The sheep are coming to Elings Park in Santa Barbara and we need your help! Much like the grassland restoration at the San Marcos Foothills, we'll be working with Cuyama Lamb to bring sheep to Elings Park to suppress invasive weeds threatening to smother the grasslands there. The sheep help by trampling dense thatch that inhibits new native plant growth, and grazing the invasive grasses and weeds. This promotes the growth of our native grasses like purple needlegrass and improves habitat for native birds and other wildlife.
Learn more about the grazing project via the Elings Park website!
We need sociable volunteers to help us communicate information about the sheep and grazing project to any curious hikers. No previous knowledge is required and we will provide information regarding frequently asked questions. Volunteers will sit in a stationary spot along the trail near where the sheep are grazing. Feel free to bring a comfy camp chair, bring a book or binoculars, and relax.
We need volunteers to sign up for 2 - 3 hour shifts at the Preserve from March 2nd to as late as March 21st (depending on how hungry the sheep are). Shift times are as follows:
- Morning: 8 am to 11 am
- Mid-day: 11 am to 2 pm
- Afternoon: 2 pm to 5 pm
More information can be found at cirweb.org/sheepdocent.