Conserved for
Acres:
35
The Carpinteria Salt Marsh is one of the largest and most ecologically important coastal estuaries in California—and it is among the last. In 2008 the Land Trust completed a four-year restoration project to provide better wildlife habitat, opportunities for scientific research, and ways for the people to visit and learn about the coastal environment. A pedestrian bridge connects the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park, the quarter mile long Land Trust public trail, and habitat restoration area—much of which was partially funded by more than $100,000 in community donations along with $1,950,000 in ecological restoration grants from the following agencies: State Coastal Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, County of Santa Barbara and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
In 1977, eleven families from neighboring Sandyland Cove sold their part of the marsh to the UC Natural Reserve System (NRS). Later, when faced with proposed development, a partnership including the Land Trust, State Coastal Conservancy, City of Carpinteria, UC Natural Reserve System, County Flood Control District and adjacent homeowner associations purchased the remaining portion of this valuable coastal wetland.
VISIT THE CARPINTERIA SALT MARSH PRESERVE
- Trail difficulty: easy, fairly level, pedestrian bridge
- Hours: sunrise to sunset daily
- Park on Ash Avenue
- Docent led tours: City of Carpinteria Parks and Recreation Department, (805) 684-5405
