks
5:30 PM - Walk to dinner venue (Ibiza Restaurant) and free time
Ibiza Restaurant
6:00 PM - Dinner
6:30 PM - Group exercise: Think pair share and stories
Evening - Return to hotel and free time
Day 2: Tools and Gaps
Dream Inn
7:45 AM - Meet in hotel lobby to head to venue
Garden Room, Museum of Art and History
8:00 AM - Catered breakfast by Pretty Good Advice in the Garden Room and coffee at the Cat and Cloud (Abbott Square location)
9:00 AM - Recollections from Day 1
9:20 AM - Verra’s Nature and Resilience Framework: Sinclair Vincent (Verra)
9:40 AM - TNFD Overview: Madeline Simp (eDNA Explorer)
10:00 AM - Towards Nature Positive for the Ocean: Pathways for Corporate Contributions: Alanna Waldman Carrow (WWF)
10:45 AM - Break
11:00 AM - Case Study: Forecast-Based Finance for Nature and Risk: Duke University Team
11:45 AM - eDNA Explorer Overview: Julie Stanford (eDNA Explorer)
12:15 PM - Working lunch by Bookies Pizza
12:30 PM - GAP analysis challenge
1:30 PM - GAP analysis presentations
2:00 PM - Discussion on how to fill the gaps
2:30 PM - Final wrap-up and next steps
3:00 PM - Workshop close
Finding your way: Venue layout
The Garden Room is located on the first floor, just to the right as you enter the museum. The museum is conveniently situated next to Abbott Square, a lively plaza in downtown Santa Cruz featuring local favorites like Front and Cooper and Cat & Cloud Coffee, along with a variety of other community vendors and gathering spaces.
Interested in attending?
