Ellwood Mesa

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Credit: Rich Reid Photography

Every fall, as many as 100,000 monarch butterflies flock to eucalyptus groves on Ellwood Mesa, a 137-acre coastal bluff near the community of Goleta, north of Santa Barbara. Hikers, painters, wildlife enthusiasts, and picnickers come to walk the trails, witness the butterflies, or simply enjoy the spectacular views. For more than two decades, this magnificent coastal bluff was under continuous threat of development. We were able to structur a deal with the developer that would allow the land to be protected and then worked with the local Friends of the Ellwood Coast and the City of Goleta to raise $20.4 million in public and private funding in a little over two years.

In February 2005, the land was transferred to the city of Goleta, ensuring its protection as the Sperling Preserve. This project would not have been possible without faithful supporters and the thousands of people who helped save this spectacular coastal bluff.

Visit

Ellwood Mesa is located in the city of Goleta, in Santa Barbara County. Monarch butterfly migration usually occurs between October and March.

Directions to the butterfly preserve at Ellwood Mesa:

From Highway 101 North, take the Storke Road Exit. Turn left onto Storke Road and proceed to Hollister Avenue. Turn Right on Hollister Avenue and follow for approximately 1 mile. Take a left on Coronado Drive and follow to the end. You will see signs about Monarch butterflies on your right.

From Highway 101 South, take the Storke Road Exit. Turn right onto Storke Road. Turn Right on Hollister Avenue and follow for approximately 1 mile. Take a left on Coronado Drive and follow to the end. You will see signs about Monarch butterflies on your right.