About Us

Our Mission

“The mission of the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is to encourage public understanding, enjoyment, and protection of Cachuma Lake, the Upper Santa Ynez River, and the San Rafael Mountain Range Watershed.”

Our Story

Founded in 1988, the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is celebrating over 35 years of connecting kids and adults to discovering the wonders of their own backyard – Cachuma Lake and the Santa Ynez watershed.

     

Thousands of children, families and campers experience the Nature Center firsthand each year as part of a school field trip program or as a special planned visit. In addition, the Nature Center hosts programs such as Food for Thought lecture series, Creepy Creatures, Kids and Adult Fishing Workshops, Going “Batty” – a living exhibit, Trout in the Classroom, Saving Wildlife programs and our Native Garden. Our programs strive to fascinate and encourage exploration and a deeper understanding of Nature.

These programs are possible through the generosity of our donors and members, vital community partnerships and the expertise and dedication of our volunteers and docents. All programs are offered at a low cost or with a donation of whatever someone can give – so all can participate. The Nature Center also serves as a weekend destination for families, visitors, and campers.

      With 35 years of serving our community to celebrate, we are approaching the future with confidence.

    Our plan of upgrading the Center and its exhibits “one room at a time” continues, and we look forward to providing more innovative programs and exhibits with your help.

Founded in 1988, the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is celebrating over 35 years of connecting kids and adults to discovering the wonders of their own backyard – Cachuma Lake and the Santa Ynez watershed.

Thousands of children, families and campers experience the Nature Center firsthand each year as part of a school field trip program or as a special planned visit.

In addition, the Nature Center hosts innovative programs such as Food for Thought lecture series, Creepy Creatures, Kids and Adult Fishing Workshops, Going “Batty” – a living exhibit, Trout in the Classroom, Saving Wildlife programs and our Native Garden.

Our many programs strive to fascinate and encourage exploration and a deeper understanding of Nature.

These programs are possible through the generosity of our donors and members, vital community partnerships and the expertise and dedication of our volunteers and docents.

All programs are offered at a low cost or with a donation of whatever someone can give – so all can participate. The Nature Center also serves as a weekend destination for families, visitors, and campers.

      With 34 years of serving our community to celebrate, we are approaching the future with confidence.

    Our plan of upgrading the Center and its exhibits “one room at a time” continues, and we look forward to providing more innovative programs and exhibits with your help.

Our Founder

Neal Taylor (1932-2011)

Neal was the inspiration and founder of Cachuma Lake Nature Center. As Santa Barbara County’s first park naturalist, he did interpretive work at Cachuma Lake from 1983 until his retirement in 2001. He led nature walks, operated lake cruises, conducted Fireside Theater programs, and guided visitors through the Nature Center.

     

Neal worked to organize and promote the Nature Center from its founding in 1988 and continued to served on its Board of Directors.

In March 2011, the Cachuma Lake nature Center’s Board of Directors voted to honor his legacy by rebranding the center as the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake. 

Neal Taylor (1932-2011)

Neal was the inspiration and founder of Cachuma Lake Nature Center. As Santa Barbara County’s first park naturalist, he did interpretive work at Cachuma Lake from 1983 until his retirement in 2001. He led nature walks, operated lake cruises, conducted Fireside Theater programs, and guided visitors through the Nature Center.

     

Neal worked to organize and promote the Nature Center from its founding in 1988 and continued to served on its Board of Directors.

In March 2011, the Cachuma Lake nature Center’s Board of Directors voted to honor his legacy by rebranding the center as the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake. 

Our Team

Board of Directors

Edward Grand – President

Craig Juratsch – Vice President

Sandi Witcher – Secretary

Judy Duncan

Charles Faulding

Alison McCullah

Jill Moulton

John Rose

Executive Director

Julie Anne McDonald

Emeritus Board

Neal Taylor – Founder

(1932 – 2011)

Advisory Council

Lowell McLellan – Treasurer

Greg Donovan – Horticulturalist

Chuck McPartlin

Lynda Williams-Terres

Dedicated Volunteers

As a nonprofit organization, volunteers have always been the heart, passion, and backbone of the Nature Center. All of our exhibits were designed and set up by volunteers. All of our programs are taught and run by volunteers. The nature center is tended by volunteer docents.

We are always looking for people eager to share their time, skills and knowledge at the nature center.

Get Involved

Support Us

Give Back to the Community

The Neal Taylor Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs completely on donations and grants.

We are an independent organization that does not receive funding from the park or the county in which we operate.

All goods, services, and monetary gifts are tax deductable.

Donate

Give Back to the Community

The Neal Taylor Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates completely on donations.

We are an independent organization that does not receive any funding from the park or the county where we reside.

All goods, services, and monetary gifts are tax deductable.

Donate

Volunteer With Us!

Seasonal opportunities and residential camp host positions are available. Apply now!

LEARN MORE

Photo by Steve Udell

Volunteer With Us!

Seasonal opportunities and residential camp host positions are available. Apply now!

LEARN MORE

Photo by Steve Udell

Visit Us

Come by the nature center and enjoy our exhibits, weekly and seasonal events, book sales, workshops, gift shop and more!

Current Programs

Hours & Info

Calliope Humingbird (Selasphorus calliope)