California Central Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society

06/20/2026

We are excited to announce Ojai Raptor Center's annual Moonlit Nights: Charity Benefit for the Birds, to be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Camp Arnaz in Ventura, California. This elegant event will bring together conservation leaders, philanthropists and wildlife supporters for an evening of live music, silent and live auctions, and dining beneath the stars in support of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

Moonlit Nights will celebrate ORC's more than 25 years of service to wildlife and the community. Each year, thanks to our many generous donors, we provide lifesaving care to hundreds of injured, orphaned, and displaced raptors and other wildlife while inspiring people of all ages to better understand and protect the natural world. Moonlit Nights is an opportunity to honor ORC's work, celebrate the birds that connect us to the wild, and raise critical funds to ensure that animals in need continue to have a safe place to heal.

We are currently seeking event sponsors and auction items. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or donating an auction item, please contact Riki Saint John of our Development Team at [email protected].

Event tickets go on sale July 15, 2026. We hope you will join us in celebrating the beauty and wonder of raptors and our shared world! 🌙 🦉

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06/19/2026

Download your FREE Historian Passport!

In honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of American independence, California is offering a special edition California State Parks Historian Passport for free.

From June 17 through July 6, Californians can download a Historian Passport for free on ReserveCalifornia.com and use it for unlimited visits to participating parks from Juneteenth (June 19) until the end of 2026.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30966

California State Parks

06/19/2026

The Xerces Society, in partnership with the Western Section of The Wildlife Society, provides this field-based deep-dive into the ecology, survey methods, and identification of bumble bees. Taught by Rich Hatfield and Leif Richardson of the Xerces Society, we will learn field and laboratory techniques to identify the bumble bees of California, with a focus on the rare species proposed for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).
The Workshop will be held at Sagehen Creek Field Station near Truckee, California, but we will end near Spenceville Wildlife Area, CA, in the foothills on the final day.🌲🐝

For more information: https://tinyurl.com/WSbumblebees

To register: https://user.tws-west.org/store.php?e=BB2026

Note that this Workshop will not be offered again in 2027 or 2028!!

06/18/2026

Registration is Now Open!👉➡📌

Join the American Cetacean Society SF/Bay Chapter for our exciting new online course: "The Marine Wildlife of the Gulf of the Farallones"

Register Now: bit.ly/online-course-2026-FB

Discover the remarkable marine life inhabiting the Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. Over seven engaging evenings, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, seabirds, sharks, and other iconic marine species of California's coastal waters.

Dates: Seven Wednesday evenings, September 9 – October 21
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Pacific Time)
Online Webinar

Learn from leading experts in marine science and conservation, including specialists studying:

🐋 Whales, dolphins, and porpoises
🦈 White sharks
🐢 Leatherback sea turtles
🦦 Northern sea otters
🦭 Fur seals and Steller sea lions
🐦 Ocean-going seabirds
…and much more!

This course is ideal for educators, graduate students, naturalists, whale enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about marine wildlife and ocean conservation.

Course Fees:
• $300 – Non-members
• $265 – ACS SF/Bay Members
• $200 – Past attendees who are current ACS members

The course will be overseen by ACS Board Members Marc Webber, Research Biologist and Cetacean Field Research Program Manager at The Marine Mammal Center, and Susan Sherman, Marine Educator and Oceanic Society Naturalist.

Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge of marine ecosystems, enhance your naturalist skills, or connect with a community of ocean advocates, this course offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from the experts.

🎟️ Register Now and explore the incredible wildlife of California's marine sanctuaries from the comfort of your home!

For questions, contact: [email protected]

06/18/2026

Let’s celebrate Juneteenth by downloading your free historian passport between Juneteenth and July 6! You will get access for the rest of the year!

06/18/2026

Love wild, love free! Happy Pride Month!

Note: Mike’s bird has paired up with another male bird after loosing his mate Big Gulp. Heart break, love, and more…

Meet San Simeon's resident pair, Mike's Bird (566) and Big Gulp (71...

06/17/2026

Let’s celebrate Juneteenth by getting outside!

As we prepare to honor Juneteenth, we invite our community to reflect on the journey from freedom delayed to freedom celebrated.

On June 19, 1865, news of emancipation finally reached enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas. That moment became the foundation of a tradition that continues today through remembrance, resilience, community, and joy.

In our latest blog, 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘦: 𝘈 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, we explore the connections between freedom, belonging, wellness, and the outdoors.

Read the full reflection and join us as we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth in community and nature. 🌿 https://bit.ly/4xmQ3Aq

06/17/2026

Plastic-Free Expo
Thursday, June 25
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
CEC Environmental Hub, 1219 State St.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper invite you to join us for the 5th annual Plastic-Free Expo featuring local organizations, businesses, and government agencies offering information and resources for eliminating single-use plastic. Learn more about plastic-free initiatives in our community and how you can get involved!

Activities for all ages will be offered, with chances to win exciting plastic-free prizes. Light refreshments will be served. This fun community event is free, and we ask that you please RSVP.

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-plastic-free-expo-co-hosted-by-cec-and-sb-channelkeeper-tickets-1990527141263?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/17/2026

New zoo opens in SLO County, and it’s all about the reptiles. Take a look inside

06/17/2026

Will western spadefoot become listed as a candidate endangered species under the California endangered species act? Tune into the next Fish and Game Commission meeting to find out! Thursday June 18, 2026.