Free live lecture and Zoom webinar with Dr. Douglas Long
Co-Sponsored by the Solvang Library
California has the highest biodiversity of any state in the nation, but also has the most species at risk, and many species are now extinct. Dr. Douglas Long will address this difficult subject. He will explain what makes California such a
Free lecture with Dr. Kevin Lafferty
Dr. Lafferty reveals what some may view as a darker side of complex ecosystems. Every kind of bumble bee, buttercup, budgerie, and human, is host to a parasite – perhaps two, and possibly hundreds. Indeed, parasitism is the most popular lifestyle on earth.
Field trip with Sabina Thomas
Arroyo Hondo Creek runs north-to-south while our local geologic formations extend west-to-east. This gives us the great opportunity to cross and study several geologic formations along Arroyo Hondo Creek towards the mountains. We will start at the Orchard and follow Arroyo Hondo Creek encountering steeply inclined hard and soft
Field trip with Peter Schneekloth and John Deacon
Gaviota State Park encompasses coastal, riparian, and upland habitats, and participants on this field trip will be able to observe the birds in these varied environments. More than 250 species have been recorded from the park. With the guidance of seasoned trip leaders Peter Schneekloth and John Deacon, we’ll look for birds in the water, on the shore, and
Free lecture with Zoe Zilz
Co-hosted by Solvang Library
In 2021, UCSB doctoral student Zoe Zilz was shown photos taken along the Gaviota coast by local residents, surprisingly revealing terrestrial wildlife near and in intertidal areas. Intrigued, Zoe set up 40 trail cameras in that area and further west, including Vandenberg Space Force Base and the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve.
Free lecture with Chuck Graham
Co-Hosted by Solvang Library
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
Field trip with Peter Thompson
Experienced Santa Barbara birder Peter Thompson will take us on a wetland birding exploration through the one-time Ocean Meadows golf course, now restored as a true California wetland with easy access. You can stay dry in this ecological gem, but the local wildlife and birds have ready access to mud, sand, marsh, deeper water, and even dry upland areas. This is a bird-rich area
Lecture/Field Trip with Rikke Næsborg
Lichens are found in almost every habitat on all kinds of surfaces around the world, but since they are often small and somewhat inconspicuous, they are frequently overlooked. That is a pity because lichens are extraordinary and complex organisms. Not only are
Annual Members’ Meeting preceding the evening lecture Wednesday, March 6, 6:45 p.m. Immediately preceding Dr. Bell’s Zoom presentation this evening, the Annual Members’ Meeting will
Santa Ynez Valley
Natural History Society
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The Santa Ynez Valley 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.
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