San Marcos Foothills: The Next Phase

San Marcos Foothills: The Next Phase

Since 2011, CIR has been proud to work on several projects at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve, one of the most ecologically significant open spaces in Santa Barbara County.  Located between Goleta and Santa Barbara, the Preserve features hundreds of acres of grasslands, oak woodlands, and permanently flowing creeks.  There are nearly 50 mammals found in the Foothills and 126 bird species.  The Preserve has miles of hiking trails that provide spectacular views of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and the Santa Barbara Channel.

CIR has partnered with the San Marcos Foothills Coalition (SMFC) and other organizations to restore habitat along two creeks at the Preserve and to remove invasive plants along trails.  As we enter the rainy season, we will be calling on our volunteers to help nurture the thousands of native plants we have installed at the restoration sites.  The work locations are easy to get to, kid friendly, and workdays are typically on Saturdays.

Starting in 2014, CIR will be training docents to lead public educational hikes at the Preserve.  The SMFC has helped fund the docent program, and CIR has donated a tremendous amount of staff time to the project.

CIR staff, Robert Kessler and Jared Logan demonstrate planting techniques to youth at the San Marcos Foothills