Santa Barbara County is blessed with a diversity of vital nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the health, well-being, growth, civic leadership and compassion of our community.
Charitable giving and philanthropy are part of our identity, which is why Noozhawk is proud to support the nonprofit community through sponsoring local community organizations and events.
To showcase our support of the event, The NatureTrack Film Festival, Noozhawk spoke with Sue Eisaguirre, Founder & Executive Director at NatureTrack Foundation to learn more about their event.
Nature Track Foundation
Question: What is the name and date of your event?
Answer: NatureTrack 15th Anniversary Celebration & Opening Night NatureTrack Film Festival – October 9 & 10.
Q: What is the mission, goal, and/or theme of this occasion?
A: The Anniversary Celebration and Opening Night of the NatureTrack Film Festival honors 15 years of inspiring connections to the natural world. The theme of the evening is one of gratitude and looking forward—celebrating the Foundation’s roots while launching the next 15 years of impact.
The mission is to foster a lifelong fascination with nature and encourage respectful stewardship of our environment. Through film, NatureTrack invites audiences to experience powerful stories of adventure, conservation, and human connection to the outdoors.
The goal of this occasion is not only to showcase world-class films but also to bring the community together in celebration of nature, accessibility, and shared vision for a more inclusive future outdoors.
Q: Have you held this event before?
A: Yes — the NatureTrack Film Festival has been held annually since 2018, showcasing outstanding national and international films that celebrate nature and the human connection to it.
What makes this year unique is that the Opening Night coincides with the launch of NatureTrack Foundation’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, creating a milestone event that honors our history while looking ahead to the future.
Q: Tell us some more details about your celebration?
A: The celebration begins on Thursday, October 9, at the Riviera Theatre in Santa Barbara, where we will honor NatureTrack’s 15-year journey of connecting people to nature. Guests will enjoy a special premiere film screening, live Q&A with filmmakers, and the inaugural Outdoor Icon Award presentation to Bimarian Films for their visionary contributions to nature storytelling.
Following the program, the evening continues with a courtyard reception, where the community can gather with filmmakers, donors, and volunteers to toast NatureTrack’s past and look forward to the next 15 years of impact.
The celebration continues on Friday, October 10, at Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta, where audiences can experience six blocks of inspiring films throughout the evening. Earlier that day, Goleta Union School District 5th graders will be treated to a special screening just for them, sharing the wonder of film and nature with the next generation.
Q: How do people get involved with your event? (volunteer, attend, etc.) – If your event includes ticket sales, please note the price and include a link to purchase tickets.
A: Community members can get involved by attending the festival, volunteering, or supporting NatureTrack’s mission. Tickets for the 2025 NatureTrack Film Festival are on sale now: $25 for adults, $15 for students (with ID), and $10 for children (10 and under), with all-access passes also available. Tickets may be purchased here.
All-access passes include Opening Night admission, priority seating for all films, John Muir Laws’ Nature Journaling workshop, a signed copy of his book The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, and a commemorative 15th Anniversary hat.
Volunteers are essential—not only during the festival, where they help with screenings, receptions, and filmmaker Q&As—but also throughout the year. By joining our docent team, volunteers share their time, talents, and passion for the outdoors with K–12 students, seniors, veterans, and wheelchair users who participate in NatureTrack’s programs. It’s a meaningful way to inspire others and expand access to nature year-round.
Q: Is this a fundraising affair? If so, how will the funds raised help your organization?
A: The NatureTrack Film Festival is not primarily a fundraiser—it is an essential program of NatureTrack, designed to fulfill our mission of connecting people to the natural world through the power of film. The festival expands our reach, inspiring audiences of all ages with stories that celebrate nature, conservation, and human connection to the outdoors.
That said, 100% of festival proceeds directly support all of NatureTrack’s programs—from cost-free, docent-led field trips for K–12 students to providing Freedom Trax devices so wheelchair users, seniors, and veterans can explore beaches and trails. By attending, you’re not only enjoying world-class films, you’re helping NatureTrack create meaningful, inclusive access to nature for thousands of people each year.
Q: Who is sponsoring your event, and why is their support important?
A: The 2025 NatureTrack Film Festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors who share our mission of fostering a lifelong fascination with nature and ensuring access for all. We are grateful to Yardi, City of Goleta, Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli, Visit Santa Barbara, Pacific HR | Payroll Partners, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, Cox, El Rancho Marketplace, Mountain Air Sports, C&D CPAs Advisors, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, M. Special, Mechanics Bank, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, and Marie Sue Parsons & Stephanie Young Real Estate Group.
We are also proud to be supported by our Media Sponsors: Noozhawk, Montecito Journal, The Voice Magazine, and the Santa Barbara Independent.
Their support is vital—it keeps the festival accessible to the community while ensuring that 100% of proceeds directly support NatureTrack’s programs. With their partnership, thousands of K–12 students, seniors, veterans, and wheelchair users can experience the wonder of nature through field trips, Freedom Trax outings, and the inspiration of film.
Q: Do you work with an Event Planner? If not, who are the key people who make it all happen?
A: Yes, we are fortunate to work with Elly Everson at eji and the team at Oniracom, who help bring the festival experience to life. In addition, the festival is powered by the dedication of NatureTrack’s staff and an incredible team of volunteers. From coordinating screenings and receptions to welcoming filmmakers and guests, it truly takes a collaborative effort to make the NatureTrack Film Festival and 15th Anniversary Celebration possible.
Q: Does your organization have any other upcoming events this year?
A: Yes! The NatureTrack Film Festival is an annual celebration in Santa Barbara, California, presenting a two-day showcase of world-class films that highlight the beauty of nature and the thrill of outdoor adventure.
Following this flagship event, additional one-day festivals in Santa Barbara and Los Olivos will expand the experience locally. The celebration then continues with NatureTrack’s 15th-Year Tour, which will bring inspiring films and nature-based field trips to communities throughout the West Coast.
Each festival features outstanding works from national and international filmmakers, captivating audiences with stories that spark wonder and deepen our connection to the natural world—all while advancing NatureTrack Foundation’s mission to foster a lifelong fascination with nature and inspire respectful stewardship of our environment.
Q: What are you planning as a post-event follow up?
A: Following the festival, NatureTrack will extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the event possible—from sponsors and volunteers to filmmakers and attendees. We’ll also conduct attendee and filmmaker surveys to gather feedback and ensure each year builds on the success of the last.
In addition, we’ll invite our community to join us at future screenings and upcoming NatureTrack Film Festival events, including our one-day festivals in Santa Barbara and Los Olivos, as well as the 15th-Year Tour along the West Coast. It’s our way of keeping the momentum, inspiration, and sense of community alive long after Opening Night.
To learn more about NatureTrack 15th Anniversary Celebration & Opening Night NatureTrack Film Festival click here!
If you would like to apply for Noozhawk’s 50/50 Match Sponsorship Program for your upcoming nonprofit event please click HERE to view our sponsorship application. The deadline for consideration is 30-45 days prior to the event. You can also contact our sales team at sales@noozhawk.com.