Discover the most recent efforts and future plans to restore the park’s natural ecosystem. To start: thousands of non-native and invasive plants have been removed and replaced with California native oaks, and native grasses and shrubs.
Though located amid the Mesa neighborhood in Santa Barbara, Elings Park contains a diverse landscape that features recreational and natural ecosystems side-by-side. Its ecology is equally varied and provides unique opportunities and challenges for its management.
Native Plant Restoration Partnerships
Restoring California native plants is the goal of ongoing habitat restoration efforts, including three programs with community partners including Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Channel Islands Restoration, Our Children’s Trees, and Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade.
Ecological Survey Results
Though the Park is a private nonprofit, it was included in a City of Santa Barbara program to create sustainable approaches to vegetation in high fire risk areas. Find out more about their ecological survey of Elings Park.
Fire Safety
Discover the strategies developed by Elings Park to address fire safety which benefit not only the park, but neighbors as well. Annual sheep grazing to reduce fodder, planting of fire resistant native plants, and improving access for emergency vehicles are just a few.
Natural History Resources
Enhance your visit to Elings Park with links to apps to download before you come – identify birds, native plants, wildflowers, wildlife, and more. Also here: printable and downloadable Elings Park’s Bird List.
Support the Park
Elings Park is not operated by the city or county. We depend on user fees and public donations to maintain and improve the park. You can help.
