What's in Your Backyard?

September 17, 2026

Check out the first in a series, "What's In Your Backyard?", a captivating storytelling session featuring four local organizations dedicated to exploring and preserving our natural surroundings. Whether you're curious about the tiny ecosystems hiding right under your feet or the large mammals roaming our hills, there is something in this talk to spark your wonder.

Video Highlights & Trivia:

• The Secret Life of Holes: Discover the hidden, complex worlds beneath ground level, from the turreted homes of nocturnal spiders (19:24) to the specialized "ant bread" factories run by California harvester ants (22:11).

• Nature’s Master Architect: Learn how tiny cinnipid wasps can "tickle" oak trees into growing intricate, custom-made protective homes known as galls (26:12).

• Bear Diaries: Journey alongside local wildlife experts as they use DNA scat analysis and trail cameras to track bear movements (46:54). You might be surprised to learn that some bears cover incredible distances—one was tracked traveling nearly 40 miles round-trip (57:00)!

• Restoration Technology: See how modern tech is being used to combat invasive grasses through drone-based seed dispersal to restore essential pollinator habitats (6:05).

• LandPaths focuses on breaking down barriers to nature by connecting with diverse audiences, including youth and people who have never experienced the outdoors (34:56)

If you missed the live event, this is a perfect opportunity to dive into the stories of Rainforest Rising, All Hands Ecology, LandPaths, and Pepperwood Preserve.