Dedicated to the study, exploration, and appreciation of natural history in the Santa Ynez Valley region.

Carrizo Plain National Monument:  A Wild Life in California’s Largest Remaining Native Grassland

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024

Painted Rock and tule elk in the Carrizo Plain. Chuck Graham photo.

Free lecture and book signing with Chuck Graham

Co-Hosted by Solvang Library

See the Zoom recording link below.

The 250,000 acres of Carrizo Plain National Monument are quietly spectacular, as they encompass one of the highest concentrations of threatened and endangered species in a California protected space, comprise the largest protected habitat along migrating birds’ Pacific Flyway and, important to both of these, protect the largest remaining example of a disappearing California habitat: native grasslands. With their often hidden wildlife, these large grasslands abutting the monument’s mountains can be a photographer’s dream, but patience is needed!

Farewell-to-spring blooming in the plain. Chuck Graham photo.

Freelance writer and photographer Chuck Graham has been taking photographs in Carrizo’s grasslands since 2006. With endurance and great patience, an eye for rare moments in time, and an awareness of nature’s interrelationships, he has created records of natural beauty and animal behavior few of us have had the privilege of seeing. His presentation of photographs and stories will be followed by the sale and signing of his books Carrizo Plain, Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands and Paddling into a Natural Balance, Stories of Kayaking and Conservation around Channel Islands National Park.

Tule elk boxing. Chuck Graham photo.

With a love of exploring California’s diverse habitats, Chuck Graham enjoys life outdoors. He has been a city beach lifeguard for 31 years and has kayaked and led kayak tours in the Channel Islands’ waters for over two decades. Over the 18 years he has been photographing Carrizo Plain National Monument, he has backpacked there several times from his Carpinteria home. His articles and photographs have appeared in numerous publications.

How to View the Zoom Recording

View the Zoom webinar at this link: Carrizo Plain National Monument

This event occured: Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Live lecture location: The courtroom adjacent to Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang
After the lecture, there were book sales and signings for interested attendees. The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer period.

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