Snowy Plover Habitat

It was Snowy Plover all over! Signs, signs, everywhere were signs. Stop signs blocking out the scenery, crowding my mind, they hung at predictable intervals along the winding wooden dune path. Securely partitioned, parts of the dunes are closed between March and October with metal link fences creating a California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover sacred bird sanctuary. A no trespassing area where these endangered birds are given a second chance to nest in the sand and repopulate. The Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is expertly managed by California State Parks and together with adjacent Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, this protected area forms the most intact coastal dune ecosystem on the entire West Coast. We are lucky because we can still enjoy hiking along this amazing riparian corridor to the Pacific Ocean. Wild flowers, native scrubs and trees grow in abundance along the path offering a nurturing habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians...So keep your eyes open! An interesting fact for film buffs...The Preserve was also the location used in the 1923 film, "The Ten Commandments" by Cecil B. DeMille.

Visit the Guadalupe Dunes Center

Learn More: Watch a Video about the Western Snowy Plover

Reservoir Creek Falls

This spot was a wilderness retreat for me. Today my chakras screamed for green energy and this hike supplied. Blue green serpentine rocks lined a lush riparian oasis under oak, bay, sycamore, and willow trees. Low water levels made for remembrance of years past when heavy rainfall filled the creeks many pools. A lush winding wooded trail led first to a 50ft waterfall that felt refreshing and peaceful. Then through a chartreuse painted landscape with an abundance of feathery horsetail ferns. This living fossil is the only surviving genus of an entire class of spore reproducing vascular plants over one hundred million years old. Beautiful and tranquil I sat awhile and enjoyed my stunning surroundings. Being careful when I left to not trample the precious "Equisetum" plants who beckon seekers to rest and recharge among its natural wonders.

Health Benefits of Horsetail

Andree Clark Bird Refuge

The Andree Clark Bird Refuge is one of the most beautiful and serene places to visit in Santa Barbara. Located across from East Beach it is a surprisingly peaceful lagoon with many species of water fowl and natural lake vegetation. This refuge was named in 1930 and designed to harbor wild birds that migrate through or reside permanently in our area. Visitors can take advantage of the well maintained bike trails and walking pathways which provide an enjoyable setting in which to experience our natural world. Just pack a lunch and watch the birds or cruse the path on rollerblades. Nature tours are available and the refuge and nearby beach makes a great outing for the kiddies. If you're lucky you may even get a sneak peak of the giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo next door.

http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=54062

http://sbmag.com/2010/08/the-house-on-the-hill/

Romero Canyon

The allure of Romero Canyon is the fact that it is an awesome mountain bike trail in a secluded canyon above Summerland, just south-west of Santa Barbara. This was my first encounter with the "Bike Bells" and I can see why their use is a necessity. Because this is one of the only trails in SB County where you can still ride the trails to your hearts content. But the hiker on foot should be vigil and listen for the mini cow bells that jingle as they bounce on the handlebars of conscientious mountain bikers. And be sure to step aside when you hear the bells! Rider's passing will usually shout out the number of biker's following the entourage. For the first half mile the trail stays on the right side of the creek, following a small ridge steadily uphill through a series of oak forests. Then Romero Canyon trail crosses to the left side, continues along the creek another quarter mile to a crossing where there is a small fern-lined waterfall and plenty of nice spots to stop and enjoy nature. The sun plays warmly in the canyon and proves to be a bonus to a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Santa Barbara & Ventura County Trails

Romero Canyon Trail