Trail Talks: The Natural and Political History of the San Rafael Wilderness with Jeff Kuyper and Bryant Baker

The San Rafael Wilderness was established in 1968, the first of its kind in the region. Home to the Hurricane Deck, Big Pine Mountain, and the Sisquoc River, the San Rafael Wilderness is both ecologically and geographically diverse. Since 1968 it has become a premier destination for hikers and equestrians looking to explore the remote backcountry of Santa Barbara County. Learn from local public land experts Jeff Kuyper and Bryant Baker of Los Padres ForestWatch about the unique flora, fauna, and geology of this remarkable area and the political road to its designation.

About Los Padres ForestWatch

Founded in 2004, Los Padres ForestWatch protects wildlife, wilderness, water, and sustainable access throughout the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The nonprofit uses a mix of education, advocacy, and when necessary, legal action to ensure that public lands in the region are protected from damaging activities such as oil drilling, logging, and mining. Jeff Kuyper is the organization's Executive Director and one of its original founders. Bryant Baker is the Director of Conservation and Research and has been with the organization since 2016.

About Trail Talks

Trail Talks is a monthly series of public education talks about exploring the natural world for outdoor enthusiasts organized by Santa Barbara Public Library with support from James Wapotich. In addition to discussion of trails near and far, we feature speakers on the ecology, geology, and history for naturalists of all types.