Going Batty at the Nature Center

Going Batty at the Nature Center consists of a weekly talk and observation of local bats. Going “Batty” is described as a living exhibit, and it is also included as part of the Night at the Museum program, which features a special night-time scavenger hunt, a gift shop, the Going Batty program, and more. The program takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, with times that vary by week depending on the time of sunset.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend; times vary by week depending on sunset

The Neal Taylor Nature Center was founded in 1988 and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to encourage public understanding, enjoyment, and protection of Cachuma Lake, the Upper Santa Ynez River, and the San Rafael Mountain Range Watershed. The Neal Taylor Nature Center is a partner with the Santa Barbara Park Department in the K-12 Field Trips program.

The organization’s leadership includes Edward Grand (President), Craig Juratsch (Vice President), Sandi Witcher (Secretary), Lowell McLellan (Treasurer), Julie Anne McDonald (Executive Director), and Neal Taylor as Founder (1932–2011). Additional members of the Board of Directors are Judy Duncan, Charles Faulding, Alison McCullah, Jill Moulton, and John Rose. Greg Donovan serves as Horticulturalist, and Chuck McPartlin and Lynda Williams-Terres serve on the Advisory Council.

Last updated July 31, 2026.