The National Audubon Society’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary, located in Southern Orange County, is one of the few places in Southern California that still looks as it did hundreds of years ago. Containing coastal sage scrub, native grasslands, oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian woodlands, the land was purchased in 1927 by millionaire Eugene Grant Starr to be used as a secluded and rustic hunting retreat. As a result, 4,000 acres of open space was preserved as a wildlife sanctuary and ecological research station.

Today, access to the sanctuary is limited, keeping the land wild for the benefit of the plants and animals that thrive there. Additionally, Starr Ranch has become a Mecca for land managers from all over Southern California who visit to hear about its research-based, sustainable land management practices. Our speaker, Sandy DeSimone, has a passion for native plants. After completing doctoral research on coastal sage scrub and working at the Sharon Audubon Center in Connecticut, she found her way to Starr Ranch. There she directs the education, research, land management, and volunteer programs. She and her husband Peter live on-site, where he acts as Manager and both act as caretakers. At the sanctuary, Sandy has developed the Field Ecology Programs that integrate ecological research and education. People of all ages participate in the program, providing a hands-on experience in field research. Please join us for this uplifting introduction to Starr Ranch Sanctuary and the wonderful work being done there.

Wednesday, June 15 Social time: 6:45 p.m.  Program begins: 7:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Bob Crowell at bva3ruddyducks@att.net if you would like to join us on Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to you on the day of the lecture