Community Calendar

Join Dr. Matt Ritter, Cal Poly botany professor and author of the acclaimed new book, California Trees, for a visually rich and inspiring celebration of the state's iconic native flora. From the towering redwoods of the northern coast to the otherworldly Joshua trees of the desert, California Trees takes readers on a journey through the state's diverse landscapes, highlighting the remarkable variety of tree species that call it home.
With his striking photography, humor, and botanical insight, Dr. Ritter will share the natural history of California's largest and most storied organisms. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Is science funny? For over 32 years, Marc Abrahams has proved unequivocally that the answer is yes. The celebrated creator of the Ig Nobel Prizes will speak at a special free public event.
Please join us for a truly unique event where Marc will highlight the funniest of the Ig Nobels and reflect on a career that honors scientific achievements through humor.
This event is hosted by the California Los Padres Section of the American Chemical Society.
Please RSVP using the link or QR code at www.lospadresacs.org

Author and eco-activist Robin Greenfield will be speaking about his immersive experience in non-ownership and living without money. This talk is presented as part of the Ecologistics Critical Conversation Series.
Robin recently completed a 1,600 mile walk along the Pacific Coast from the Canadian border to Los Angeles. His goal was to live simply—sleeping outside, harvesting food and medicine from the land, walking, swimming, reading and thinking. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, he gave away all of his belongings, including his clothes, and is currently living in service to the community.
Through this experience, Robin encourages everyone to question the unquestioned structures and norms of our society. At the heart of Robin’s action-based philosophy is his dedication to living simply and sustainably as a means of active resistance to systems of destruction and exploitation. Through living simply, we can all reject societal standards of consumerism that contribute to great inequity and injustice.

Ecologistics’ mission is to collaborate with people and organizations around the world to create resilient and healthy communities that are environmentally and economically sustainable, and socially just. You can find more information about Ecologistics at https://ecologistics.org/

Ross Gay, the author of the UCSB Reads 2025 book The Book of Delights: Essays will present a free, public talk in UCSB’s Campbell Hall, followed by Q&A and a book signing. This event is presented by UCSB Library in partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures.
The Book of Delights is a collection of essays celebrating small, ordinary wonders. Written daily over one tumultuous year, Gay’s humorous, poetic and philosophical essays cover a wide range of topics.
This event is free but advance registration through the Arts & Lectures portal is required. If you don't have an Arts & Lectures account, you will be asked to create one.
For up-to-date details about UCSB Reads events, sponsors, and more, go to www.library.ucsb.edu/ucsbreads2025.

Hear from internationally renowned cellist, Amit Peled, about his experience, growth, and the importance of mentorship in music. Amit will treat guests to a short performance, and engage in a Q&A session in anticipation of his featured appearance with the SLO Symphony on May 10th. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP contact@studiosonthepark.org.

Did you know illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is behind only arms, drugs and human trafficking globally? Did you know that, in the mid 1990s, a legislative study was conducted in California and, at that time, illegal wildlife trade in California was second only to the drug trade? IWT is one of the world’s largest criminal activities. Please join us as we meet and listen to three officers (both retired and current) that have spent years investigating illegal wildlife trade, both in California and abroad.

Photo Caption: Some of over 100 Tropical Birds seized in Brazil. They were warehoused and being prepared for shipment to the UK. Photo credit: Gabriela Becker