Explore the Sespe Wilderness—Ventura County’s largest protected Wilderness area in the southern Los Padres National Forest—in this engaging talk with local public lands leaders Jeff Kuyper, Peter Deneen, and Chuck Graham.
Designated in 1992, the Sespe Wilderness was set aside for permanent protection under federal law, safeguarding its rugged backcountry from development, road building, and motorized use. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of wilderness conservation on California’s Central Coast.
From Pine Mountain and Sespe Creek to Piedra Blanca and Chorro Grande, the Sespe is known for its expansive trail network, rare wildlife like California condors and bighorn sheep, and deep cultural and spiritual significance to the Chumash people.
This presentation will explore the region’s unique landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the history behind how this remarkable place earned its highly protected status.
About the Speakers
Jeff Kuyper is an expert on our region’s public lands and their historic, policy, and legal frameworks. He was one of the original founders of Los Padres ForestWatch, a nonprofit organization that works to protect Los Padres National Forest. He brings more than 25 years of experience advocating for wildlife, public lands, and the local communities that depend on them. Jeff holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Oregon School of Law, with a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resource Law, and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara.
Peter Deneen is an award-winning writer, educator, nonprofit leader, and actor based in his hometown of Ojai. He is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, where he served as an officer for over a decade. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Arts in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and is currently an MBA candidate at UCLA. Peter serves on several local and regional nonprofit boards, including Keep the Sespe Wild, The C.R.E.W., Ojai Raptor Center, Tierra Sol Institute, and currently serves as the board president of Ojai Valley Defense Fund. He is an ultramarathoner, co-founder of Sisar Canyon Run Club, and is a Runners for Public Lands Ambassador.
Chuck Graham is a freelance writer and photographer from Carpinteria. He’s been leading kayak tours at the Channel Islands National Park for 24 years. His stories and photos have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife Magazine, High Country News, American Forests, Natural History Magazine, Men’s Journal, Backpacker, The Surfer’s Journal, and Westways. He’s the author of the award-winning Carrizo Plain, Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands and his new book – Paddling into a Natural Balance, Stories of Kayaking and Conservation around Channel Islands National Park – recently won the Nature Division of the Independent Press Awards for 2026.
About Trail Talks
Trail Talks is a monthly series of public education talks about exploring the natural world for outdoor enthusiasts organized by Santa Barbara Public Library with support from James Wapotich. In addition to discussion of trails near and far, we feature speakers on the ecology, geology, and history for naturalists of all types.
