Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society

Dedicated to the study, exploration, and appreciation of natural history
in the Santa Ynez Valley region.
Tarantula
Tarantula at Sedgwick Reserve
Photo by Nikki Evans
Barn owl
Barn owl in recovery
Photo courtesy of SB Wildlife Care Network
Woodrat
Woodrat
Photo by Ally Coconis
Museum tour
Touring the Earth Science Collection
Photo by Owen Duncan
Fall color
Fall color
Photo by John evarts
La Cumbre Peak
La Cumbre Peak
Photo by Antandrus
Coastal Santa Barbara
Coastal Santa Barbara
Photo by Felix Wong

Fall 2026 Programs


Winter/Spring 2026 Programs

Welcome! We are finalizing our Summer/Fall 2026 programs, and they will be posted in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, view our most recent programs below.  

Programs Coming Right Up

Tracking Tarantulas at Sedgwick Reserve:

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Field trip with Marion Schlinger and Nikki Evans
Back by popular demand!  It will soon be that time again as fall is mating season for tarantulas here in the Santa Ynez Valley.  This is the best time to observe these amazing spiders. Join Marion and Nikki as we unravel the mystery of the tarantulas (Aphonopelma species) that wander about our roads, yards, and fields.  Of the ten species of tarantula in California

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Programs of the last Fall 2025 Season
All Programs of the Fall 2026 Season
View Past Field Trips
View Past Lectures
View Past Programs

Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society

~ Celebrating our 25th Year ~

Read a brief history of our founding: Launching the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society

View a retrospecitve slide show: SYVNHS field trips and workshops 2006 – 2025

View photos of our anniversary celebration.
Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society logo showing a black and white line drawing of a magpie and oak leaf with mountains and a river in the background

The Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society is a member-supported nonprofit organization providing environmental education through free or low-fee public lectures, field trips, and workshops in the Santa Ynez Valley region. We believe that experiencing and understanding the natural world leads to greater appreciation, knowledge, and conservation of biodiversity.

Become a Member

The Natural History Society is almost entirely funded by membership dues. By joining, you help support natural history education and awareness of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Join or Donate Today

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