Field Trip with Sally Isaacson and John Warner

Sunday December 2, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Advance registration begins November 2 at synature@west.net or 805/ 693-5683
Members $10 / Non-members $25 / Children $5. Payment can be made via check or cash on the day of the field trip or in advance of the trip using a credit card online (once advance registration is completed).

Featured photo of geologic strata in Arroyo Hondo Canyon. Photo by John Evarts

With its lush riparian corridor, rich variety of plant and animal life, and distinctive layers of geologic formations, it is little wonder that Arroyo Hondo Preserve is known as the jewel of the Gaviota Coast. This field trip will begin with a moderate two-hour hike to learn about the natural history of this 782-acre preserve, which is owned by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. The hike will be led by long-time Santa Barbara County botanist and nature educator, Sally Isaacson. After the hike, participants are invited to stay for a short tour of some of the habitat restoration projects on the preserve, led by John Warner, who has been raising native plants for Arroyo Hondo for over 14 years.

Everyone is welcome to stay after the hike and tour for further exploration or to bring a lunch to enjoy in the picnic area. The preserve closes at 3:00 p.m. Trekking poles are suggested for the hike, as there are stream crossings. Fall color should be peaking in the canyon, so photographers may want to carry a camera.

Sally Isaacson is the Coordinator for Volunteers at Arroyo Hondo and has lived and ranched in the Gaviota Coast region for more than 45 years. Before coming to Arroyo Hondo, Sally was the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where she worked for over 20 years. John Warner is co-owner of Santa Barbara Natives, a wholesale nursery that specializes in California native plants. John and his wife Jennifer have been the Stewards at Arroyo Hondo since 2005.