Carpinteria Tar Pits
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Field Trip with Sabina Thomas Near Carpinteria State Beach We will learn about local geology, in particular as it relates to the formation of fossil fuels and “tar.” We will visit the Carpinteria asphaltum (bitumen) deposits and learn about the recent history of asphalt mining and oil production in the Santa Barbara-Carpinteria area. Of course, […]
Rincon Creek to the Ventura River: Slip sliding away!
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Field trip with Larry Ballard and Sabina Thomas
The Santa Ynez Mountains are the western-most range within the Transverse Ranges, and they dominate the skyline for the 60 miles of coast between Point Conception and Rincon Creek. At Rincon, however, there is an abrupt change in the topography which extends 12 miles down the coast. It is this section that will be the focus of our nontechnical field trip to examine a unique landscape, ranging from Rincon Creek to the Ventura River and back.
Rocking on Rocks! An Introductory Workshop
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Workshop with Dr. Sabina Thomas
Santa Barbara City College campus
Have you been curious about rocks? Do you realize that rocks can tell a story? How does one distinguish one rock from another, and what is the difference between rocks and minerals? Sabina Thomas, PhD, and a faculty member at local community colleges, will conduct an Introduction to Rocks class at Santa Barbara City College’s earth science labs. You will be learning about the different rock families, conduct some simple but helpful tests to
Pop-Up: Arroyo Hondo Geology – A Cross-section Through Our Local Rock Formations
Sunday, November 3, 2024
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
Saturday, April 1: Arroyo Hondo Preserve: A Cross-section Through Our Local Rock Formations
Field Trip with Sabina Thomas Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participation is limited to 20. Advance registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on March 1 for members and on March 22 for nonmembers at syvnhs@syvnature.org or 805/ 693-5683. Members $15 / Nonmembers $30 / Children $5 Directions and meeting location will be […]
Saturday, January 29: The Monterey Formation at Gaviota Beach East
Field trip with Sabina Thomas This field trip was post-pooned from fall 2021 due to the Alisal Fire. New date: Saturday, January 29, 2022, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Participation is limited to 18. Advance registration opened based on the previously scheduled date in October. The trip filled, however, check back for updates on capacity. Register […]
Saturday, December 4: Gullies, the “Taco-cline,” and other Geologic features of Gaviota Beach West
Field Trip with Susie Bartz Saturday, December 4, 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Participation is limited to 15. Advance registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on November 4 for Members and on November 24 for Nonmembers at syvnhs@syvnature.org or 805/ 693-5683. Members $10 / Nonmembers $25 / Children $5 Masks are optional for those who have been vaccinated. A […]