Current Programs
Indoor Exhibits
Nature Center Hours:
Thursday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 2 pm
Discover the beauty of nature and the rich cultural history through informative and fun exhibits featuring the Chumash Native Americans, as well as the diverse animal and plant life of the region.
Groups of 15 or more are required to book with us in advance. This ensures we have enough of our volunteer docents available at that time. Please reach out at 805-693-0691 or info@clnaturecenter.org
Admission: Donation
Learn more about our exhibits
Gift Shop
The best supply of nature field guides, books, educational toys, clothing, souveneirs, jewelry, knick-knacks and more!
The gift shop is open during our regular Nature Center hours:
Thursday-Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 10am-2pm
Nature Center Detectives – Scavenger Hunt!
The Nature Center Scavenger Hunt is a fun and interactive way for visitors to learn about the surrounding plants, animals and local history.
We have a scavenger hunts for ages 3-6, ages 6-12, as well as a teen and adult scavenger hunt.
Participants become Nature Center Detectives and search the Nature Center for the answers to questions.
We offer a short version appropriate for kids of all ages and a longer, more in depth version for teens/adults.
Docents are available with hints and to go over the answers at the end.
Successful Nature Center Detectives are awarded with a prize!
Neal Taylor Nature Center Native Garden
Take a stroll in the Nature Center’s Garden and learn about the indigenous plants and critters that make the garden their home.
All native plants are labeled and have a QR code so you can learn more in-depth information about each of the plants and their Chumash uses.
Admission: Donation
(Donation slot on side door of garage, inside the breeze way)
Don Wimpress Trail
Enjoy this 1/2 mile hike that starts and ends at the Nature Center. Click on the “Download” button below to access the trail guide and read about the flora and fauna found, along with a map of this “Easy” rated trail. The path is not paved and does have a few spots with uneven ground.
TRAIL GUIDE
Indoor Exhibits
Nature Center Hours:
Thursday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 2 pm
Discover the beauty of nature and the rich cultural history through informative and fun exhibits featuring the Chumash Native Americans, as well as the diverse animal and plant life of the region.
Groups of 15 or more are required to book with us in advance. This ensures we have enough of our volunteer docents available at that time. Please reach out at 805-693-0691 or info@clnaturecenter.org
Admission: Donation
Learn more about our exhibits
Gift Shop
The best supply of nature field guides, books, educational toys, clothing, souveneirs, jewelry, knick-knacks and more!
The gift shop is open during our regular Nature Center hours:
Thursday-Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 10am-2pm
Nature Center Detectives – Scavenger Hunt!
The Nature Center Scavenger Hunt is a fun and interactive way for visitors to learn about the surrounding plants, animals and local history.
We have a scavenger hunts for ages 3-6, ages 6-12, as well as a teen and adult scavenger hunt.
Participants become Nature Center Detectives and search the Nature Center for the answers to questions.
We offer a short version appropriate for kids of all ages and a longer, more in depth version for teens/adults.
Docents are available with hints and to go over the answers at the end.
Successful Nature Center Detectives are awarded with a prize!
Neal Taylor Nature Center Native Garden
Take a stroll in the Nature Center’s Garden and learn about the indigenous plants and critters that make the garden their home.
All native plants are labeled and have a QR code so you can learn more in-depth information about each of the plants and their Chumash uses.
Admission: Donation
(Donation slot on side door of garage, inside the breeze way)
Don Wimpress Trail
Enjoy this 1/2 mile hike that starts and ends at the Nature Center. Click on the “Download” button below to access the trail guide and read about the flora and fauna found, along with a map of this “Easy” rated trail. The path is not paved and does have a few spots with uneven ground.
TRAIL GUIDE
Bring Your Group
to the Nature Center!
Are you bringing a large group of people (15 or more) to the Nature Center?
- We charge a $1 fee per person for group tours and activities.
- Groups of 15 or more, school groups and summer camp groups are required to contact us and book in advance. This ensures we have enough of our volunteer docents available at that time.
- The nature center building has a capacity of 20 people at a time. If your group is larger than 20, we ask that you plan to split into smaller groups and allow 20-30 minutes for each group to explore the nature center.
- We offer special activities for groups and for kids upon request.
Group activities we can offer:
- Arts & Crafts
- Educational Games
- Workshops & Talks
- Scavenger Hunts
Events & Workshops
There are no upcoming events at this time
Support the Neal Taylor Nature Center
The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and educating people about the Santa Ynez River Valley's rich history and ecology.
Ways to support our mission:
- Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation online, in person or by mail.
- Become a Member: Enjoy exclusive benefits while supporting our work.
- Volunteer: Make a difference as a residential camp host or visiting volunteer.
Donate
GET INVOLVED
Visit Us
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
Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena)