The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County invites the community to get outside and get inspired during its third annual Discover Outside, a weeklong celebration of nature and open spaces, Aug. 9-16.
Discover Outside offers free hikes, learning opportunities, and hands-on experiences throughout the county, from moonlit nature walks on the Gaviota Coast to guided tours of newly protected landscapes, educational workshops, and a family-friendly festival at Arroyo Hondo Preserve.
“There are endless ways to explore and connect with the great outdoors, especially in Santa Barbara County,” said Leslie Chan, Land Programs director.
“Our hope is that these events will encourage folks to enjoy a new location or activity and meet others who love the land,” Chan said.
Highlights include:
• Full Moon Challenge Hike and Nocturnal Nature Walk at Arroyo Hondo Preserve.
• Coastal Bluff Walk at the newly conserved Rincon Gateway in Carpinteria.
• Hands-on Composting Workshop with Isla Vista Compost Collective
• Family Fest at Arroyo Hondo, with nature activities, art and docent tours.
• Educational night with Nature Apps 101 to help participants turn everyday adventures into science.
All events are free and open to the public. Some require advance registration due to limited space. For the latest schedule, details, and to sign up, visit: https://www.sblandtrust.org/event/discover-outside-2025/.
Community members are also encouraged to fill out the Land Trust’s short community survey and share ideas for future programming. Survey participants will be entered to win a free Land Trust hat or t-shirt.
The Land Trust thanks Santa Maria Valley Open Space, Santa Maria Natural History Museum, and Isla Vista Compost Collective for their partnership in this year’s events.