Santa Barbara Public Library is hosting two free presentations on our local backcountry in August and September as part of its Trail Talks series, held in the Faulkner Gallery.
Thursday, August 17, 6:30pm
The Natural and Political History of the San Rafael Wilderness with Jeff Kuyper and Bryant Baker
San Rafael Wilderness was established in 1968, the first of its kind in the region. Home to the Hurricane Deck, Big Pine Mountain, and the Sisquoc River, the San Rafael Wilderness is both ecologically and geographically diverse.
Since 1968 it has become a premier destination for hikers and equestrians looking to explore the remote backcountry. Learn from local public land experts from Los Padres ForestWatch: Jeff Kuyper, executive director and Bryant Baker, Director of Conservation and Research. They’ll present the unique flora, fauna, and geology of this remarkable area and the political road to its designation.
Founded in 2004, Los Padres ForestWatch protects wildlife, wilderness, water, and sustainable access throughout the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The nonprofit uses a mix of education, advocacy, and when necessary, legal action to ensure that public lands in the region are protected from damaging activities such as oil drilling, logging, and mining.
Thursday, September 21, 6:30pm
Exploring Mount Pinos and the Chumash Wilderness with James Wapotich
With an elevation of 8,847 feet, Mount Pinos is the highest mountain in our local area, and is the easternmost summit in a series of four mountains. Created in 1992, the surrounding Chumash Wilderness encompasses 38,150 acres.
At the lower elevations on San Emigdio Mesa and the surrounding Cuyama Badlands is pinyon-juniper woodland, that transitions to mixed conifers at the higher elevations, giving the mountains a distinctly Sky Island feel. Snow-covered in the winter, these mountains provide year-round recreation opportunities.
Join local author James Wapotich as he provides an overview of the natural history of this unique area, and shares images and stories about its hiking, backpacking, and camping opportunities. James is a trail guide, Volunteer Wilderness Ranger with Los Padres National Forest, and author of a hiking column, Trail Quest. He also leads classes on backpacking and wilderness skills.