Category: Free

A beautiful bending tree, viewed looking up from the bottom of the trunk. The sky is a vibrant baby blue peeking out behind the bright green leaves of the tree. The branches bend every way creating a mosaic of bark, leaves, and sky.
January 13, 2026
The Trees of California- Lecture with Dr. Ritter | Sold Out

Details: Join professor and author Dr. Matt Ritter for an engaging evening celebrating California’s native trees. In his new book, California Trees: A Field Guide to the Native Species, Ritter profiles 95 remarkable trees, revealing the beauty, diversity, and stories behind the plants that shape California’s landscapes. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, in partnership with the Channel…

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Children observing insects under plastic cups on table.
January 5, 2026
Pathfinders: The Great Insect Hunt

Details: Pathfinders will embark on a bug-filled adventure as we explore the world of insects.  Using investigation methods used by real scientists, we’ll discover how insects and native plants are connected and why they’re vital to healthy ecosystems. This opportunity is great for children aged 8-13. Learn more about Backcountry Pathfinders here. Pricing: Free with admission to the Garden. Parents/guardians…

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Gloved hand planting small green plant in soil.
December 18, 2025
Elings Park Transformation Project | Volunteer Opportunities

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s transformation project at Elings Park has removed thirsty, invasive weeds and replaced them with California-native plants in a one-acre site on the Park’s south bluffs. With plants in the ground, we’re watching and gathering data related to the abundance, diversity, and composition of plant and animal life using this area to…

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A group of hikers waving on a trail on a grassy hill in Elings Park.
December 10, 2025
Native Plant Meetups at Elings Park

The Garden is hosting a yearlong series of free native plant meetups at Elings Park, offering creative, educational, and family-friendly experiences each month. Participants can enjoy activities ranging from plein air painting and meditative walks to birding, gardening, storytelling, and even biking and skating. You’ll also learn about our native plant restoration project at the…

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Mountain landscape with yellow wildflowers and stone marker.
November 20, 2025
100 Years In, 100 Years to Grow!

Details In 2026, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will celebrate 100 years of conserving California’s native plants. Join us for hands-on crafts and activities honoring our history and looking ahead to the next century of native plant science and advocacy. The first 100 participants will receive a free native plant to take home! Price This event…

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Three girls walking hand in hand on wooden bridge.
November 3, 2025
Pathfinders: Cutting Clones | Sold Out

Details: Pathfinders will create clones from plants as they do vegetative cuttings. They’ll discover how plants have special structures for regrowth that can be used to create entirely new plants. They’ll wrap up by taking their own cuttings to bring home. What does it mean to be a Backcountry Pathfinder? A Pathfinder is an explorer,…

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Hummingbird hovering near purple flower with blurred background.
October 23, 2025
From the Ground Up: Planting for Birds and Birding for Plants 

Discover the intricate connections between birds, native plants, and the health of our local ecosystems at the Garden’s newest gallery exhibit. Drawing from Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s landscape transformation work at Elings Park, From the Ground Up reveals how restoring native plants helps bring wildlife back home. Explore how birdwatching, field notes, and scientific observation…

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