Restoration Work Party on December 2
Volunteers are needed to help restore California native plants to a one-acre site on Elings Park’s South Park bluffs. Restoration Work Parties are held immediately following the Nature Walks, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the third Saturday of the month, and on selected additional dates (see below).
The Elings Park Transformation Project is overseen by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and concentrates California’s native plants. Scientific experience will compare the abundance, diversity, and composition of plant and animal life both before and after the transformation. For more information on the Elings Park Transformation Project, visit https://sbbotanicgarden.org/conservation/our-impact/restoring-habitats/elings-park-transformation/.
The first phase of the project involves installing black plastic and cardboard to discourage weeds, and assembling gopher cages to protect new plantings. Future work parties include pre-planting prep, planting, and plant care. Project also involves Channel Islands Restoration, a nonprofit organization that has been involved in restoration projects throughout the region.
Sign up to volunteer for specific dates and find more information at https://sbbotanicgarden.org/classes-events/landscape-transformation-project-volunteer-opportunities.
Upcoming Walks and Work Parties
NATURE WALK & WORK PARTY: Saturday, November 18, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Plants and Bugs: Led by Zach Philips, Ph.D., Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Terrestrial Invertebrate Conservation Ecologist, and José Flores, Conservation Technician. Followed at 11 a.m. by a restoration work party.
WORK PARTY: Saturday, December 2, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please sign up in advance to volunteer at https://sbbotanicgarden.org/classes-events/landscape-transformation-project-volunteer-opportunities.
NATURE WALK & WORK PARTY: Saturday, December 16, 9 to 10 a.m. – Birds: Led by Scot Pipkin, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Director of Education, and Zach Philips, Ph.D., Terrestrial Invertebrate Conservation Ecologist. Followed at 11 a.m. by a restoration work party.