• San Marcos Foothills Preserve (map)
  • 1155 Via Gaitero
  • Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
  • United States

Join us at San Marcos Foothills for a special Seed Collection Day to celebrate California Biodiversity Day—a statewide initiative to discover and celebrate nature and contribute to our understanding of where plants and animals are found! As one of just 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide, Santa Barbara County offers a unique landscape worth protecting. This event is a great opportunity to contribute to the preservation of local plant species and to learn about the importance of seed collection for ecosystem restoration.

During the event, our knowledgeable staff and trained volunteers will guide you to collect seeds from various native plant species. The seeds will be used for future restoration projects in the preserve and other areas in need of ecological restoration.

This is a collaborative effort to support our local environment, and we encourage everyone to participate. No prior experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome. We will provide all the necessary tools and equipment, but we recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat.

We look forward to seeing you at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve for this exciting and meaningful event.

Please join us for the iNaturalist Find 30 Species Challenge.

We will be able to find over 30 plants and animals at the San Marcos Foothills.

To maximize the experience, we recommend downloading the free community-science app, iNaturalist!

Schedule

9:00 AM: Gather at the San Marcos Foothills West Mesa entrance - 1155 Via Gaitero, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

9:30 AM – 10:30 PM: Introduction to Plant ID, Seed Collecting and iNaturalist (Doug Morgon)

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Seed Collecting and iNaturalist 30 Species Challenge

12:00 PM - 1:00PM - Snack and Nature Walk

When You Volunteer With Us Please Remember:

  • Wear long, sturdy pants for comfort and safety

  • Wear a long sleeve shirt for protection

  • Bring sunscreen and a sunhat

  • Wear hiking shoes or boots for safety. No flip-flops or sandals allowed

  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day

  • Make sure to sign all required waivers before arrival

Have Photos From Your Volunteer Day?

  • Tag @channelislandsrestoration on Instagram.

  • Or send your photos to volunteer@cirweb.org for a feature.

San Marcos Foothills Preserve

Encompassing 301 acres the San Marcos Foothills Preserve offers extraordinary views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands. The Foothills is the feeding ground for hawks, kestrels, kites, roadrunners, coyotes, bobcats, and hundreds of other animal species. It offers nesting locations for dozens of native bird species, and it provides connecting corridors for wildlife to Los Padres National Forest and Goleta Slough.