We’re happy to report that Carpinteria’s Franklin Trail Phase One construction is nearing
completion. A new 65 ft bridge, dangling from two large cranes, was hoisted
into place. Bulldozers have moved mounds of dirt. Retaining walls have been constructed,
and finally, the opening of Carpinteria’s Franklin Trail is in sight. We are looking forward to
officially welcoming trail users by Labor Day weekend. Phase One will run for 2 miles (from
the trailhead parking area on Meadowview Lane and Sterling Avenue), through Carpinteria
High School and two private ranches. The path is winding and has some sections that will
get your heart pumping as the trail climbs up the mountainside to reach breathtaking
views of the valley and Channel Islands.

We still need your help…At the onset of the project, Friends of Franklin Trail based its
fundraising efforts on an estimated budget for permitting, engineering, construction, etc.
to complete Phase One of the trail construction. Now that we are through the engineering
and permitting phases, FFT is faced with actual costs that exceed what was raised. This
means in order to finish Phase One Friends of Franklin Trail needs an additional $105,000.

We are pleased to report that on July 2nd the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors
approved $47,000 to help offset these increased costs. Additionally, a generous donor
pledged to match every dollar we receive from here out, up to $25,000. Now we are
asking for your help to close the gap by the projected trail opening on Labor Day. Please
help us receive every penny of this matching grant so that we may complete Phase One.

To make a donation, you may click ‘Donate’ in the upper right hand corner,
call us 805-966-4520 or send a check (with Franklin Trail in the memo line) to:

Land Trust for Santa Barbara County
attn. Franklin Trail
P.O. Box 91830
Santa Barbara, CA 93190-1830