Live Bat Exhibit

Going Batty at the Nature Center

ADMISSION: Donation

Please do not disturb the bats with lights or loud noises.

These are wild batswe never feed or touch the animals.

Keep at least a 10ft distance away from the bat boxes at all times.

Going Batty consists of weekly talks and observation of hundreds of native bats. The program takes place only during warmer months when migratory California Myotis bats take residence in the nature center’s bat boxes. We typically start offering talks in late April or early May, and end any time between September and November depending on the weather and bat behavior.

Guests of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area are welcome to visit our bat boxes at any time during their visit. The bats typically come out about 30 minutes after sunset and are most active here during the summer.

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

  Meet in front of the Nature Center for 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. 

Scroll down to Going Batty Program Schedule to see upcoming events.

B L O G

The Bats in our Backyard

Learn more about our bat boxes at the Nature Center and native bats in Santa Barbara!

Read more

Going Batty Program Schedule

Please check again in April or May if there are no upcoming events posted below.

There are no upcoming events at this time

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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.

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Barn Owl (Tyto Alba)