Upcoming Events and Classes

Vector-borne disease in a changing world: Identifying ecological levers for health

with UCSB's Andy MacDonald

Presented by the Walking Ecology Lecture Series at Sedgwick Reserve

Join Andy MacDonald, a disease ecologist at UCSB, for an exciting deep-dive into the world of one of our most prolific local disease vectors and the focus of his research: ticks. Andy is a professor and researcher at UCSB's Earth Research Institute and Bren School of Environmental Science and Management whose reseach focuses on the incidence of tick-born disease in California. As humans have expanded their footprint in the wildland-urban interface, the incidence of tick-borne disease has risen dramatically--even in places like California that have typically had much lower rates of infection than, for example, the notoriously Lyme-filled Northeast. Andy's research explores what ecological "levers" we can pull to alter the prevalence of such disease and integrates cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, community health, and entomology. He's done extensive tick sampling at Sedgwick as part of this research and is deeply knowledgeable about the Santa Ynez Valley's tick-borne disease incidence. Spring is upon us and the ticks are hungry--there's no better time than now to learn from one of Sedgwick's tick experts! 

This lecture is part of our popular Walking Ecology Lecture Series, which brings some of Sedgwick's most active and energized researchers to Tipton Meeting House to share their work with the public and take curious citizen scientists out into the field. Andy will lead an hour-long presentation followed by an hour-long excursion onto the Reserve to see his science in action.

Check out Andy's website for more info on his research!

12:30-1: Arrival and check-in (see below for more information)

1-2: Lecture in Sedgwick's Tipton Meeting House

2-3: Field excursion to see science in action with Andy

Pre-registration is required for this event, and attendance is capped at 75 persons.

Register here to reserve your seat!

General Information

• Check in begins at 12:30pm on the steps of the Tipton Meeting House unless noted otherwise.
• We will spend an hour indoors for Andy's lecture
• You will be asked to sign a University of California Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement;
• A suggested donation of $20.00 per person in support of the public education program is greatly appreciated (6% gift processing fee assessed per UC policy). Your donation can be made online here or on day of the class via cash or a check made out to UC REGENTS. 

Dress appropriately!

• Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are recommended. Tennis shoes are permitted, sandals are not. 
• Long pants and long sleeves are recommended (we do have ticks!)
• Wear a hat & apply sunscreen
• Bring a reusable water to fill up before our field excursion and a trail snack

Cancellation Policy

• Hikes will not take place in or following periods of rain. You will receive a cancellation notice no more than 24hr in advance if we will need to cancel due to forecasted inclement weather.

Pet Policy

• Please leave your dog at home. They are not allowed on the trails and the parking area is not shaded.