Sedgwick Reserve in the Santa Ynez Valley -- Q&A August 15, 2009

Set in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, the Sedgwick Reserve stands not only as a historical tribute to the Valley's agricultural heritage, but offers a breathtaking picture of what California was like for centuries, before westbound settlers brought "progress" to this part of the globe. The Sedgwick Reserve contains much of the watershed of Figueroa Creek; from rolling oak savannah; to grassland harboring many native grasses; to the gray pine forest extending into the Los Padres National Forest to the north. Deer and other wildlife may be spotted in the meadows and watering along the creek as it flows toward the Santa Ynez River.

The original Rancho La Laguna ranch headquarters, bunkhouses, barns and vintage farm implements speak to the ranching history of Santa Barbara County, dating to the Mexican rancho days. Archaeologists have catalogued Chumash burial sites over 2,000 years old. An art studio overlooking the valley reminds us of the artistic and educational tradition that was instilled by Duke Sedgwick, sculptor and long-time owner of the Sedgwick Ranch.

Today the Sedgwick Reserve is being used extensively for research, arts and education programs: up to 6,400 visitors a year. Scientists from UCSB and other institutions around the world participate in ecological and agricultural research at Sedgwick. Major research projects include the study of oak tree regeneration; native grass competition with invasive plant species; the ecological role of pocket gophers; and many other studies related to the rich populations of native plants, lichen, insects, reptiles, and vertebrate animals that make their home in the Reserve.

Kate McCurdy, Director of the Sedgwick Reserve, and Nick DiCroce, a docent there, will talk and answer questions about this marvelous natural area of Santa Barbara County.

2:30pm socializing, 3pm meeting starts Saturday, August 15th in the Patio Room at Vista del Monte, 3775 Modoc Road (Las Positas exit off the 101, midway between UCSB and SBCC) in Santa Barbara. Presented by the Humanist Society of Santa Barbara, $2 student or $5 general donations would be appreciated. Website http://sbhumanists.org

Optional dinner with the speakers at 5pm for $25 - please phone 805-962-6316 or e-mail President@SantaBarbaraHumanists.org for menu and reservations (required).

Official Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113239611230