Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Programs in Ventura County

Free events and programs at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas are highlighted below! (updated periodically to remove past activities). For additional details and other event locations, visit samofund.org/calendar.

Most activities subject to cancellation if there's significant rain.

Sat 10/26, 11/24, 12/28 - Welcome Walk at Malibu Creek State Park 10am to 12:30pm - Join a docent for a refreshing walk along Malibu Creek, through a wooded valley. Learn about fire restoration, plus the park’s animals, plants, early inhabitants, and movies filmed on location. Meet at the Main Trailhead parking lot (second, lower lot) by the restrooms.

Sun 8/18, 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, 1/19/20, 2/16, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/21, 7/19 8am to 11:30am - San Fernando Valley Audubon Bird Walk at Malibu Creek State Park - Considered the recreational crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park has over 8,000 acres of rolling tall grass plains, oak savannahs and dramatic peaks. It’s no wonder many call it “The Yosemite of Southern California.” Seasoned birders and beginners alike will enjoy good bird watching and a beautiful, easy hike. Meet at the second (lower) day-use parking lot. Entrance to the park is on the west side of Las Virgenes Rd., just south of Mulholland Hwy. Entrance fee is $12 per car.

Sat 9/7, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7, 1/4/20, 2/1 8:30-10am - Birds of the Santa Monica Mountains Walk at King Gillette Ranch - Bring your binoculars, bird guide, and/or camera and join us for an easy bird walk around the grounds of King Gillette Ranch. This area attracts many songbirds, water birds, woodpeckers, and raptors and we are always treated to something interesting. Kids are welcome and the walk is less than a mile at a very easy pace as we stop often to observe the birds. We leave promptly at 8:30 from the flagpole. Heavy rain cancels (but I will be there for anyone who wants to walk in it!). See you there!

Sun 8/18 2-3:30PM - Who Lives Here? Jr. Ranger Program at King Gillette Ranch - Join a ranger and learn something cool about the many different owls in the Santa Monica Mountains. Practice your scientific exploration skills with an owl pellet dissection activity. Earn a Jr. Ranger badge and get sworn in by a ranger! Family friendly fun for all ages.

Sun 8/18 9:30-11:30AM - Secrets of Solstice: A History Hike to the Roberts Ruins at Solstice Canyon - If you’ve ever wondered these questions or are just curious about the history of Solstice Canyon, join Ranger Aaron as he hikes and chats his way up towards the Roberts Ruins near the waterfall at Solstice Canyon! We will meet at the main/upper parking lot at 9:30am.

It is an easy 1-mile hike (one direction) where we will make a few stops to look at the historic features that Solstice Canyon offers. The hike will conclude at the Roberts Ruins with a room-by-room tour of the house along with images of how it looked before it burned down.

It is advised that attendees carpool if possible and try to show up early to grab a parking spot. Parking lot can fill up very quickly!

The hike and tour should last around 2 hours at most but there will be plenty of time afterwards for any questions! Please bring shoes appropriate for hiking, water, hat, and sunblock. Rain cancels.

Sun 8/18 2-3pm - Bird Beak Buffet Jr. Ranger Program at Rancho Sierra Vista - How do birds eat their food? Why are beaks so many different shapes and sizes? Earn a junior ranger pin by joining a park ranger in an fun activity to discover how different beaks help birds eat many kinds of foods! Drop in any time between 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM for this 15 minute activity!

Sat 8/24 2-3:30PM - Who Lives Here? Jr. Ranger Program at King Gillette Ranch - Join a ranger and learn something cool about the many different owls in the Santa Monica Mountains. Practice your scientific exploration skills with an owl pellet dissection activity. Earn a Jr. Ranger badge and get sworn in by a ranger! Family friendly fun for all ages.

Sun 8/25 6-8pm - Park After Dark: The Stars of Paramount Ranch - Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.

Sat 9/7 8:30am-12:30pm - Intro to Mountain Bike Skills at Malibu Creek State Park - Learn basic mountain biking skills from professional mountain bike coach Mark Langton (mountainbikeskills.com). Skills covered are proper posture (body position) for balance, cornering, climbing, descending, and braking.

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center in Calabasas

King Gillette Ranch - View from near Inspiration Point

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park

Directions to various locations

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons: Ventura Fwy (101) to Chesebro Rd exit. Turn north on Palo Comado Canyon Rd then right on Chesebro Rd. Go north 1 mile to park entrance. Turn right and follow road to parking lot.

Circle X Ranch: Pacific Coast Hwy to Yerba Buena Rd. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.

Sandstone Peak Trailhead: 1 mile north of Circle X Ranch contact station on Yerba Buena Rd. Parking lot is on left.

Mishe Mokwa Trailhead: 1.75 miles north of the Circle X contact station along Yerba Buena Road. Parking lot is on right.

King Gillette Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Park entrance is 0.1 mile on right.

Malibu Creek State Park: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Park entrance is 0.25 mile south of the intersection on Las Virgenes Rd. From Pacific Coast Hwy: north on Malibu Canyon Rd to park entrance on left.

Paramount Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) to Kanan Rd exit. South on Kanan 0.5 mile. Left on Cornell Way and veer to right. South 2.5 miles, entrance is on right side of the road.

Peter Strauss Ranch is located at 30000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills.

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa: Ventura Fwy (101) to Lynn Rd exit. South on Lynn Rd 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Park entrance is on the left at Via Goleta. Continue all the way to a parking lot where the road ends. To get to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, walk 0.3 mile up gravel road from the parking area to brown wooden building. 

Wendy Trailhead: Ventura Fwy (101) to Wendy Dr. exit. South on Wendy Dr to dirt pullout at intersection with Potrero Rd.

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch: From Ventura Fwy (101): Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Go 0.1 mile and turn right into entrance of King Gillette Ranch. The visitor center is the first building on your right. 26867 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

Upcoming Events and Free Programs at the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Branch Libraries

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

There are two great Thousand Oaks libraries; the Grant R. Brimhall (GRB) Library at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks (805.449.2660) and the local Newbury Park Branch (NPB) is at 2331 Borchard Road (805.498.2139).  These libraries provide year-round free events, activities and programs for all ages. Selected events from time to time will be covered here.

Visit the library website at www.toaks.org/library to learn more. 

(The programs below are updated periodically to remove past events)

Programs and Special Events

Free Tuesday Night Movie Screenings at NP Library (6:30pm):

• 8/13: Whiplash (2014, R, 107 min)

• 8/20: Green Book (2018, PG-13, 130 min)

• 8/27: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000, PG-13, 108 min) - In the deep south during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them.

Monday Movie Matinees at T.O. Library at 1pm:

• 8/26: Alpha (2018, PG-13, 96 min) - In the prehistoric past, a young man struggles to return home after being separated from his tribe during a buffalo hunt. He finds a similarly lost wolf companion and starts a friendship that would change humanity.

• 9/9: The Public (2018, PG-13, 122 min) - An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.

• 9/23: All is True (2019, PG-13, 101 min) - A look at the final days in the life of renowned playwright William Shakespeare.

Adult and Family Programs

Open Mic Poetry Night

Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with the Ventura County Art Council and hosted by Ken Jones on August 14, 2019 and September 11, 2019 (second Wednesday of each month) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

Crafternoon: Crochet Hats

Come to the library for a fun evening spent learning how to make an adorable hat for the babies in your life. Patterns and yarn provided, please bring your own 5.00 mm/H hook. For advanced beginners. Program will be on August 15, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Technical Training Room. *

Story Slam

Eight selected autobiographical stories will be read on stage by the authors on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 7:00 P.M. at the Thousand Oaks Library. Audience favorite will win a prize.

Astronomy for Everyone: Size and Scale of the Universe

Take a journey into the cosmos to look at the very small and the very large. Astronomer Kevin Manning will present an inspiring and uplifting presentation that will give a deeper understanding of the workings of the universe. View the rings of Saturn and the craters of the moon through a hand-crafted telescope, weather permitting. Enjoyable for both adult and children 8 years and older. Program will be on August 22, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room. *

Crafternoon: Tassel Wine Charms

Make a set of four tassel wine charms or pendants, while supplies last. These make a unique gift, or a fun conversation starter. Materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own jewelry making tools if you have them. Program is intended for teens and adults only. Program will be on August 23, 2019 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room. *

Dungeons & Dragons

Adventurers old and new take part in the classic role-playing game. Sign up is required to play. Register at Information Desk or call (805) 449-2660, option #5. Grouped by age 10 to 14 and 15+. The game will take place on August 24, 2019 (fourth Saturday of each month) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

Open Mic Poetry Night

Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with the Ventura County Art Council and hosted by Ken Jones on August 28, 2019 and September 25, 2019 (fourth Wednesday of each month) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room.

Book Club in a Box

Book Club in a Box gets great literature into the hands of your book club members quickly. Each box contains 10 copies of a single title, and discussion questions. Browse our 55 title boxes located next to the Friends Book Sale.

ESL Conversation Group

Practice speaking English with other adults and meet new people in an informal & friendly group setting. Laubach Literacy trained staff and ESL trained volunteers provide tutoring to adults seeking to learn English on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Conference Room.

Monday Movie Matinee

Enjoy a free movie screening every other Monday afternoon at the Thousand Oaks Library at 1:00 p.m. Visit the Library website for monthly movie titles.

Tuesday Movie Night

Enjoy a free movie screening every Tuesday evening at the Newbury Park Library at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Library website for monthly movie titles.

Dungeons & Dragons

Adventurers old and new take part in the classic role-playing game. Sign up is required to play. Register at Information Desk or call (805) 449-2660, option #5. Grouped by age 10 to 14 and 15+. The game will take place on September 7, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room and September 28, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

On Stage: Rupert Wates

Rupert Wates was born in London and has been based in the US since 2007. He is the recipient of well over 40 songwriting and performing awards, and his songs have been recorded by other performers in Los Angeles, Nashville, Colorado, Canada and the UK. His material is acoustic melodic art/folk and he will be performing at the Thousand Oaks Library on September 8, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room. www.rupertwatesmusic.com'

Open Mic Poetry Night

Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with the Ventura County Art Council and hosted by Ken Jones on September 11, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Newbury Park Library. Featured reader Holaday Mason will be reading on September 25, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Library.

Adult Coloring: Animal Theme

Relax with friends and other coloring enthusiasts the second Friday of each month. Materials provided. Event will take place on September 13, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room. Program is intended for Teens and Adults only. *

Adult Crafternoon: Collage

Use various types of paper to create a collage on September 20, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Newbury Park Library. Let your imagination run wild! All supplies are provided. Program is intended for Teens and Adults only. *

9/21 9am-Noon - WriteFest ‘19 - Two of Ventura County’s wordsmithing powerhouses have joined together for WriteFest ’19. The Ventura County Writers Club and the Thousand Oaks Library invite anyone interested in writing to attend this inspiring event. Advance registration is required. The conference will feature speakers Rebecca Langston-George and Bruce Hale. Langston-George will demonstrate how to amp your draft through purposeful revision. She is the author of 12 books including The Right to Learn: Malala Yousafizai’s Story. Hale will speak on sinking the depth charge of suspense in all genres. He has written and /or illustrated more than 50 books for kids.

Teen Programs

The Ultimate Scholarship Search Workshop

Learn the best strategies for winning scholarships in this valuable workshop on August 17, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room.

Teen Thursday Movie: Shazam!

Start off school with a bang by coming to the Library for a free fun movie on August 22, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

Finding the Right Fit College

A workshop designed to help you create your potential college list. Learn about the college search process on August 24, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room.

Button Making

Come make buttons and relax in the new Teen Space on August 29, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Program is intended for teens only.

Back to School Crafts @ the Library

Personalize your planner and school supplies with special pens, washi tape, and stickers on September 5, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Teen Space.

Video Games & Oculus Virtual Reality

Just like books take you into new worlds, so can games and virtual reality. Come play at the Newbury Park Library on September 12, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Teen Space Grand Opening

Celebrate the grand opening of the new Teen Space at the Thousand Oaks Library. All are welcome to visit on September 12, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be special activities and giveaways just for Teens.

Pencil & Pen Pouches

Make a one of a kind pencil case out of old book & comic pages on September 19, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Library and September 26, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Newbury Park Library.

Kids' Programs

Upcoming Free Events and Programs at the E.P. Foster Library in Ventura

Here is a compilation of selected upcoming planned events at the E.P. Foster Library. All events are free and open to the public. The Library is located in Historic Downtown Ventura, 651 East Main Street, Ventura. (805) 648-2716 www.vencolibrary.org/locations/ep-foster-library.

Adult Programs & Special Events

Virtual Reality

7/30, 8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30pm

Explore the virtual world with these different gaming VR platforms during Summer Reading :Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive. All VR Platforms are for ages 13 and up including adults.

Makerspace Open Workshop

7/30, 8/6, 8/13 Tuesdays &

7/31, 8/14Wednesdays @ 3-6pm

For All Ages, kids, teen, adult. Free, drop-ins welcome, no prior experience needed. Try out the New Maker Menu!

Ongoing Events

Poetry Open Mic Night

7/11, 18, & 25 Thursdays @ 7:30-9pm

On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work.

Ukulele Jam Session

8/12 & 26 Mondays @ 7-10pm

Locals gather to play the ukulele on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.

Chess Around the Corner

7/6, 13, 20, & 27 Saturdays @ 11am-4pm

Calling all chess players! Keep your skills sharp with this one-hour, drop-in session of free play. Boards will be set up and ready to go. Bring your best moves!

Children’s Events

Early Literacy Class

7/30, 8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays &

7/31, 8/7, 14, 21, & 28 Wednesdays @ 10:30am

A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library. Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

Monday Craft Madness

7/29, 8/5, 12, 19, & 26 Mondays @ 10am-6pm

Drop-in craft table!

Paws for Reading

7/31, 8/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 12-1pm

Read aloud to registered therapy dogs!

Lego play

7/30, 8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays @ 3-5pm

7/27, 8/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 10am-4pm

Build, Learn, and Play! Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs. Children of all ages welcome!

Teen Happenings

Gaming Daze

7/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Tuesdays @3:30-5:30pm

Play the Wii U & Other Gaming Systems during, the Oculus Rift VR (ages 13+), and some board games on the second floor. For Kids & Teens. Space: The blower pillar in the Makerspace.

STEAM Boxes

7/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Mondays @4-5:30pm

Try out a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and/or Math challenge. Each week will have a new and exciting challenge.

Virtual Reality

7/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30pm

Explore the virtual world with different gaming VR platforms All VR Platforms are for ages 13 and up including adults.

Makerspace Open Workshop

7/31, 8/6 & 13 Tuesdays & 7/31, 8/7 & 14 Wednesdays @ 3-6pm

For All Ages, kids, teen, adult. Free, drop-ins welcome, no prior experience needed. Try out the New Maker Menu!

Upcoming Events and Activities at the Camarillo Public Library

The City of Camarillo Public Library is located at 4101 Las Posas Road and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm and Friday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. It can be reached at 805.388.5222. The library hosts year-round free activities and programs for the general public, many of which will be highlighted right here (for a complete rundown, visit the library's website at www.camarillolibrary.org.

Upcoming Programs (prior events periodically removed):

Must See Movies (Thursdays at 6:30PM; doors open at 6:15PM)

• 7/18: Fighting with my Family (PG-13)

• 7/25: The Upside (PG-13)

• 8/1: Captain Marvel (PG-13)

• 8/8: Five Feet Apart (PG-13)

• 8/15: Shazam! (PG-13)

• 8/22: Best of Enemies (PG-13)

• 8/29: Dumbo (PG)

Special Events / Programs for Adults

Camarillo State Hospital - Author Talk

Sunday, July 28, 2 - 3pm

Authors of Camarillo State Hospital, Evelyn S. Taylor and Mary E. Holt will talk about Camarillo State Hospital’s history beginning in 1936, and how it has achieved notoriety as one of two state

institutions that accommodated children and as the first state hospital to receive certification for treatment of the developmentally disabled. Book signing to follow.

A Path to Home Ownership

Thursday, Aug. 1, 6pm Conference Room - Join us for this educational workshop sponsored by The Area Housing Authority and The Camarillo Public Library. Learn about planning and budgeting to determine what you can afford with safe, responsible loan options. Call to reserve a seat (805) 480-9991 ext. 235.

Interactive Movie: : Grease (1978) [PG-13]

Saturday Aug. 3 from 2 - 4pm

Unleash your inner T-Bird or Pink Lady and experience the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. Everyone is welcome to participate in the musical world of “Grease.” Audience members are encouraged to dress up in 1950’s style, sing-a-long to their favorite Grease tunes and call out the best lines from the movie. Don’t be square, we’ll see you there!

The Hopes and Hypes of Stem Cells in Medicine

Monday, Aug. 5, 6:30 - 8pm

Vigneshwari Easwar Kumar, CIRM Scholar and Graduate Student in Biotechnology, CSUCI will present a brief information session on Stem Cells and its applications in treating degenerative diseases and the various promises and hypes of stem cell research.

Rock Painting

Sunday, Aug. 11 from 2 - 4pm

Come paint rocks with us! Painting rocks allows you to get creative and is perfect for artists of all levels from beginner to expert. We can’t wait to see your rock masterpieces!

Maker Mondays

Mondays from 6:30 - 8pm

A craft project workshop for Adults and Teens! Crafty teens and adults can join us for a new craft each month!

Monday, July 8: Introduction to Pocket-Size Bookmaking

Monday, Aug. 12: Introduction to Hand Spinning (Make your own yarn!)

Beginning Ukulele Lesson with Ventura County Music Academy

Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7pm

The ukulele offers an easy introduction to playing music that is approachable for any age. With just a quick introduction you can easily play a song or two! A limited number of ukuleles can be borrowed to play during the program! Spaces are limited. Please sign up on our calendar to reserve your seat.

RC Makes: Virtual Reality

Saturday, Aug. 24 at 3pm - RC Makes Presents an introduction into virtual reality where you will experience the new world of VR with an Occulus Rift.

Children's Programs

Wacky Wednesdays - 7/3 to 8/14 10am and 2pm in the Community Room:

7/17: Annie Banannie Balloon Fun

7/24: Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre

7/31: Noetworthy Puppets - The Three Little Pigs

8/7: California Joe Magic Show

8/14: David Cousin - World Record Juggler

Fri 8/2: 5-10PM - Free screening of The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part at the Library Lawn - bring blanket, lawn chair and a snack. Food trucks on hand.

Teen Programs (ages 12-17)

Teen Movie Series on Tuesdays

7/16 2pm: The DUFF (PG-13)

7/23 2pm: Love, Simon (PG-13)

7/30 2pm: The Hate U Give (PG-13)

8/6 2pm: Every Day (PG-13)

8/13 2pm: Everything, Everything (PG-13)

Karaoke in the Library on Sat, 7/13 from 11am to 4pm in the Community Room.

Conejo Open Space Foundation 2019 Speaker Series - June 27, August 15, October 17

2019 CONEJO OPEN SPACE FOUNDATION SPEAKER SERIES

SHARING OUR OPEN SPACE

WE INVITE YOU TO ENJOY OUR SELECTED GUEST SPEAKER SERIES!

Join the fun and enhance your knowledge of our open spaces, learn amazing facts about our local wildlife, regional geology, and our human connections to the land. You are sure to come away with a new appreciation of our region’s natural wonders!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Suggested donation $10

GRANT R. BRIMHALL LIBRARY, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks (The speaker series is not a Thousand Oaks Library sponsored event.)

Check-in and refreshments begin at 6:00 p.m. Talk starting at 6:30 p.m. Come early to enjoy refreshments and talk with our local community partners. Reservations suggested cosf.org/events/open-space-speaker-series.

Living together with mountain lions and other wildlife
Thursday, June 27th at 6:30PM
Guest Speaker: Seth Riley

Seth is a Wildlife Ecologist with the National Park Service at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. He will be talking about the local mountain lion populations, threats to their survival and ways we can both coexist with mountain lions and other wildlife in our open space and benefit by living together.

Seth grew up in Washington, D.C., where he first became interested in wildlife by way of snakes. He graduated in 1988 from Stanford University with a B.A. in Human Biology, concentrating in Animal Behavior and Ecology, and then went to the University of California, Davis for a Ph.D. in Ecology in 1999. At the beginning of 2000, Seth began in his current position as Wildlife Ecologist with the National Park Service at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. His current projects, all related to the impacts of urbanization on wildlife, include a mountain lion GPS telemetry study covering the influence of rat poison and pesticides on wild mammals, a bobcat telemetry study and a number of projects on the impacts offreeways on wildlife. Seth co-edited a book on Urban Carnivores which published in 2010, and a book on the effects of roads on smaller wildlife species, which came out in 2015.

The formation of the Conejo Valley and its earthquake risk
Thursday, August 15th at 6:30PM
Guest Speaker: Derek Field

Derek has recently been focusing his career on offering interpretive hikes and talks to the general public on local geologic origins and features. His presentation will include some surprising information on the formation of familiar landmarks in the Conejo Valley and the potential for seismic changes that might impact our communities and open space.

Derek is originally from Calgary, Canada. He received his B.S. in Geology from California Lutheran University and then earned his Master’s degree in Geology from Northern Arizona University. His Master’s thesis involved mapping and interpreting ancient volcanic rocks in the High Sierra. In between his studies, he did a number of Andean expeditions and walked 900 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. In the past year, Derek worked as a visiting lecturer for the geology department at California Lutheran University. Besides teaching, he has led field trips to Death Valley, Owens Valley and the Grand Canyon. Additionally, he recently led a Conejo Recreation and Parks hike to Simi Peak, explaining the geologic formations to the Open Space Appreciation hiking group. He loves empowering people with knowledge about the geology of the land around them.

The 6 dimensions of open space
Thursday, October 17th at 6:30PM
Guest Speaker: Aly Covington

Aly's talk focuses around the six dimensions of wellness, which include Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Connectional, Environmental and Spiritual. In this engaging presentation, she will talk about why it is important to mindfully focus on total wellness in our lives and how the open space can help us build resilience and enable us to thrive and live life to the fullest!

Aly Covington grew up in Agoura Hills. She received her B.A. in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from Cal State University Northridge, as well as her M.S. in Health Administration. She has over 20 years experience in the health and fitness industry and owns her own business called ABC’s Village, helping individuals of all ages and skill levels achieve their wellness and performance goals. Aly has a passion for inspiring healthy habits at an early age and was awarded the Youth Advocate of the Year award in 2008 by the National Alliance of Women Business Owners for her efforts to combat childhood obesity. She enjoys community outreach and has served on the Westlake Village Cultural Advisory Board. An avid hiker and trail runner, Aly loves the outdoors and considers the open space her “happy place.”

Discovery Center 2018-2019 Science Speaker Series at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks

NOV 7TH LECTURE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO TRAGIC EVENTS IN THOUSAND OAKS www.vcemergency.com

The Discovery Center for Science and Technology Science Speaker Series "Science Everyone Can Understand" takes place at Cal Lutheran's Lundring Event Center, 130 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks on the following dates: 10/4/18, 11/8/18, 1/17/19, 2/28/19, 4/25/18. More info at discoverycntr.org.

Tickets at www.eventbrite.com/o/the-discovery-center-for-science-and-technology-8456175758.

Simi Valley Festival of Trees on November 28 to December 1, 2018

Kick off your holiday season with the 2nd Annual Simi Valley Festival of Trees, a festive charity event benefiting Adventist Health Simi Valley's cancer patients and their families. The event will be held Wednesday, November 28th through Saturday, December 1st at the Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way.

Event hours:
Wednesday, November 28 5:30 - 8:30PM (OPENING NIGHT)
Thursday, November 29 4-8PM
Friday, November 30 4-8PM
Saturday, December 1 10AM-4PM

Opening Night (Wednesday, November 28th) The night to attend! All the beautiful Trees and Wreaths will be auction off in a fun silent auction along with our “Lights On” program - sharing with you the “WHY” this event is so special. Enjoy food, shop the Elf Emporium and Frostys’ Sweet Shoppe for hand-made gifts and treats, Santa photo ops, and much more! 

Opening Night Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door or can be pre-purchased at www.adventisthealth.org/Simi-Valley/pages/about-us/ahsv-foundation/upcoming-events.aspx.

The rest of the Festival (Thursday, November 29th through Saturday, December 1st) can be attended with General Admission tickets available at the door: $5/adults, $4/seniors, and $3/children ages 2-11. There will be tree viewing, food trucks, live entertainment, the Elf Emporium Boutique, and photo opps with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

This will be a fun event that supports a wonderful local cause -- all monies raised during this event will go to help the cancer patients of Adventist Health Simi Valley. We look forward to seeing you there!

Visit simivalleyfestivaloftrees.com for more information.