Butterfly Grove BioBlitz May 4 and Guided Tour May 6

The City of Goleta has two events planned at Ellwood Open Space this month that we don’t want you to miss! Join us for the Butterfly Grove BioBlitz on Saturday morning, May 4, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and for a guided tour of Ellwood on Monday evening, May 6 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. More details on each of these free community events below.

Butterfly Grove BioBlitz – May 4

The BioBlitz is an opportunity for nature lovers, citizen scientists and community members to participate in a single day inventory of biodiversity at the Butterfly Grove. The goal is to identify and record as many plants, animals, fungi, and other species as possible in a single day. This hands-on experience promises an engaging and educational opportunity for all ages to connect with nature and foster a deeper understanding of environmental conservation. Kids are welcome too! UCSB’s Cheadle Center is providing a free kids program for ages 6-10. Young scientists who want to join the data collection groups are also welcome to join the adults who are exploring the site. 

Participants will become citizen scientists, contributing valuable data to ongoing biodiversity research, and playing a role in the conservation of important habitat for plants and wildlife. This BioBlitz will be used as an informal baseline survey of biodiversity at the Goleta Butterfly Grove before the City enters the next phase of enhancement and restoration. Surveys can be conducted in different seasons this year and again after several years to track changes in plants, birds, insects, and other living things.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ellwood Mesa – meet at the Parking Lot at 7729 Hollister Avenue across the street from Ellwood School.
Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Snacks
• Whatever else you need for your comfort
• Smartphone for documentation – download iNaturalist to your smartphone and join the “BioBlitz Ellwood Mesa” project
• Binoculars (optional)

The Goleta Butterfly Grove BioBlitz is co-hosted by The City of Goleta’s Parks and Open Space Division, UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, and LegacyWorks Group. This event is funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy.  

Please RSVP here so we know how many to expect and can notify you of any changes.

Guided Tour of Ellwood Open Space – May 6

Join the City for Ellwood Now: A Guided Tour of Habitat Stewardship. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the active work taking place now at Ellwood with the City’s Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson. Attendees will learn about the meticulous steps being taken to reduce wildfire risk, from clearing flammable materials to mowing grass to trimming and thinning trees. See firsthand the actions taking place to protect homes and preserve the natural beauty of Ellwood.

Event Details:
Date: Monday May 6
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Park at Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve parking area, 7729 Hollister Avenue, across the street from Ellwood School.

This event is free and open to all. It is especially designed for community members and neighbors eager to understand the vital work happening in our shared backyard. No RSVP required. 

Learn more about the Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project here. For more information on Ellwood, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood.

We hope to see you at one or both events! For questions or more information, contact Melissa Fontaine at melissa@legacyworksgroup.com.