“The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands.”
— Sir David Attenborough
Through community engagement, strategic partnerships, and educational programming, learning is integrated into every experience at Taft Gardens. Visitors can join guided tours with experts, attend academic lectures, participate in skill-building workshops, or contribute to community science databases such as iNaturalist and eBird. These programs offer diverse ways to document and study the species found on the grounds and connect more deeply with the natural world.
guided nature preserve walks
WITH lanny kaufer
Lanny Kaufer has been guiding nature-education experiences in the Ojai Valley since the 1970’s. At Taft Gardens, Lanny’s events explore the trails of the Nature Preserve, only accessible through guided tours! Guided events include native plant, animal tracks and bird identification and ecosystem ecology education. Lanny's mission is to help people connect with the natural world, starting with plants. As the author of "Medicinal Herbs of California: A Field Guide to Common Healing Plants," he has been leading herb walks, nature hikes, and workshops in Southern California since 1976. Don't miss this chance to learn from a seasoned expert and deepen your understanding of nature. Grab your tickets now and join us for an insightful journey through our local ecosystem!
bird watching
with Peter Larramendy
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. Bird Walks are held twice per Spring & Fall migration season.
Check out the list of over 100 bird species identified at Taft Gardens making it an E-Bird hotspot!