Blog

$5,600+ in Cash Prizes Over $38,000 raised for the Nature Center $12,000 + in Merchandise Prizes Awarded 535 men, women, and children registered. THANK YOU to our many generous donors and volunteers! Neal Taylor Nature Center’s 29th Annual Fish Derby The Derby began…

Snow in the San Rafael Mountains above Cachuma Lake is a rare treat, transforming the usual brown brush into bright white ridgelines framing the reservoir’s deep blue water. While the Santa Ynez Valley floor and Cachuma Lake sit in a mild, snow-free Mediterranean…

Ants, those tiny yet remarkable creatures, play an immensely significant role in many ecosystems around the world, contributing to biodiversity and functioning in ways often unnoticed by human eyes. As we delve into the intricate world of ants, we uncover a tapestry…

Inside California’s Most Diverse Water Portfolio A recap of “Food for Thought” Speakers Series: Santa Barbara’s Diverse Water System, Past & Present, which took place at the Neal Taylor Nature Center on September 14, 2025 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. During our Food…

As we step into 2026, we look back on 2025 with gratitude for all of the visitors, donors, volunteers, and teachers who make our work possible. From welcoming over 45,000 visitors to the nature center in 2025, to improving our exhibits and programs, in 2025 the nature…

It’s the holiday season, and here at the Nature Center we’ve just finished setting up our seasonal indoor live plant display featuring evergreen plants of the San Rafael mountains. Nature Center volunteer and local plant expert Greg Donovan ventured into the mountains…

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Foraging and eating wild plants carries risks. The Neal Taylor Nature Center is not liable for any illness, injury, or adverse effects from foraging or consuming wild plants. Manzanita means “little apple”…

A Sweet Legacy: Bent and Michelle Olsen on 60 Years of Danish Baking in Solvang A recap of the “Food for Thought Speakers Series: Solvang’s Rich History of Danish Baking” that took place on November 16th at the Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake On a rainy…

It’s November, which means the Neal Taylor Nature Center is gearing up to participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch. Volunteers across North America count birds at feeders and submit their observations to help scientists track population…

As the weather cools down and evenings turn crisp enough for sweaters, our bats are feeling the chill too. Without their own cozy knits to keep them warm, they’re heading south for the season. Thanks to our resident wild bats, our volunteers and thousands of…

Another thrilling Creepy Creatures took place at the Neal Taylor Nature Center on October 4th, where droves of kids, families and campers visited for some nature-fueled fun and eerie entertainment. Over 400 attendees showed up and were awed by various outdoor…

Help encourage environmental awareness in children with the Become a Local Water Hero Activity Pamphlet—an engaging, free resource designed for ages 7 and up! Help kids become “Water Heroes” while having fun learning about water conservation and the environment. The…

Dozens of kids and their families came out to enjoy Santa Barbara Creek Week at the Neal Taylor Nature Center! This was our first year participating in the annual creek week celebration, and we are excited to participate in years to come. A major…