We are extremely excited to be hosting a NOLS Wilderness First Aid workshop. Please join us: Saturday and Sunday, November 16-17 7:45 AM - to 5:00 PM on both days, with an hour-long break for lunch at noon. $325.00 per person Fast-paced and hands-on, this two-day course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work outdoors. This course is pre-approved by organizations such as the American Camping Association, the United States Forest Service, and other governmental agencies. It may also be used for wilderness medicine recertification by those with previous training from WMI of NOLS. Tickets are available by following the Events link in our bio.

Join us for Stargazing with Russell Crotty and Laura Gruenther. Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:00PM - 9:00 PM Taft Gardens invites you to explore the night sky with visiting artist and astronomy enthusiast Russell Crotty, along with assistance from his wife Laura Gruenther. Perched above the renowned Gardens, the Mesa is the perfect locale for night sky observing. Take in the beauty of the site as dusk falls. Once it gets dark, we will look through various telescopes, including an 8-inch diameter Newtonian, a 9.25 diameter Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain, and a 12.5-inch diameter Dobsonian. Tickets can be purchased by following the “Events” link in our bio or going to taftgardens.org/events. #ojai, #ojaivalley, #stargazing #astonomy #vistingartist #secretgarden #ojaievents

Taft Gardens is kicking off our 2024/25 Art in Nature residency season by introducing Louise Sandhaus @lulusandhaus, our first one-month resident working in the Protea studio throughout October. Louise Sandhaus is an award-winning graphic designer, author, professor at the California Institute of the Arts, and principal of Louise Sandhaus Design. She has volunteered her expertise in branding our program and has been an invaluable supporter and champion since its inception. We are over the moon she applied to the residency as an enrichment pursuit during her current sabbatical from Cal Arts. Over the last month, Sanhaus has explored this question. How can the diverse flora, fauna, and creatures of Taft Garden be depicted as a realm filled with wonder, joy, whimsy, and oddity through graphic expression? Using the strategies and techniques of a designer, this exploration searches for ways of representing and communicating the resonance of this magic world. Her exploration begins with simple techniques such as flower-pressing, drawing, and photography. She then expands each representation by employing Riso printing, digital techniques, collage, and typography. Rather than a singular outcome, the work that results will reflect wide-ranging fantastical and practical possibilities. Watching her work in and around the garden has been a treat, and we are thrilled that she will participate in this year's exhibitions and fundraiser at the end of the season. To keep in the loop on dates and ticket sales, you can join our mailing list at www.taftgardens.org. #ojai, #ojaivalley #artinnature #louisesandhaus #secretgarden #ojainatralists #ojaigraphicdesigner #artresidency #artistresidency

Only a handful of tickets are left for our upcoming Monarch Fest at Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve. Friday, October 18th, 5-8:30 pm The Gardens will host Monarch Fest tomorrow evening to mark the Monarch's return to the Coast for the winter months. By participating, you can learn and help bring awareness to the Monarch butterfly's current plight and ignite greater interest in conservation efforts. The event will include an informative presentation by Chris Amendt and a performance by the world-renowned Sonic Butterfly, a local musician, Andrea Brook. She has installed and will play a massive 60-foot-long, 26-string harp that stretches out over the Taft Amphitheatre. This performance is a part of the Sonic Butterfly's Migration Tour, a new project to inspire transformative action to save the pollinators and our planet. **10% of all proceeds from the Monarch Fest event series will go directly to support NativeMonarchs.org, a local organization created by Chris Amendt to increase the supply of California Native Asclepias (Milkweed) varieties and other California native nectar plants for large-scale Monarch conservation programs and restoration projects**   Ticket Options:  General Admission (no food): $30 All Inclusive Food & Drink Ticket: $55 Children under 12: $10   5 pm doors open with tables and wares from Monarch Fest Presenters.   6 pm-8 pm Presentation by Chris Amendt of NativeMonarchs.org followed by music by Sonic Butterfly & Friends You can find the ticket link under "Events" in our bio.

Join us for Birding in the Nature Preserve with Peter Larramendy Thursday, October 17, 2024 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Lead by local avian biologist, Peter Larramendy. Participants will learn the basics of birding, such as common birds of the Ojai Valley, diagnostic field marks, important habitat types of the Ojai Valley and those around Taft Gardens, and much more! Peter has over ten years of professional experience working in avian studies around southern California. Whether you're new to birding or a seasoned enthusiast, our event will deepen your connection to nature and enhance your understanding of bird conservation. Join us for an informative and enjoyable adventure through Taft Gardens as we explore the diverse avian life that calls it home. Take advantage of this chance to learn and appreciate the fascinating world of birds! This event will take place in the Taft Nature Preserve. The link to tickets is in our bio under "Events." #ojai #ojaivalley #ojaicalifornia #thingstodoinojai #ojaibirding #birding #ojainaturepreserve #ojainature #secretgarden

Join us for an Art in Nature Walk through Taft Gardens. Sunday, October 13, 2024 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Cassandra C. Jones, Artist and Arts Chair of our Art Residency Program, will host a unique tour of the property from a creative perspective. Jones will guide guests through the South African and Australian Gardens to the art studios to meet the current artists-in-residence and see what they are working on. She will offer an oral history of Taft, stories and education about botanicals in bloom, and insight into how the space inspires regional artists. This walking tour would benefit anyone interested in contemporary art, unusual plants, and local history. Tickets can be found via the "Events" link in our bio. #ojai #ojaivalley #thingstodoinojai #secretgarden #artinnature

Join us for OAKtober Nature Immersion and Tree Planting with Elena Rios @elenarios.innernature. Saturday, October 12, 2024 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Honoring ancient human practices of nature connection reflected in ancestral Indigenous Knowledge worldwide. A slow, immersive nature connection walk or gathering. You will be given directions in the form of an invitation that is meant to help you relax and observe with all of your senses. Unlike a naturalist walk, it isn’t so much about knowing the names of the plants as it is about noticing which plants you feel drawn to. It is more about being “here” in the present moment than being “there.” An integrative mindfulness practice can help us let all of the miscellaneous fall away. Experience the health benefits of Forest Bathing. It is a kind of nervous system “reset” and has been shown to lower stress hormone production and anxiety, influence immune defense, and elevate mood states, creativity, and cognition. In celebration of "OAKtober" this Nature Immersion event will conclude with a ceremonial tree planting in the Taft Nature Preserve Oak restoration area. #ojai #ojaivalley #thingstodoinojai #secretgarden #elenarios #natureimmersion #taftgardens #forestbathing

This beautiful buck was spotted strolling through Taft Gardens this morning. To preserve the tranquility of this special place (and keep our wildlife comfortable!), we only allow a limited number of self-guided tours each day. This means you can enjoy the gardens at your own pace, surrounded by nature's beauty. Come experience the magic for yourself! But remember, if you encounter our resident deer, please keep a respectful distance and remain still. They are just as curious about us as we are about them. We are open for self-guided tours from Tuesday to Saturday by reservation only. Please book 24 hours in advance. Link in our bio. #ojai #ojaivalley #secretgarden #respectfulwildlifeviewing

Join us for BIRDING IN THE GARDEN with Peter Larramendy. Saturday, October 12, 2024 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Lead by local avian biologist Peter Larramendy. Participants will learn the basics of birding, such as common birds of the Ojai Valley, diagnostic field marks, important habitat types of the Ojai Valley and those around Taft Gardens, and much more! Peter has over ten years of professional experience working in avian studies around southern California. Whether you're new to birding or a seasoned enthusiast, our event will deepen your connection to nature and enhance your understanding of bird conservation. Join us for an informative and enjoyable adventure through Taft Gardens as we explore the diverse avian life that calls it home. Take advantage of this chance to learn and appreciate the fascinating world of birds! This event will take place in the botanical section of Taft Gardens. A second birding event on October 17 will explore the Nature Preserve. The link for tickets is under "Events" in our bio. #ojai #ojaivalley #ojaievents #ojaicalifornia #ojaibirds #birding #secretgarden #thingstodoinojai

The Floss Trees are now blooming at Taft Gardens, which means big beautiful flower showers around the Pavillion. These trees have thorny trunks and large, showy white and magenta flowers that fall to the ground and land in the most delightful ways. Come see our collection! Visit our website to book a self-guided tour or attend one of our upcoming events. There is always something wonderful to experience at Taft. 📸 @marcaltphoto

The Monarch Butterfly needs our help! According to the California Farm Bureau In Brief monthly newsletter (September 2024 edition), the Monarch butterfly will be added as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in December 2024. To raise awareness of the Monarch butterfly's current plight and ignite greater interest in conservation efforts, Taft Gardens is hosting Monarch Fest on Friday, October 18th, 2024, from 5 to 8 pm. The event will take place in the Taft Gardens outdoor Amphitheater. It will begin with an informative presentation by Chris Amendt, founder of the non-profit Native Monarchs, created to increase the supply of California Native Asclepias (Milkweed) varieties and other California native nectar plants for large-scale Monarch conservation programs and restoration projects. Chris will share why the butterflies need our help and what you can do to support them. She'll also sell her skincare line Monarch Botanika, featuring natural facial cleansing and moisturizing products made with milkweed seed oil. In addition to being the No. 1 plant habitat for butterflies, the milkweed seed is a great natural moisturizer—high in Omegas 6, 7, and 9, a rarity in the plant world. She developed the line with non-germinating milkweed seeds to support Native Monarchs mission and as a conservation fundraiser. Attendees will also get to take home free native milkweed and wildflower seeds! Following the presentation, the world-renowned Andrea Brook as Sonic Butterfly will play a 60-foot-long, 26-string harp strung through the Heritage Oaks and over the Taft Amphitheatre. This unique instrument will expand above the audience, creating a full sensory experience. 10% of the Monarch Fest event proceeds will go directly to support NativeMonarchs.org. Those who wish to support the Monarch butterfly but cannot attend are encouraged to visit NativeMonarchs.org to learn more about how they can help. They can also join Ventura Land Trust on October 19th for their Monarch Fest in Mission Park, Ventura, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For tickets, follow the "Events" link in our bio. #ojai #ojaicalifornia #ojaivalley #monarchfestival #monarchfest

Join us for a Walk with the Oaks, guided by David White and Melina Watts! Saturday, October 5, 2024 9:30 AM 12:00 PM The “Walk With the Oaks” event is guided by David White of Once Upon a Watershed, and it includes readings by Melina Watts from her book “Tree” under Taft’s Heritage Oak Trees. "Tree" is the story of 229 years in the life of a California live oak from the point of view of... the tree. This event is a part of the “OAKtober,” a month-long celebration of Oaks presented by Dr. David White and Once Upon a Watershed. The ticket link is in our bio under "Events." #ojai #ojaivalley #oaktrees #tree #oaktober #oaktoberfest