Hike at Coldspring Trail
2023-04-12 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 811 E Mountain Dr, Montecito, CA 93108, 811 E Mountain Dr, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
Bring water, hiking shoes, and sun protection.

Friday Bird Walk: Tucker’s Grove
2023-04-14 08:30 - 10:30 | 4800 Cathedral Oaks Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, 4800 Cathedral Oaks Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, United States
We will do everything we can for a safe experience, but COVID is always a risk. Additionally, SBAS may decide to cancel events should pandemic conditions warrant it. For these reasons, we ask that:

All attendees be vaccinated, each participant bring a mask to the event, and social distancing be practiced to the greatest extent practicable.
Masks be worn in carpool situations.
Prior to attending any bird walk or field trip, please go to santabarbaraaudubon.org/activities for directions and event updates.

Target Birds:

Cooper’s Hawk
Towhee’s
American Robin
Lesser Goldfinch
& Others

Directions:
From Hwy 101
Take Exit 103, Turnpike Road off ramp.
Turn towards the mountains on Turnpike Road.
Cross Cathedral Oaks Rd and enter Tucker’s Grove Park.
We will park and meet near the playground/restroom area.
Map Here

Other Information:

Bring water, snack
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring a hat
Binoculars a must, spotting scopes are useful

Docent-led Bird & Nature Walk at Oso Flaco Lake with John Deacon
2023-04-15 08:00 - 11:00 | 3006 Oso Flaco Lake Rd Arroyo Grande, CA, 93434, 3006 Oso Flaco Lake Rd Arroyo Grande, CA, 93434, United States
Many of our winter visitors are getting ready to migrate north to their breeding grounds, and many of our spring migrants have already arrived. They will all likely be in their breeding plumage and may be singing their territorial songs. Walking through the “Willow Tunnel” at the start of the bird hike can be stunning, with all the birds singing. Once we reach the lakes, ducks, American White Pelicans, and rails should be plentiful.

Who knows? We may even be treated to a Belted Kingfisher, an Osprey or two or maybe even a Peregrine Falcon! That’s the beauty of a bird hike; you never know what you will find until you get out there. Other critters seen on these walks include Raccoons, Muskrats, Opossums, Coyotes and Bobcats. Oh, and don’t forget the Gray Whales!

This 3-mile and 2-3 hour hike will take us from the parking lot to the ocean. Don’t be intimidated by the distance of this hike. If you only want to do a 1- or 2-mile hike, or even a just a 100-yard hike, you shouldn’t be disappointed.

So, be at the parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and join our docent John Deacon for what is sure to be a fun and informative morning.

Register here!

Limited Space.

Wilderness Hiking and Native Plants
2023-04-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Each class has a different location, Each class has a different location, United States
Each class takes place on one of our local trails and is a mix of hands-on instruction, immersive exercises, and sharing circles that allow for learning on many levels.

Participants must be able to hike 2-3 miles comfortably. For these hikes, participants will need to bring water (1-2 liters), a notebook and pen, and any snacks they may want, as well as a daypack to carry it all. You’re also welcome to bring a camera. It is recommended that guests wear long pants, hiking shoes, a hat, and bring an extra layer of clothing (to be prepared for cooler weather). If you’re sensitive to the sun, remember to bring sunscreen, as some trails are less shaded than others. For each class, participants will be sitting on the ground for a portion of the time – feel free to bring something lightweight to sit on, like a pad or extra layer.

Before each class meeting, participants will receive directions to the trailhead, a scouting report of the trail conditions, and a list of any specific items to bring.

If you have questions about the classes or need assistance with registration, please contact the registrar: registrations@sbbotanicgarden.org or 805-682-4726, ext. 102

Dates, times, and locations:

April 15, 9AM-1PM: Reading the Landscape – Santa Ynez Mountains:
April 22, 9AM-1PM: Nature Connection – Santa Barbara front country:
April 29, 9AM-1PM: A Garden of Resources – Santa Barbara Botanic Garden:
May 06, 9AM-1PM: Listening to Nature – Santa Ynez Valley:

Pricing for a series of 4 classes:
Garden Members: $100
General Public: $125

About James Wapotich:
James Wapotich is a trail guide, UC Certified California Naturalist, Volunteer Wilderness Ranger with Los Padres National Forest, and author of the Santa Barbara News-Press hiking column, Trail Quest. He leads workshops on backpacking, wilderness awareness skills, and mindfulness in nature.

Bucket Brigade Humanitarian Garden Project
2023-04-15 09:00 - 14:00, 2023-04-22 09:00 - 14:00, 2023-04-29 09:00 - 10:00 | 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, California 93105, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, California 93105, United States
This will be a great opportunity to help us transform a damaged ecosystem in Elings Park into a regenerative humanitarian garden and native plant habitat restoration area. Volunteers will meet at the Parking Lot for Elings Downhill Course for a garden tour, safety briefing, and coffee and doughnut session to adjust caffeine and sugar levels before we head out into the garden.

SIGNUP

Pizza Party Lunch at 12:30 with Rusty’s Pizza – Official Pizza Sponsor of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade!

WHAT TO BRING?

Please wear long pants,
long sleeve shirt,
a hat and
sturdy closed-toe shoes.
If you have gloves – please bring those too.
If not, we will provide you with a pair.
Please bring a reusable water bottle to help us protect the environment as we stay hydrated.

This project will involve moderate exercise, using rakes, shovels, hoes, wheelbarrows, and pitchforks. We will take breaks to stretch and take in the beautiful ocean views.

Trail Volunteer Day - Front Country Trails
2023-04-15 09:00 - 14:00 | 1819 Las Canoas Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105, 1819 Las Canoas Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Tools, instruction, and a barbecue lunch will be provided!

RSVPs are required for this event! To RSVP, contact Steve Biddle, City of Santa Barbara Parks Supervisor at (805) 564-5439 or SBiddle@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

PARTNERS
This event is being held in partnership with Santa Barbara County, US Forest Service, Montecito Trails Foundation, Los Padres Forest Association, and Sage Trail Alliance.

No. Campus Open Space Nature Guide Tour
2023-04-15 09:30 - 11:00 | 6969 Whittier Drive, Goleta, 93117, 6969 Whittier Drive, Goleta, 93117, United States
This 100-acre North Campus Open Space (NCOS) restoration project restores the historic upper arms of Devereux Slough to tidal flow by excavating 350,000 cubic yards of fill from a golf course created in the wetland in the 1960s. Learn how this project models sustainable development concepts and restores diverse native habitats and public trails to the larger Ellwood-Devereux open space.

Meet at the North Campus Open Space parking lot at 6969 Whittier Drive, Goleta (see map below). Wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk 2 to 2.5 miles.

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area Nature Walks
2023-04-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-04-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-04-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-05-06 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-05-13 10:00 - 11:30 | 1 Lakeview Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93105, 1 Lakeview Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Reservations are required by calling (805) 688-4515.

First come, first served. Available for ages 3 and older. No pets, please. Free to campers or free with the $10 park entrance fee for day-use visitors. There are also miles of trails for self-guided hikes within the park. Trail maps are available at the Main Gate.

Private guided walks outside of these times are also available depending upon staff availability and have a $30 group fee.

Arroyo Hondo Preserve - Nature Hike
2023-04-15 10:00 - 12:00 | 15550 El Camino Real, Goleta, CA 93117, 15550 El Camino Real, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Free docent-led nature hikes are offered at 10:00 am on Saturdays of open weekends. Visitors can also hike on their own on these days. Hikes are free of charge; however, donations to help support Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the work of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County are gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome to visit the Preserve to hike, picnic, paint, volunteer, or research, but advance reservations are required.

Online reservations can be made here: https://www.sblandtrust.org/arroyo-hondo-preserve-reservations/

Due to the sensitivity of the resources in the canyon, dogs, mountain bikes, horses, hunting, fishing, and campfires are not allowed.

Directions to the Preserve
Traveling northbound on the U.S. Highway 101: The Preserve is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara. Approximately 4 miles past Refugio State Beach, you will see a blue “Rest Area in 7 miles” sign followed closely by a yellow warning sign about falling rocks. The entrance to Arroyo Hondo is in 1/2 mile and will be visible on the right at the bottom of the hill. Make a right-hand turn into the driveway. Come down the driveway, cross the bridge on the right and park near the barn.

Santa Ynez Chumash Earth Day
2023-04-15 10:00 - 14:00 | 100 Via Juana Road Santa Ynez, CA 93460, 100 Via Juana Road Santa Ynez, CA 93460, United States
Bring your gently used clothing for a clothing swap! The first 150 people who check in at the event will receive a swag bag! Local vendors, raffles and giveaways! #chumashearthday

We encourage families to come out and engage in different environmental organizations along with various nature activities. We wish everyone to take Earth Day as a time to appreciate Mother Earth and all she offers us. By engaging the community in a fun-filled Earth Day, we hope that it will influence them to make better decisions about their environmental behavior.

Annual Family Kite Festival
2023-04-15 12:00 - 16:00 | 2625 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93445, 2625 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93445, United States
The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, People for Leisure and Youth Inc., and the Santa Maria Public Airport are pleased to announce the upcoming and highly anticipated Kite Festival. The Kite Festival will provide many fun activities for families, such as professional kite-flying demonstrations, contests, food, music, and more!

View Poster: Link

Geology of Birabent Creek: Trekking Upstream - Midland Trails
2023-04-19 08:30 - 12:30 | PWRQ+P7 Santa Ynez, California, PWRQ+P7 Santa Ynez, California, United States
Trek lead Susie Bartz will walk participants through 100 million years of geologic processes that resulted in the rock formations and types that participants will encounter in this 4-mile hike through chaparral on terrain that is a combination of slopes and flat ground.

Botanic Garden - Senior Day
2023-04-19 10:00 - 17:00 | 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
The Garden’s 78 acres encompass a variety of cultivated displays as well as stands of natural coast live oak and riparian woodlands.

For the seventh year in a row, our generous sponsor, Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels, is providing six free admission days to seniors 60 years of age and better in 2022. Generally held on the third Wednesday of every other month, these unique days often include programming just for seniors and their guests.

Location: Garden-wide & Blaksley Library

Download Garden Map

Click here to make a reservation. Please use “SFD2023” (case sensitive) when prompted for a code upon completing the order.

For detailed instructions on making a reservation on Free Senior Day, please visit our FAQ page here.

Upcoming free Senior Days include

June 21, 2023
August 16, 2023
October 18, 2023
December 13, 2023

For questions about Senior Day programming:

Please call 805-682-4726, ext. 138
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.

San Ysidro Canyon – McMenemy Trail Loop
2023-04-22 09:00 - 12:00 | San Ysidro Trailhead, San Ysidro Trailhead, United States
3 hours; 5 miles; 1000 ft elevation gain. A moderate hike, with a reasonable amount of shade, but bring plenty of water. We’ll stop for breaks at the McMenemy bench and the shade tree just before Saddle. San Ysidro trail is still closed – we’ll turn off before we get to it.

Meet at San Ysidro Trailhead at 9:00 AM. Group limit of 12. Please carpool if possible. We leave promptly. If you’re running late, text, and I’ll try to accommodate. MATT 805 259 8926.

Route One Farmers Market Earth Day Celebration
2023-04-22 14:00 - 20:00 | 118 West Ocean Ave., Lompoc, CA, 118 West Ocean Ave., Lompoc, CA, United States
The event will benefit Route One Farmers’ Market in its efforts to expand food access throughout the community and include an Earth Day-themed trivia contest, workshops, craft vendors, and food trucks.

The fun starts at 2 p.m. when the brewery will allow Route One to “take over” the West Ocean Avenue business with indoor and outdoor workshops, said Shelby Wild Brown, executive director of Route One. COLD Coast’s beer will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Two of the workshops will be Julian Wolfe of Wolfe Family Farms, with “Homegrown Mushrooms,” and tips on fermentation from Heather Hovey of Eye on I Restaurant, Brown said. In addition, Brown herself will host an outdoor workshop on worm composting, and Megan Raff, co-owner of Dare 2 Dream Farms, will offer “Raising Home Chickens” — equipment, set-up, care, feeding, supplements and transitioning the birds to a coop.

Healthy People Healthy Trails will participate with a table and between 2 and 4 p.m., will host a “Walk With a Doc” around Stone Pine Trail, leaving from COLD Coast Brewing.

From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Route One will offer an Earth Day-themed trivia event, including a buy-in that directly benefits the nonprofit, Brown added.

Late last year, Route One debuted Santa Barbara County’s first mobile farmers market using a custom-designed truck with fresh produce for sale at various locations in Lompoc.

The Mobile Market truck will be parked in the former Sissy’s lot behind COLD Coast for the duration of the April event — from 2 to 8 p.m.

Beginning at 5 p.m., attendees will find food trucks available behind the brewery, and the band “REWOUND” will play live music.

Among the food trucks in the Sissy’s lot will be Julia’s Juices, with cold-pressed juices and smoothies; “elevated comfort food” by Sassafrass; and Kekas, with veggie options.

Other Lompoc-based organizations partnering with Route One for the event are COLD Coast, Pot Mama’s, Witchy Stitching, the Lompoc Botanical and Horticultural Society, and Good Witch Farms.

Route One will offer merchandise for sale, as well as various vendors, among them Manic Creative Art, California Sisters Creations, plus others.

For more information and an updated list of vendors, visit www.routeonefarmersmarket.org or https://www.facebook.com/route1farmersmarket/

Nature Hike With Assemblymember Gregg Hart
2023-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | 386 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, 386 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, United States
We will meet in Carpinteria at the Tomol Interpretive Play Area on Carpinteria State Beach grounds to hike to the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve and rookery. In addition to enjoying the stunning views of the ocean and the Channel Islands, Assemblymember Hart will share highlights of his nascent experience as a member of several legislative committees, including the recreation-focused Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife.

Our route starts at the play area and follows Linden Avenue to the beach, where we will take a boardwalk across dunes before turning inland and following a path around the State Park campgrounds and across the bluffs of Tar Pits Park. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. After about 1.3 miles, the trail reaches the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve. The preserve is home to a large colony of harbor seals, which can be seen sunbathing on the rocks or swimming in the ocean. The rookery is also home to a variety of other birds, including pelicans, gulls, and cormorants. After exploring the preserve, we will return to the Tomol Interpretive Play Area.

Details

Date: April 23, 2023
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Tomol Interpretive Play Area, Carpinteria State Beach, 389 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA (across from The Spot diner)
Parking: Use the parking lot for the train station on Linden Avenue.
Maps: A trail map is available online.
Restrooms: There are restrooms in Carpinteria State Beach.
Bring water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection.

History Note
In 1769, the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola led an expedition through California and met the local Chumash people at the village of ‘Mishopshnow’ near what we now call Carpinteria Creek. Portola observed several of their plank “Tomol” canoes being constructed and incorporating the naturally-occurring asphalt (tar) into their design. As a result, members of the Spanish expedition referred to the area as La Carpinteria or ‘The Carpenter Shop,’ later to become Carpinteria.

Hike the Buena Vista Trail
2023-04-26 09:29 - 09:30 | 1550 Park Ln, Montecito, CA 93108, 1550 Park Ln, Montecito, CA 93108, United States
Meet at the trailhead at 9:30 am for a 3-4 mile hike. Bring water, hiking shoes, and sun protection.

Explore Summerland’s “Secret” Trails!
2023-04-26 09:30 - 12:00 | 340 Toro Canyon Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013, 340 Toro Canyon Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013, United States
We will explore the trails less traveled in Carpinteria and Summerland. We’ll pass by beautiful neighborhoods, orchards and lush foliage by a private polo field. This 3- or 4- or 5-mile hike is mostly exposed with some shade and two climbs (walking poles optional), each .25 mile.

Summit For Danny North County Community Climb
2023-04-29 08:00 - 13:00 | 5800 S Bradley Rd, Orcutt, CA 93455, 5800 S Bradley Rd, Orcutt, CA 93455, United States
Participants will enjoy a scenic hike along the 4-mile Rice Ranch Valley View Loop. All hikers will begin at the bridge near the parking lot. Dogs are welcome. Hikers are invited to enjoy a barbecue and a program after the climb.

Your fundraising supports individual scholarships for the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Centers, a program of the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, that provides substance abuse treatment for teens and their families. To learn more, visit cadasb.org or call (805) 963-1433.

REGISTER ONLINE
Please help us prepare by registering in advance, although registration is also available at the event. All proceeds from the event will go to the Santa Maria and Lompoc Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Centers.

Summit for Danny encourages climbers to form teams — from friends to businesses to families, all are welcome. A traveling trophy is awarded to the biggest team! If you’ve been invited to join a sponsored team, click here.

JOIN THE HEALTHY PEOPLE HEALTHY TRAILS TEAM — Register for free.

REGISTER NOW

Botanic Garden - Forest Bathing
2023-04-29 08:30 - 10:30 | 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Forest bathing honors the ancient human practices of nature connection. Elena Rios will give you directions in the form of invitations to assist you in slowing down and observing with all of your senses. It isn’t so much about knowing all of the names of the plants as it is about noticing which plants you feel pulled to. It is more about being “here” in the moment. As you “bathe” in the fresh air and immune-boosting phytoncides, you may begin to notice things in a way you may not have ever noticed them before. This practice can potentially remind us of the Interconnection of All Things and our relationship to the Earth. The event ends with a ceremony of sharing tea made from locally foraged native plants and some healthy snacks. All you have to do is come and be yourself…and reconnect with nature and the more-than-human world. This walk includes slight downhill and uphill inclines on terrain that is rocky and uneven in certain portions.

Although the Garden is dog-friendly, participants are asked not to bring their dog(s) to this event.

Guests will meet Elena behind the Entrance Kiosk.

Pricing:
Garden Members: $25
General Public: $35

About Elena Ríos:
Elena Ríos is an ever-evolving ANFT Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide and Inter-disciplinary Artist. From an early age, Elena’s family cultivated in her an interest in the exploration and appreciation of nature and the more-than-human world. Elena Continues to participate with traditional circles of learning, wellness, and ways of being that are rooted in Indigenous knowledge. She believes this practice has the potential to assist us in noticing the Interconnectedness of All Things. She draws inspiration from her grandmother, who was a curandera. She has had a partnership as a cultural practitioner with Japanese Shinto Priest, Hiroji Seikiguchi for almost 20 years. Currently, she is an employee of the Chumash Fire Department, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. She is an indigenous Azteca Chichimeca woman of the Americas with distant genetic Chumash links including multi-ethnic Spanish, Scot-Irish ancestry.” Her guide style is informed by all of these previous life experiences.

Aquatic Birds of Oso Flaco Lake (bilingual)
2023-04-29 09:30 - 12:00 | 3098 Oso Flaco Lake Road Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, 3098 Oso Flaco Lake Road Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, United States
Participants will enjoy a nice 2-mile stroll down the boardwalk and bridges and even terrain found throughout the lake and will end at the beach where participants will have a chance to explore these fascinating dune ecosystems!

Located just off scenic Highway 1 in southern San Luis Obispo County, Oso Flaco Lake is an 800 acre day use area in the southern portion of the Oceano Dunes SVRA and is part of the 22,000 acre Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Complex. This land is designated for hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature study and other non-motorized uses.

Healthy Kids Day
2023-04-29 10:00 - 12:00 | 515 W College Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436, 515 W College Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436, United States
We will be at the Lompoc Community Track and Field from 10:00 am-12:00 pm with:

Route One Mobile Farmers Market
Charlotte’s Web Book Mobile
American Red Cross
Fun Obstacles Course
100 Mile Club
and so much more fun!

For more information or to volunteer, contact us at: 805-736-3483

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival
2023-04-29 11:00 - 19:00, 2023-04-30 11:00 - 18:00 | 1400 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 1400 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
This festival is the longest-running and most consistently held public Earth Day celebration in the U.S. and is thought to be one of the largest on the West Coast. The festival will be featuring sustainable, local foods, a beer and wine garden, and over 200 eco-conscious exhibitors.
Some activities not to miss include

Longest running green car show
Over 200 eco-friendly exhibitors
Plant-forward food court
Beer & Wine Garden
Kid’s Zone
2-full days of music & entertainment on the main stage
Free bike valet & bike check-ups
