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.
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Still Time to Make a Year End Gift and a Positive Impact!
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 2025. Charitable distributions can come from your Charitable donor advised fund account.
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As we step into 2026, we look back on 2025 with gratitude for all of the visitors, donors, volunteers, and teachers who make our work possible. From welcoming over 45,000 visitors to the nature center in 2025, to improving our exhibits and programs, in 2025 the nature center continued its mission of...
1. Which lizard is nicknamed a “blue‑belly” because males flash a bright blue patch during push‑up mating displays?
a) Southern Alligator Lizard
b) Common Side-blotched Lizard
c) Western Fence Lizard
California is the only state with an official state lichen, having chosen the distinctive Lace Lichen (Ramalina menziesii) for this honor. It grows abundantly at Lake Cachuma, hanging from the branches of oak trees. This species is an indicator of air quality, as it is highly sensitive to pollutants and will wither in the presence of sulfur dioxide. The Chumash people used lace lichen as wound dressing and to wrap their infants.
2. Lichen is a symbiotic combination of:
a) Algae and cyanobacteria or protazoa
b) Fungi and algae or cyanobacteria
c) Fungi and diatoms
California Condor Gymnogyps californianus (left), Bald EagleHaliaeetus leucocephalus (center), and Osprey Pandion haliaetus (right)
3. Which of these species soars for hours using thermal air currents while searching for carrion?
a) California Condor
b) Bald Eagle
c) Osprey
d) All of the above
Find the answers at the bottom of this email!
Since 1989, our newsletter has evolved from a small printed publication mailed to volunteers into a thriving monthly digital community of over 2,000 subscribers—growing by over 500 this year alone! To celebrate over 37 years of nature center newsletters, we've recently archived all our previous editions online.
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank you for supporting the nature center and reading our newsletter. We hope you stay connected with us for years to come.
NATURE TRIVIA ANSWER KEY
Answer: c) Western Fence Lizard This common insectivore species is commonly found throughout much of California, basking in the sun on trails, stumps, logs and fence posts. Males show off bright blue patches on their bellies and throats during push‑up displays to attract mates and defend territory.
Answer: b) Fungi and algae or cyanobacteria In lichen, the fungus provides structure and protection while the algal or cyanobacterial partner uses photosynthesis to make food for them both.
Answer: a) California Condor All three species can travel over 200 miles in a day, and rely on wind currents to soar. However, California Condors are specialized soaring scavengers that exclusively eat carrion (dead animals), while Bald Eagles and Ospreys are birds of prey that primarily hunt for live animals.
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.
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.
Ready, set, FISH! The 29th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby has officially started! Good luck, anglers 😁 🙏 HUGE THANK YOU to all of our Fish Derby sponsors, donors, and merchandise donors who make the Fish Derby possible! Johnny had an unwavering love for trout fishing which began at a young age ice fishing with his dad and brother. His interest grew over time leading him to fly fish, tying his own flies, and spending time in incredible places like Mammoth Lakes and Alaska. He...
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...
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...
