Audubon Tehachapi kicks off the new year with a special program on Tuesday, January 27, at 6 p.m. in the Golden Hills Elementary School cafeteria.

Guest speaker Alison Sheehey, a Certified California Master Naturalist via the UC Davis Master Naturalist Program, is an expert birder with a degree in anthropology and extensive study in biology and geology.

Ali will present an overview of the natural history of Kern County including geology, indigenous people, plants and wildlife. Bob Barnes, well-known birder of Ridgecrest, calls her presentation “fantastic!” A question and answer period will be included.

A beautifully framed 14 x 17 inch print of “Northern Flicker” by local artist Maxine Stenstrom will be raffled.

Maxine lives in Tehachapi with her husband and two dogs. She is an outdoor enthusiast and thrilled to incorporate some of nature’s beauty into her art.

The program is free and light refreshments are served. All are welcome; you do not need to be an Audubon member to attend. Please note the 6 p.m. start time for meetings this year.

Tehachapi Audubon Group is part of Kern Audubon Society (KAS). KAS has many projects including installation of Fishing Line Receptacles, community education, and preservation of public lands for wildlife habitat. See kernaudubonsociety.org for information.