Field Trips

Field trips are typically held on Saturday and/or Sunday, and started back up again in March 2022 after a two year hiatus. Watch this page and our Facebook page for announcements. Meanwhile we invite you to explore the many trails open in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Hit the trails early during the summer months and keep cool and hydrated!

Plant, Bird & Butterfly Hike
Emma Wood State Beach, Ventura

Sunday August 14, 2022
9am–12pm
Leader: David Torfeh
No reservation required

Naturalist David Torfeh will lead an easy hike through Emma Wood State Beach to see what is blooming and what’s not. Participants will learn about the plants, birds, and butterflies of the Ventura coast near the Ventura River estuary. There are coastal scrub, riparian woodland, salt marsh, beach and coastal dune habitats. In past years, many plants were flowering there, such as Isocoma menziesii var. vernonioides (Coastal Goldenbush) and numerous birds (including Osprey and Black-bellied Plover) were observed. Summer wildflowers will be blooming, birds will be there, and some butterflies will be out, too. Bring water, snacks, a hat, and maybe binoculars. Wear lug-soled boots/shoes and sunscreen. Temperatures on the coast are hard to predict, so dress in layers.

Meet near the State Beach’s entrance kiosk toward the ocean from W. Main St. at 9:00 A.M. There are restrooms available in the State Beach’s camping area. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground only, and are prohibited on the beach. And yes, we will be on the beach. Park on W. Main St. between the RV Park and the 101 Freeway northbound on-ramp and walk under the 101 Freeway overcrossing to the State Park’s entrance kiosk.

Directions: From East Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo and points south, take the 101 Freeway north. Exit at California St. in downtown Ventura and turn left on E. Main St. Continue on E. Main St. (it becomes W. Main St. as you pass the Ventura Ave. intersection). Go under the Highway 33 overpass and park along W. Main St. between the RV Park and the 101 Freeway northbound on-ramp. From Ojai, take State Route 150 west (toward Meiners Oaks) to State Route 33, heading south to Ventura. Exit at the Main St. off-ramp and make two right turns so that you are on W. Main St. Go under the Highway 33 overpass and past the bridge. Park on W. Main St. between the RV Park and the 101 Freeway northbound on-ramp. From Santa Barbara, take the 101 Freeway south and exit at the Main Street off-ramp as you get to Ventura. Turn right and park along W. Main St. just before the RV Park.