The Summerland Greenwell Preserve is an approximately 2 acre site, tucked into a canyon in the northeast corner of Summerland, CA. During the 1980’s and into the early 1990’s, the site was a 
heavily degraded Santa Barbara County road yard. Due to its location and landscape characteristics, the land had great potential as wildlife habitat as well as a community open space and trailhead into the adjoining foothills. Recognizing this potential, local organizations joined together to form the Summerland Greenwell Preserve Project. They proceeded to petition the county to rezone the area and the road yard was subsequently closed in 1991. From this point, funding was sought to begin the restoration process. Actual re-vegetation began in 2004 with multiple projects being funded by grants from South Coast Wetlands Recovery Project and the California Resource Enhancement Fund, as well as donations from community members. Growing Solutions is working in partnership with the Summerland Citizen’s Association to implement projects, manage the site and manifest further restoration and protection.
Coastal sage scrub, riparian and wetland communities have been restored within the preserve and 
wildlife is returning in abundance. Many bird species have been spotted including flocks of California Quail and a thriving colony of Cliff Swallows. Bordering the north-western edge of the preserve, Greenwell creek provides a year-round water source and creates an important riparian corridor.
The preserve and immediately surrounding area has multiple spring-fed seeps, populated by native wetland plant species such as Typha latifolia (Broad-leaved Cattail) and Juncus bufonius (Toad Rush). These wetland habitats are designated by the Santa Barbara County Coastal Plan as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat. Working in cooperation with the Summerland Project, Growing Solutions is seeking a grant to enhance and enlarge the wetlands. The proposed grant emphasizes community involvement and an educational element.
Summerland Greenwell Preserve
