Trout in the Classroom
2024-02-01 - 2024-03-12
Admission: Donation
The Neal Taylor Nature Center “Trout in the Classroom” is a program designed to allow visitors, including local school children on field trips, to experience raising trout in an up-close, first-hand environment.
Visitors can observe raising trout from eggs to fry and Nature Center volunteers are on hand to answer questions. The result is an aquarium full of trout fry, each over one inch in length that will eventually be released to a pre-approved site by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Our January session every year spans from 2 – 4 months in length.
The “Trout in the Classroom” program is sponsored by The Santa Barbara Fly-fishers club. The club has been an active Trout in the Classroom (TIC) supporter for many years and sponsors two TIC sessions per year involving many local schools on the central coast in addition to the Nature Center.
Trout eggs are picked up from the Fillmore Hatchery and personally delivered to each participating location. The result is an aquarium full of trout fry that are released into a state-approved body of water.
This program’s goal is to reconnect an increasingly urbanized population of youth to the system of streams, rivers and watersheds that sustain them. It is one of the living exhibits at the Nature Center and is a favorite.

The trout eggs have hatched! Come visit the nature center today and see them swim!!

Meet Dennis, our Nature Center volunteer who puts in the hard work of maintaining the tank and making sure our baby trout are happy!

Fish Derby
2024-04-20 - 2024-04-21 | Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
The Fish Derby is a two-day annual fishing event held on Saturday and Sunday in April. To participate in the Fish Derby, registration is required before or during the event. Cash prizes are awarded for different categories of fish caught in Cachuma Lake, and merchandise prizes are distributed throughout the event.
Participants of all ages are welcome, and there is a fee required for participation.
More information and a downloadable registration form can be found at www.TroutDerby.org.

Books & Treasures Sale
2024-07-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-11-29 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Come to our garage sale and browse through a wide selection of books, toys, knick-knacks and household items! All proceeds support the Neal Taylor Nature Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Arts & Crafts
2024-11-29 13:00 - 15:00
Come by the Nature Center and make some nature-themed crafts!
Open to all ages.
Admission: $2 per person
Meet at the picnic tables in front of the Nature Center.

Holiday Gathering
2024-12-18 17:30 - 19:30
Let’s celebrate together!
Neal Taylor Nature Center
Holiday Gathering
December 18th, 5:30 – 7:30pm
2265 Hwy 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
ALL AGES WELCOME
JOIN US FOR:

hot apple cider, eggnog and treats
holiday music
ornament making
tree decorating
special holiday scavenger hunts for all ages (with prizes!)

RSVP: email info@clnaturecenter.org with number of people you’re coming with by Tuesday, December 17th

Food 4 Thought Speakers Series: Planetary Emergencies with Chancellor Lorne Everett
2025-03-09 14:00 - 16:00
Guest speaker Chancellor Lorne Everett will present a lecture on his experience over 35 years as Chairman within the World Federation of Scientist. Dr Everett will present insights into nuclear war, world pollution, plastics, the world water crisis, asteroid impacts, and other Planetary Emergencies and highlight environmental concerns closer to home.
Chancellor Lorne Everett will share his experience over 35 years as a Chairman within the World Federation of Scientists, headquartered at CERN (home of the Large Hadron Collider) in Geneva Switzerland. The meetings on Nuclear War and Planetary Emergencies are chaired by the Science Advisor to the Pope and are held in 3 repurposed monasteries in Erice Sicily. Over 124 Nobel Laureates have participated in these meetings including numerous key players in the Manhattan Project.
Dr Everett will present insights into nuclear war, world pollution, plastics, the world water crisis, asteroid impacts, and other Planetary Emergencies. Although the annual meeting in August is held in 3 monasteries in Sicily, a second meeting is often held in the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in the Vatican. Rare pictures of the Pope’s private quarters and gardens will be shown. The Pope often sends a letter of welcome to our meetings and has been the keynote speaker.

When: Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (Remember to “spring forward” your clocks by 1 hour for daylight saving on Sun, March 9th)
Where: The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake
Meet and greet with light refreshments after the presentation.
Lecture and Admission to the Nature Center – Donation

More about our presenter
Lorne G. Everett, PhD, DSc. (HC)
Lorne G. Everett, PhD, DSc, is the CEO of LEA Environmental, Inc. Dr. Everett was the Chief Scientist at Haley & Aldrich, Shaw Environmental, ARCADIS and Metcalf & Eddy Inc. He is a retired Professional Researcher (Level VII) in the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Past Director of the Vadose Zone Monitoring Laboratory at UCSB. The University of California describes full professor Level VII as “reserved for scholars of great distinction.” He has a Ph.D. in Hydrology (1972) from the University of Arizona in Tucson and is a member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences. In 1996, he received a Doctor of Science Degree (Honoris Causa) from Lakehead University in Canada for Distinguished Achievement in Hydrology. Dr. Everett was the 6th Chancellor of Lakehead University in Canada.
He is an internationally recognized expert who has conducted extensive research on subsurface characterization and remediation. He is Chairman of the ASTM Task Committee on Groundwater and Vadose Zone Monitoring (D18.21.02). He also chaired the Remediation Session of the First USSR/USA Conference on Environmental Hydrogeology (Leningrad, 1990). Dr. Everett has received numerous awards, published over 150 technical papers and reports, holds several patents, developed 11 national ASTM Vadose Zone Monitoring standards and authored and edited over 10 books including: Vadose Zone Monitoring for Hazardous Waste Sites, and Subsurface Migration of Hazardous Waste. His book entitled, Groundwater Monitoring was endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as establishing “the state-of-the-art used by industry today” and was recommended by the World Health Organization for all developing countries.
Dr Everett is a Fellow of ASCE, a Fellow of AWRA, and a Fellow of ASTM. He has been named an expert in over 70 environmental cases.
Lorne G. Everett, PhD, DSc. (HC)
Chancellor Emeritus
Queens Gold Medal, Canada
Kapitsa Gold Medal, Russia
Academician
Medal of Excellence, USN
Honorary Diplomate/Dist., AAWRE
Distinguished Scholar & Director, UC
Distinguished Member, ASCE
Distinguished Alumnus, LU
Eminence Member, AAEES

V. Theis Award, AIH

Life Member, ASCE
PH, PH-GW, CGWP, BCES

ASCE, F. AWRA, F. ASTM

PMP Chairman, World Federation of Scientists
CEO, Chairman of LEA Environmental, Inc.
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: Donation
(There is a $10.00 County Park Entrance Fee per vehicle)

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE FOR THIS EVENT

Going Batty
2025-05-24 19:55 - 20:55, 2025-05-30 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-31 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-06 20:05 - 21:05, 2025-06-07 20:05 - 21:05, 2025-06-14 00:00 - 21:05, 2025-07-05 20:20 - 21:20, 2025-07-19 20:05 - 21:05 and 6 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

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

Going Batty
2025-09-12 19:05 - 20:05, 2025-09-13 19:05 - 20:05, 2025-09-19 18:55 - 19:55, 2025-09-20 18:55 - 19:55, 2025-09-26 18:45 - 19:45, 2025-09-27 18:45 - 19:45
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

“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

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
