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, at least three are located at Sedgwick Reserve.
During this program, we will walk no more than a mile on level ground as we search for tarantulas. We will examine a tarantula or two up close and search for their burrows out in the fields. We will also address their biology, distribution, defenses, identifying characteristics, and their predators. Those who wish to may have the chance to handle a tarantula. Perhaps we will even catch a glimpse of a tarantula hawk, a large wasp that preys on tarantulas. In any case, you are sure to come away with an appreciation for these fascinating creatures who make the Santa Ynez Valley their home.
Marion Schlinger is a naturalist/entomologist and loves being out in nature enjoying the plants, birds, and critters, including insects, that she finds either in her garden or on long walks with her labrador, Max. She also had a ‘pet’ tarantula named Knucklehead in graduate school.
Nikki Evans received her PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She is currently Outreach and Communications Specialist at Sedgwick Reserve. She fell in love with tarantulas during her first fall at Sedgwick, seeing dozens of tarantulas wandering the Reserve looking for love. She promptly fell down a rabbit hole learning everything she could about them. Nothing says fall like tarantulas! Nikki loves birding, botanizing, photographing wildlife, and sharing nature with her three-year-old daughter.
How to Register
Event date: Thursday, September 14, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Participation is limited to 20.
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on August 19 for members and September 5 for nonmembers at
syvnhs@syvnature.org or 805/693-5683.
Members $15 / Nonmembers $30 / Children $5
Directions and meet-up location will be emailed to registered participants.
