Field Trip with Margie Popper and John Evarts

Location TBA

When it comes to autumn foliage, no one will confuse Santa Barbara County with New England. But with the right timing and location, one can find trees and shrubs in our region that put on nice displays as their leaves turn golden in late fall. We’ve selected a date for this field trip, and as it gets close, we will choose a hiking route where we can enjoy some of our more colorful native deciduous trees.

The area’s best fall color is associated with woodlands that border our larger streams and the Santa Ynez River. California sycamore, big-leaf maple, Fremont cottonwood and several willow species are the primary contributors to this seasonal display. On this hike we’ll discuss the natural history and distribution of these trees and other riparian species. Depending on our location, we may touch on other topics, such as geology or geomorphology.

Participants should expect a moderate to moderately strenuous trip of at least 3 to 4 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet. There will be time for a lunch break. Participants need to be fit hikers and comfortable with uneven terrain or the occasional stream crossing. Trekking poles are recommended.

Margie Popper and John Evarts are docents for UC Sedgwick Reserve and NatureTrack and they are past trip leaders for the Society. They honed their skills as naturalists during a 30-year career of editing, writing, and publishing California natural history titles as owners of Cachuma Press.

How to Register

Event Date: Saturday, November 21, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Participation is limited to 20.
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on October 21 for members and November 1 for nonmembers at syvnhs@syvnature.org or 805/693-5683.
Hike difficulty is rated as moderate to moderately strenuous, depending on location.
Members $15 / Nonmembers $30 / Children $5
Directions and meet-up location will be emailed to registered participants.