Several tours are being organized for the conference participants,
Wednesday, June, 29, 2005 (afternoon)

Suggested Tour and Activities:

Lotusland Garden Tour - 3~4 hours.
Enjoy a docent led tour of what is considered to be the “Smithsonian” of American gardens. Located in Montecito, magnificent Lotusland encompasses 25 acres including seven different gardens.
In 1941 Madame Ganna Walska concieved and then continued to develop her estate until 1984. The house, designed by Reginald Johnson and completed in 1919, is surrounded by formal Mediterranean style gardens. With its famous Japanese and water gardens as well as cycad, cacus and succulent collection, her garden is the only one of its kind in the entire world. A visit to Lotusland is truly a magical experience. $55/person.

Santa Ynez Valley/Winery Tour - 5~6 hours
Enjoy a breathtaking drive into western America over San Marcos Pass and through the Santa Ynez Mountains. Typical of the region, we will see great expanses of counrtyside, picturesque towns, cattle and horse ranches, and vineyards that dot the countryside.
Santa Barbara County has become an ideal place to experience wine with more than 40 wineries producing world class wine and over 15,000 acres of vineyards.
We will visit Gainey Vineyard, one of Santa Barbara County's awards winning wineries for a tour and tasting followed by an opportunity to explore the old western town of Los Olivos-- an enclave of art galleries, tasting rooms, and small shops around the flagpole that marks the center of activity. $62/person.

Santa Barbara Coastal Sail - 3 hours (2 ½ sailing)

Enjoy a change of perspective from the water aboard this 45 passenger sailing catamaran. The Santa Barbara channel is home to dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions as well as the California brown pelican and numerous marine birds. An occasional whale siting is a possibility as a variety of whales pass through on their northern migration with their young along our coast and up to the arctic waters of Alaska.
You will enjoy views of the Channel Islands, now a part of the National Park system and are open to visitors on a limited basis. Santa Cruz Island has plant and animal species found no where else on earth. As you sail along the coast, you will see Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches, elegant homes, and the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop behind the city. $72/person.

Hiking the Local Countryside

Fantastic views and solitude await along the diverse trails of the Santa Ynez Range. Natural and human histories are the focus of our day hikes. We will meet your group at a predetermined site and then preview the day's plan before heading up to local trails. Knowledgeable guides offer discussions on native plants and animals, local geology and Chumash culture. Discover the finer points of the Chaparral plant community, sample edible plants, and learn about wild flowers and sage. We'll stop for beautiful views along the way. This day's walk is popular with all levels of nature enthusiasts. Cameras and extra film a must. $36/person