Camp Host Positions Starting May 2026 Would you like to contribute to a great organization while living in the spectacular environment of Cachuma Lake? Our camp hosts volunteer 20 hours a week at the Nature Center in exchange for a full-hookup RV site... LEARN MORE > ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON APRIL 16 Mail-in registrations must be postmarked by April 11 REGISTER NOW FISH DERBY FORECAST source: weather.com ON-SITE REGISTRATION DURING FISH DERBY WEEKEND Fri, April 17, 2026 at 12 noon to...
22 days ago • 2 min read
Saturday, April 4th is the last day to register for $40 Prices go up to $45 on Sunday, April 5th! REGISTER NOW MERCHANDISE DONORS: There's Still Time to Support the Nature Center: 29th Annual Fish Derby Fundraiser! A huge thank you to everyone who has stepped up to donate, sponsor, and underwrite prizes so far for this year's Fish Derby! See all sponsors > The Derby is the Nature Center’s Annual Fundraiser, and your generosity makes the Nature Center and its engaging exhibits and native...
29 days ago • 1 min read
SPONSOR THE FISH DERBY Help make the Fish Derby possible for hundreds of anglers and families, all while supporting the Neal Taylor Nature Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Sponsoring us puts your name or brand on the Fish Derby website, flyers, event materials, and promotions. There are plenty of ways to give, from becoming a sponsor to underwriting cash prizes or donating merchandise! All sponsorships, underwriting and donations are tax-deductible. Platinum Sponsors $25,000 | Gold Sponsors...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR $35 FISH DERBY REGISTRATIONS! REGISTER STAY CONNECTED Follow us for Fish Derby updates, photos, and more! Fish Derby Facebook Event Page Add the 2026 FISH DERBY to your calendar:Google | iCal | Outlook 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. DONATE BECOME A MEMBER GET INVOLVED Copyright © 2025...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Photo by Colin Eldridge The above photo shows Cachuma Lake and the San Rafael mountains, snow-capped from our recent storms. Every once in a while, we are delighted with views of white peaks surrounding Cachuma Lake, with snow usually melting within days. LAST WEEK TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR $35! REGISTER Recent Storms Dust Snow Over San Rafael Mountains Surrounding Cachuma Lake Snow in the San Rafael Mountains above Cachuma Lake is a rare treat, transforming the usual brown brush into bright...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Photo by Colin Eldridge We just got almost two inches of rain here at Cachuma Lake, with more expected next week! With the lake already at full capacity before the storm hit, water is being released. Birdwatching LIVE STREAM Tune in for live birdwatching with species identification and commentary from NTNC volunteer Chris Farro! Thursdays from 12 - 12:30 PM LEARN MORE > 29th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby $5000+ in Cash Prizes Thousands more in merchandise and raffle prizes...
3 months ago • 1 min read
A honey bee pollinates wood sorrel flowers blooming behind the Neal Taylor Nature Center. Photo by Colin Eldridge Spring has sprung early this year! Valley Oaks in front of the Nature Center are pushing out fresh leaves, while lupines and California poppies have already begun to bloom in the Santa Ynez Valley and San Rafael Mountains. We're enjoying beautiful warm weather here at Cachuma Lake. Cachuma Lake is full to the brim! There have already been 3,000 lbs. of trout planted at Cachuma...
3 months ago • 1 min read
2026 Fish Derby Registration is LIVE! SPECIAL ONLINE DISCOUNT: $35.00 - Online by February 28, 2026 - $40.00 - Online or Postmark by April 4, 2026 $45.00 - Postmark by April 11, 2026 $45.00 - Online by April 16, 2026 $50.00 - On-site Fri. 4/17/ to Sun. 4/19/2026 Ages 4-15 years old always - $15.00 - REGISTER NOW STAY CONNECTED Follow us for updates, photos, and more! Facebook Event Page Add the 2026 FISH DERBY to your calendar:Google | iCal | Outlook DONATE BECOME A MEMBER GET INVOLVED...
4 months ago • 1 min read
DONATE Dear Reader, There's still time to support the Nature Center with a Year End gift! Your gift and support will continue to make the programs, exhibits, and many Nature Center events possible in 2026! Ways to Give: Ring in the New Year by becoming a Member: There are special benefits available at the Associate level and above. Learn More! Use a donor advised fund: Contribute to your fund now and designate The Neal Taylor Nature Center as a future grantee - making your gift count for...
4 months ago • 2 min read