This is a unique and rare opportunity to take a day trip to Eastern Santa Cruz Island and contribute to an important project to revegetate several acres of habitat. We will focus on removing invasive iceplant near the lookout at Cavern Point in preparation for spreading native seeds in the area this fall. While the project relies on natural rainfall to germinate the seeds, it is essential to first eliminate the invasive iceplant to ensure the project's success.

Beginning in the fall of 2023 and running for three years, this restoration project concentrates on California-native plants within a one-acre plot and compares the abundance, diversity, and composition of plant and animal life before and after the transformation. To achieve this work, we’re seeking volunteers to help clear invasive plant species, prepare the site for plantings, plant our projected 1,400 plants, and monitor the progress along the way through varied scientific methods.

Beginning in the fall of 2023 and running for three years, this restoration project concentrates on California-native plants within a one-acre plot and compares the abundance, diversity, and composition of plant and animal life before and after the transformation. To achieve this work, we’re seeking volunteers to help clear invasive plant species, prepare the site for plantings, plant our projected 1,400 plants, and monitor the progress along the way through varied scientific methods.

Join us to help plant nearly 700 native plants at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve and bring ‘al-tipašumawiš—meaning “one at peace”—to life. Conceived by Chumash elder Ernestine Ignacio De Soto, this ethnobotanical garden will be a living tribute that teaches visitors about the plants the Chumash people have used for generations for food, medicine, and fiber.

This project has been a decade in the making, in collaboration with our local Chumash tribal partners. You’ll be among the few who get to explore this beautiful, hidden gem while helping preserve it. Join us in this vital effort to protect and nurture our precious coastal habitat.

Join us to help plant nearly 700 native plants at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve and bring ‘al-tipašumawiš—meaning “one at peace”—to life. Conceived by Chumash elder Ernestine Ignacio De Soto, this ethnobotanical garden will be a living tribute that teaches visitors about the plants the Chumash people have used for generations for food, medicine, and fiber.