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The San Marcos Foothills Coalition
Who are we?
The funds raised to date are being used to inform and educate the community about the special opportunity we have to save this piece of wild land for ours and future generations. We are currently drafting a plan to outline a strategy for public use, education programs and restoration and management of this magnificent remnant of the foothill ecosystem.
Why Save the Foothills?
Over 125 species of birds overwinter, migrate through or nest in this area. This spring the entire property is alive with their songs. March saw nesting pairs of Red-tailed Hawks and White-tailed Kites. Other breeding species which have been noted this spring include the Violet-green Swallow, House Wren, Hooded Oriole, and Pacific Coast Flycatcher. Many Grasshopper Sparrows nest on the flat-topped boulder-stippled meadows, and our last remaining Burrowing Owls call these great, unplowed grassland mesas home.
Oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub and riparian areas on the property also provide habitat for a variety of creatures. Small mammals such as voles, grey squirrels and chipmunks support the rich bird of prey population on the property. Bobcat, coyote and grey fox are sometimes glimpsed within its boundaries.
Most importantly, there is year-round water. Because there are no natural lakes and very few natural ponds in our area, perennially flowing creeks, springs and seeps (along with fog and dew) are the only sources of fresh water in the dry season. All of these water sources exist on the property and assure an abundance of plant and animal life. Rare plants such as the Water Pimpernel, Low Clubrush and Santa Barbara Honeysuckle are found in or near freshwater springs on the property. Of the three creeks found on the land, two flow year round. All three of these creeks, Atascadero, San Antonio and Cieneguitas, nourish the rich wetland of Goleta Slough.
The gentle slope of the western grassland mesa and the central oak forest provides a landmark vista seen by generations of South Coast residents as they have passed through this area. As the seasons change, the colors of this magnificent wildland mark the passing of time.
Historic trails cross this property. Generations of hikers and artists have found solitude and inspiration here and neighborhood children have discovered its wonders. The property is easily accessible to local schools and offers a rich environment for learning about foothill ecosystems and wildlife.
We Need Your Help
You can learn more about us by attending one of our upcoming presentations, contacting us at this address: San Marcos Foothills Coalition, P.O. Box 30412, Santa Barbara, CA 93130 or by visiting our website at www.sanmarcosfoothills.org. |
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The San Marcos Foothills property encompasses a rich, complex web of life. It provides habitat for hundreds of plants and animals that occur now only on a few remaining and mostly private parcels on the South Coast. As land gets swallowed up for housing and other uses, the preservation of wild open space becomes crucial for our community and for future generations.