Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden provides a close-by opportunity for Valley students to experience nature with the contrast of urban interface and the beginning of wild lands. The site affords opportunities for birding, with the well-cared for collection of native plants. Discussion of preserving natural habitats near local population centers can be coupled with the need for wildfire protection to extend this legacy into the future.
Nature art is often a focal part of our program at the site where we take advantage of picnic tables to focus small groups on learning about nature from hands-on contact and expression of appreciation for nature. Learning proper use of binoculars before an in-field birding experience enhances the success of being able to find and focus on the range of birds.