The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake

Story Time at the Nature Center
2025-11-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Gather ’round for story time at the nature center! A fun activity for kids.
ADMISSION: Donation

About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.

Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nature Center Admission: Donations Appreciated
(There is a $10.00 County Park Entrance Fee per vehicle)

Books & Treasures Sale
2025-11-28 12:00 - 16:00
Come to our garage sale and browse through a wide selection of books, toys, knick-knacks and household items! The sale will take place in the parking lot of the nature center.

All proceeds support the Neal Taylor Nature Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.

Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nature Center Admission: Donations Appreciated
(There is a $10.00 County Park Entrance Fee per vehicle)

Food for Thought Speakers Series: Solvang’s Rich History of Danish Baking
2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00
with Bent Olsen, Owner of Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery
ADMISSION: DONATION

When: 2PM on Sunday, November 16th
Where: The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
Meet & greet reception with light refreshments to follow.

Description
Guest speaker Bent Olsen will speak on Danish Bakeries in Solvang, California. Learn how six Danish bakeries have been able to thrive in Solvang, a small village of just 6,000 residents with a unique history. Peer into the rich culture and passed down techniques of Danish baking. Get a taste for yourself and sample the Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery signature pastry. Fresh brewed coffee will be provided, courtesy of El Rancho Marketplace. The presentation will finish with a Q&A.

About Bent Olsen
Bent Olsen was born and raised in his family’s bakery on the Danish island of Aero (Ærø), where his grandfather and father ran the establishment founded in 1890 in Aeroskobing (Ærøskøbing). After completing his apprenticeship with his father and grandfather, and furthering his education in baking and confectionary arts in Sweden, he immigrated to the United States in 1965. Captivated by the opportunities in Solvang, California, he stayed and worked at a bakery there until 1970, when he purchased what is now Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Over the past 55 years, Bent has built the bakery into an award-winning institution and a renowned destination for both residents and tourists alike. Now, with his son Christian and grandchildren actively involved in the business, Bent continues to train the next generation, ensuring that his family’s baking legacy will endure in the heart of Solvang.

About Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery
Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery and coffee shop specialized in a large variety of delicious pastries, breads, cookies and cakes, winner of the blue ribbon for best breads, acclaimed by sunset magazine one of the best bakeries of the west coast. The bakery serves the authentic Danish almond custard Kringle as seen on Food Network’s “Kid In a candy Store” and the Scandinavian wedding cake “kransekage”. See for yourself why Olsen’s is one of the Santa Ynez Valley’s favorite bakeries!
Website: olsensdanishvillagebakery.com
Phone: (805) 688-6314

About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.

Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nature Center Admission: Donations Appreciated
(There is a $10.00 County Park Entrance Fee per vehicle)

Going Batty
2025-11-01 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-31 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-11 18:25 - 19:25, 2025-10-10 18:25 - 19:25, 2025-10-03 18:35 - 19:35, 2025-09-27 18:45 - 19:45, 2025-09-26 18:45 - 19:45, 2025-09-20 18:55 - 19:55 and 3 more dates
A Living Exhibit!

ADMISSION: Donation
*Program times vary by week depending on the time of sunset*

Meet at the front entrance of the Nature Center.
Going Batty consists of a weekly talk and observation of local bats during warmer months when our migratory bats occupy the bat houses at the nature center. These are wild bats—we never feed or touch the animals.
Guests of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area are welcome to visit our bat boxes at any time during their visit, although they typically only come out about 30 minutes after sunset, and are mostly active here during the warmer months.
This is a living exhibit! Please do not disturb the bats with lights or loud noises.
Keep a 10-15ft distance from bat boxes at all times.
Includes a Docent led talk and Q&A.
After learning about the local bats, we’ll move to the Native Garden to watch as the bats drop out of the bat boxes to feed.
Admission: Donation

Click here for more information about this program

About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.
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. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs completely on donations and grants.

Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Native Plant Garden Hours: Always open
Admission: Donation

Going Batty
2025-10-18 18:15 - 19:15, 2025-10-17 18:15 - 19:15
A Living Exhibit!

ADMISSION: Donation
*Program times vary by week depending on the time of sunset*

Meet at the front entrance of the Nature Center.
Going Batty consists of a weekly talk and observation of local bats during the warmer months when our migratory bats occupy the bat houses at the nature center. These are wild bats—we never feed or touch the animals.
Guests of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area are welcome to visit our bat boxes at any time during their visit, although they typically only come out about 30 minutes after sunset, and are mostly active here during the warmer months.
This is a living exhibit! Please do not disturb the bats with lights or loud noises.
Keep a 10-15ft distance from bat boxes at all times.
Includes a Docent led talk and Q&A.
After learning about the local bats, we’ll move to the Native Garden to watch as the bats drop out of the bat boxes to feed.
Admission: Donation

Click here for more information about this program

About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.
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. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs completely on donations and grants.

Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Native Plant Garden Hours: Always open
Admission: Donation

Going Batty
2025-10-04 18:35 - 19:35, 2025-08-30 19:20 - 20:20, 2025-08-23 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-16 19:40 - 20:40, 2025-08-09 19:45 - 20:45, 2025-08-02 19:55 - 20:55, 2025-07-26 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-19 20:05 - 21:05 and 2 more dates
A Living Exhibit!

Friday & Saturday evenings at dusk Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
ADMISSION: Donation
*Program times vary by week depending on the time of sunset*

Meet at the front entrance of the Nature Center.
Going Batty consists of a weekly talk and observation of local bats during May – August each year. We have two bat boxes where bats live at the nature center. These are wild bats—we never feed or touch the animals.
Guests of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area are welcome to visit our bat boxes at any time during their visit, although they typically only come out about 30 minutes after sunset, and are mostly active here during the warmer months.
This is a living exhibit! Please do not disturb the bats with lights or loud noises.
Keep a 10-15ft distance from bat boxes at all times.
Includes a Docent led talk and Q&A.
After learning about the local bats, we’ll move to the Native Garden to watch as the bats drop out of the bat boxes to feed.
Admission: Donation

Click here for more information about this program

Creepy Creatures
2025-10-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
When: Saturday, October 4th, 11am-1pm
Where: This event will take place on the lawn in front of the Neal Taylor Nature Center.
Description:
Fall under the spell of owls, bats, & spiders. See living slithering snakes and lizards. Touch real skulls & bones that will rattle your bones. Play games and win prizes! Make a mask. Sip Witches Brew. Enchanting music too!
A terrific event for kids and adults is being offered at Neal Taylor Nature Center. On the lawn at the Nature Center, Alice Abela and her collection of spiders, snakes and other reptiles will offer an exciting view into a fascinating world of small creatures, and representatives from the Nature Center will teach you all you would like to know about many animals closely associated with Halloween as well as lead fun games including a special Creepy Creatures Scavenger Hunt!
SB County Park Naturalists will also be taking part in the event and will have a table on skulls and bones! Educators from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will highlight a fun assortment of taxidermy that include bats, snakes, toads and more! Representatives from the SB Wildlife Care Network will lead fun fall themed games and tips on how to best decorate for Halloween.
Educators from the Santa Barbara Zoo will also be will highlight an interactive Trivia Wheel, bio facts and more! Other activities will entertain youngsters and parents alike. Arts and crafts activities will be a hit where making your own mask will be one of the focused activities. There will also be a enchanting music, scavenger hunts, witches brew, and exploring the Nature Center, and more!

Going Batty at the Nature Center– Saturday October 4th, 6:35 pm
Going Batty consists of a talk and observation of local bats. We have two bat boxes where bats live at the nature center. These are wild bats—we never feed or touch the animals. Meet in front of the Nature Center.
Creepy Creatures Presenting Partners:
Alice Abela, Amigas Arts & Crafts, MC Spooky,

For additional information contact the Nature Center at 805-693-0691
Admission: Donation
Reservations are not needed.
(There is a $10 per vehicle County Park Entrance Fee)

About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.
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. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs completely on donations and grants.

Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Native Plant Garden Hours: Always open
Admission: Donation

Santa Barbara Creek Week: Cachuma Lake Interactive Watershed Exploration
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00
Cachuma Lake Interactive Watershed Exploration
Join us at the Neal Taylor Nature Center within Cachuma Lake Recreation Area for an interactive exploration of our local watershed with the park naturalist and Nature Center docents. Learn how water travels from the lake to your tap and why it’s vital to our community’s well-being.
When: Saturday, September 27th, 10am – 12pm
Engaging activities for children will be provided at the Nature Center, including a special creek week scavenger hunt, exhibits and activities at the Nature Center, from 10:00 am – 4pm.
Creek Week Activities at the Nature Center
Creek week scavenger hunts and new watershed-focused exhibits will be available at the Nature Center Thursday – Sunday of Creek Week. Learn more about our watershed and how to conserve water with a take-home “Become a Local Water Hero” activity & coloring pamphlet!
When: Thurs., Sept. 25th – Sat., Sept. 27th 10am-4pm; & Sun., Sept. 28th 10am-2pm
–
County park admission is $10/vehicle.
Admission to Neal Taylor Nature Center is donation based.
The Neal Taylor Nature Center is a 501c3non-profit organization.
Contact for more info: Info@clnaturecenter.org or clnaturalist@countyofsb.org

Creek Week is an annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and the ocean, with many organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.
Learn more and see all creek week events at sbcreekweek.com

“Food for Thought” Speakers Series: Santa Barbara’s Diverse Water System, Past & Present
2025-09-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
When: Sunday, September 14th
Presentation at 2PM
Meet & greet reception with light refreshments to follow.
Where: The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
Admission: Donation (includes Lecture and Admission to the Nature Center)
Reservations are not needed. (There is a $10 per vehicle County Park Entrance Fee)

Come learn about the long history of water conservation in Santa Barbara as well as the city’s diverse water sources like Lake Cachuma, Gibraltar/Mission Tunnel, groundwater, desalination, and more.

Jasmine Showers will highlight the long history of water conservation in Santa Barbara as well as the City’s diverse water portfolio. The City of Santa Barbara has invested in developing water sources and manages one of the most diverse water portfolios in California. City water sources include Lake Cachuma, Gibraltar/Mission Tunnel, groundwater, State Water Project, desalination, and recycled water. The city also has a robust history of water conservation and relies on continued water conservation from customers to effectively manage the water supplies to meet demand. This presentation will provide an overview of each of the City’s water supply sources.

About Jasmine Showers
Water Resources Analyst, City of Santa Barbara, Public Works
Jasmine Showers is a Water Resources Analyst for the City of Santa Barbara. She has worked as part of the City’s Water Supply and Services Team for seven years and is passionate about water supply management. Jasmine graduated from UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Science and Management with a master’s degree specialization in Water Resources Management. At the City of Santa Barbara, Jasmine works on water supply planning, monthly water production reporting and monitors monthly water consumption.

About The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
The Neal Taylor Nature Center (NTNC) is located within Cachuma Recreational Area in a picturesque old ranch house. Developed and operated by a corps of committed volunteers, it offers exhibits on the local valley and mountain environment for all ages, emphasizing hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.
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. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs completely on donations and grants.
Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Native Plant Garden Open 24/7
Admission: Donation

Fridays & Saturdays in October: "Going Batty" at the Nature Center
2025-09-05 00:00 - 2025-10-25 23:59
Click here to see all “Going Batty” dates and learn more!
A Living Exhibit: Every Friday & Saturday Evening throughout September.

ADMISSION: Donation
*Program times vary by week depending on the time of sunset*

Meet at the front entrance of the Nature Center.

Going Batty consists of a weekly talk and observation of local bats during May – August each year. We have two bat boxes where bats live at the nature center. These are wild bats—we never feed or touch the animals.
Guests of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area are welcome to visit our bat boxes at any time during their visit, although they typically only come out about 30 minutes after sunset, and are mostly active here during the warmer months.
This is a living exhibit! Please do not disturb the bats with lights or loud noises.
Keep a 10-15ft distance from bat boxes at all times.
Includes a Docent led talk and Q&A.
After learning about the local bats, we’ll move to the Native Garden to watch as the bats drop out of the bat boxes to feed.
Admission: Donation

Nature Center & Gift Store Hours
Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Native Plant Garden Open 24/7
Admission: Donation
