Explore the bats and insects of Southern California in a two-part lecture led by UCLA graduate students Joseph Curti and Graham Montgomery. Joseph will discuss the diversity, natural history, and conservation of bats in the region, introducing you to local species and the research methods used to study them. Graham will then guide you through the insect biodiversity of Southern California, offering insights into the wide variety of species that inhabit the area. This lecture is a great opportunity to learn more about the region's unique bats and bugs.

Following the lecture, Joseph and Graham will lead a field demonstration at Twin Peaks Ranch. Joseph will provide a mist netting demonstration with the possibility of viewing wild caught bats. Graham will simultaneously demonstrate blacklighting, observing insects attracted to lights at night. We will learn about the species that come in, go over how to make your own blacklighting set-up, and cover macro-photography tips and tricks to help you document the incredibly diverse insect fauna in our area.

Join us Friday, September 20, at Under the Open Sky—a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner by Lorraine Lim Catering, live music, a photo booth, beer provided by Topa Topa Brewing Co., spirits donated by Ventura Spirits, wine donated by Stay Wild Ventures, kombucha donated by Revel, drinks from Flying Embers, a virtual auction, and a paddle raise. When the sun sets we will enjoy a collection of films selected for this special event that will not be shown on Saturday night.

All attendees will also receive a complimentary ticket to Saturday night’s Mountainfilm on Tour.

Join us for our 10th annual Mountainfilm on Tour on Saturday, September 21, or make it a weekend and also join us for Under the Open Sky, a special farm-to-table dinner on Friday, September 20.

Lights, camera, conservation! Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) proudly presents our 9th annual Mountainfilm on Tour. Dig out your blankets and low-back chairs and join us on the field at Ojai Valley School’s Lower Campus Sports Field for another fantastic year of films and fun! Experience the beauty of nature, the thrill of adrenaline-pumping adventures, and the power of environmental storytelling as we showcase a carefully curated selection of films from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride. From breathtaking landscapes to heartwarming stories of human resilience, these films will leave you with a profound love for our planet and a renewed commitment to its preservation.