Last week, over 150 community members, partners, supporters, staff, board members, friends, and family joined us for our Office Warming Celebration. Thank you to everyone who stopped by—and to everyone in the Land Trust community who continues to support this next chapter of our work. As we settle into this new chapter, we’re excited to keep creating opportunities for our community to connect with the lands we protect.

Here’s what’s coming up this month:

Volunteer Orientation
Land Trust Headquarters
Wednesday, August 5, 6-7 p.m.
Are you interested in volunteering for the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County? Join us for an informational session to learn more about all the volunteer programs that we offer! We’ll share descriptions of each volunteer role and will have time for Q&A at the end of the presentation. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. We’ll also provide a Zoom link if you’d like to join us virtually.

Stargazing Party
Arroyo Hondo Preserve
Friday, August 14, 7-9 p.m.
Join the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County for an evening of astronomy and stargazing in the meadow at Arroyo Hondo Preserve, led by Tom Farr.

Guided Tours
Arroyo Hondo Preserve
Saturday & Sunday, August 15-16, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
After months of storm recovery, we’ve begun a partial reopening of Arroyo Hondo Preserve. While recovery continues, most trails remain closed, and access will be available by guided tour only.

Volunteer Work Day
Arroyo Hondo Preserve
Saturday, August 15, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
We hold monthly volunteer workdays at Arroyo Hondo (weather permitting) to help maintain the trails and support healthy habitat. Lending a hand in trail maintenance is not only fun but also preserves integral pieces of our region’s history. Come learn invaluable skills and how to contribute to the maintenance of your favorite local trails!

Let’s Talk Rocks
Land Trust Headquarters
Tuesday, August 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
Join the Land Trust at our new office space in downtown Santa Barbara for a special presentation about local geology from SBCC professor, Tom Farr! Bring in your favorite “mystery rock” and Tom will try to identify it for you at the end of the presentation!

Sunset Hike
Ellwood Preserve
Thursday, August 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
We will stroll through the Eucalyptus groves of the Coronado Butterfly Preserve and then enjoy the coastal views as we meander the Ellwood Mesa Open Space. Finally, we will loop around the North Campus Open Space before returning to our starting point, enjoying the sunset at day’s end.

Oak Woodland Walk
Dangermond Preserve
Saturday, August 22, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Learn about the plants and animals around you, stop to observe birds flying overhead or insects crawling across the path, and immerse your senses in the old growth oak woodlands. You never know what exciting experiences will emerge during a naturalist walk! This slow-paced naturalist walk takes you along a mostly flat 4-mile out and back trail, adjacent to a creek.

Every hike attended, volunteer hour contributed, and new connection made helps strengthen our conservation community. Thank you for being part of it.