We are so proud of our very own Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson for being named a 2024 Local Hero by the Santa Barbara Independent! He received this special recognition for being “Goleta’s Nature Czar”.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized for my work at the Goleta Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa,” said George Thomson. “A huge team continues to support the positive steps we’re taking to help monarch butterflies, and I am so thankful to each person that steps up to make a difference. Thank you!”

The article reads, “The eucalyptus groves in Ellwood Mesa, where monarch butterflies gather to spend the winter, still stand because of the lengthy battles fought by residents to protect the forest from development. It is George Thomson’s job as the manager of Goleta’s parks and open spaces to oversee Ellwood’s 90-acre forest and now to preserve it from the effects of hard weather.”

You can read more about George and all of this year’s Local Heroes at https://tinyurl.com/ynh6s6rd.