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
Gems, Minerals & Fossils: A closer look at the
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s
Earth Science Collections:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Collection tour with Jonathan Hoffman, PhD and Robert Harbaugh
Co-sponsored by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Since the 2017 arrival of Jonathan M. Hoffman, PhD, as the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Dibblee Curator of Earth Science, the Museum has been upgrading its collections of vertebrate fossils, rocks, and minerals.
In Search of Fall Color:
Saturday, November 21, 2026
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
‘Rocks’ of Gibraltar Road: 50 million years in 10 miles:
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Field trip with Sabina Thomas
During this trip we will make a number of stops along Gibraltar Road to examine outcrops of the six geologic formations in the geologic section. We will also see geologic structures and
A Nature/Yoga Walk in the ParkThursday, Sept. 26, 2024
Field trip with Laurie Burnaby and Marion Schlinger
Join Laurie and Marion for a gentle walk along paved or dirt paths in a quiet, park-like area near Buellton. Laurie will incorporate yoga into our walk at strategic stops along the way to enhance the physical and mental experience of nature. Marion will focus your appreciation and attention
Sunday, December 17: The Magnificent Trees of UCSB
The UCSB campus boasts more than 250 tree species from six continents, including several rare or unusual trees not found elsewhere in the Santa Barbara area. In this walking tour with Larry Ballard, we will take a look at the architecture of trees, discuss identification tips, and introduce participants to many of our local urban trees.