Summerland Greenwell Preserve Fundraiser
The Mission of the Preserve is to preserve natural habitat and open space, to preserve local trail access, and to preserve local historic farm buildings.
Summerland Greenwell Preserve is an important oasis of natural habitat on our coast and one of the best-kept secrets in our area. The 1.8-acre property provides hiking trails, native riparian habitat, meeting rooms, and a native plant nursery operated by Channel Islands Restoration (CIR). The Preserve is owned by Santa Barbara County and leased to the Summerland Citizens Association, and five non-profit organizations (including CIR) manage the operations on a small budget.
In 1992, the site was an industrial road yard operated by Santa Barbara County. In 1998, after six years of grassroots effort, the Preserve was officially established, and over the following years, it was transformed into the peaceful nature preserve it is today. This is an important facility to CIR since we use it to grow native plants for several restoration projects.
The coalition of non-profits that manage the Preserve has set a goal to raise $150,000 in the coming months to pay for long-overdue maintenance, improvements, and operational costs (see attached list). We hope that you can support the Preserve by donating to CIR and designating your gift for the Summerland Greenwell Preserve. Your gift will be held in a fund to be used only for improvements at the Preserve.
You are also invited to visit the Preserve at an open house on October 19, 2024, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.The open house will be followed by a volunteer day at the Preserve that morning starting at 8:30 a.m.
Please consider supporting this gem of native habitat with your donation, large or small. Your gift will help ensure that this unique Preserve can continue to operate and that CIR can continue to grow native plants for important restoration projects in our area.
Proposed
items that need funding for the Preserve.
Drainage: With several natural springs and last year's heavy rains, the Preserve drainage needs repairs that may require engineering, bids, and permits.
Septic System: The toilets installed in 2008 have been inoperable for several years due to groundwater intrusion into the holding tank.
Annual Maintenance
Watershed Study/future planning—Phase 1: Survey the creeks and banks for invasive plants and control measures.
Bioswale: Restoration of the bioswale.
Infrastructure Repairs: Restore the “upper deck” (NE of buildings) which has never been completed and is supposed to have native plants (about 1/10 of an acre, requiring about 1000 plants)
Solar: Grants may be available.CIR has received a grant to transition away from gas-powered equipment.