Ambassador Birds Visit from WERC (Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center)

The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC) is a local nonprofit dedicated to the care and release of native wildlife and to inspiring environmental stewardship through education. WERC rescues injured, orphaned, and ill wild animals throughout the South Bay, with the goal of returning them to the wild whenever possible. At our anniversary celebration, WERC will be on-site in the morning showcasing their ambassador birds, wild raptors who can no longer survive in the wild but now serve as powerful educators. This special visit gives you an up-close look at native birds of prey while helping raise funds for WERC’s critical work.

Crane Talk with Lisa Myers

Lisa Myers is a South Bay native and lifelong birder who turned her passion for birds into a full-time mission to connect people with nature. In the early 2000s, she founded Let’s Go Birding tours to lead fun, approachable birding adventures for adults new to the hobby. Her teaching style emphasizes learning through curiosity and community. After many years leading tours and classes for the Los Gatos Birdwatcher, she became the store’s owner in 2015 upon the Howell family’s retirement. Lisa continues to share her love of birds through education, conservation advocacy, and the everyday magic of backyard birdwatching.

Binocular Lab with Jessica Guenther-Dang

Jessica Guenther-Dang is a biologist and full-time team member at Los Gatos Birdwatcher. With a Master’s in Natural Resources and a background in Wildlife Biology, she brings field experience and a research-driven perspective to the shop. Formerly an Open Space Aide with the Open Space Authority, Jessica enjoys helping others deepen their birdwatching knowledge, especially when it comes to optics. She’s passionate about wildlife conservation, especially increasing research on lesser-studied species and supporting women in science.

Monarchs & Milkweed Talk with Tara Johnson

Tara Johnson is an environmental scientist, Certified California Naturalist, and founder of Naturedigger. With over 25 years of experience in conservation and community science, she has led efforts in endangered species research, invasive species monitoring, and public education. Since 2014, her primary focus has been monarch butterfly and milkweed conservation. Tara works closely with the Monarch Joint Venture and monitors overwintering monarchs in Santa Cruz alongside a team of biologists. She is also the author of two forthcoming books on monarchs for educators and community scientists.

Wild Bird Seed Q&A with Mike, Our Seed Guy from Volkman Pet Products

Mike represents Volkman Pet Products, one of the oldest family-run bird seed companies in the country. Based in California’s Central Valley and in business since 1863, Volkman has proudly supplied premium wild bird seed for generations. Mike works closely with Lisa at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher, he’s our go-to “seed guy”—and will be on hand to answer your bird feeding questions, share tips, and maybe even hand out a few seed samples.