Star Report

Want to see the ocean floor on Figueroa Mountain? NatureTrack is offering a special one-day geology adventure from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, in conjunction with the Santa Ynez Valley Quick Draw & Arts Festival the weekend of November 4 to 6.
Geologist and NatureTrack Docent, Jan Dependahl will lead the field trip which begins and ends at Lavinia Campbell Park in Los Olivos. The trip will cover the geology along Figueroa Mountain Road from the intersection of Hwy 154 to Figueroa Mountain and beyond. You will gain an understanding and appreciation of the Santa Ynez Valley geology and the area’s tectonics. This will include three major active faults, the rocks of the Paso Robles, and the Franciscan Formations. You will also learn to read and use geologic maps, stratigraphic columns, and geologic cross sections.
Recommended for ages 12 and up. The cost is $75 per person which includes a gourmet picnic lunch and wine. Proceeds support NatureTrack Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides outdoor curricula-aligned field trips for all school-aged students at no cost to the schools or students; and even pays all transportation cost.
To reserve space and pay on-line, go to http://naturetrack.org/the-natural-art-of-geology-hike/. You may also email sue@naturetrack.org or call 886-2047 to reserve your space and pay on the day of the event. Wear hiking shoes, bring water and a camera! Space is limited to the first 30 participants.
NatureTrack is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to provide outdoor field trips during the traditional school day for Santa Barbara County school-aged children at no cost to the schools or students, utilizing local trails and beaches throughout the county. NatureTrack seeks to instill students with leadership skills, attitudes, and habits for lifelong learning, inspiring them to be respectful stewards of the natural world. Founded in 2011, to date more than 8,000 students have had a chance to experience a NatureTrack docent-led outdoor field trip.
For more information about NatureTrack, or the November 5 event, visit www.naturetrack.org , call 886-2047, or email sue@naturetrack.org.