GCC

California Coastal Cleanup day - Refugio State Beach
2023-09-23 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join GCC at Refugio to keep the Gaviota Coast clean! Parking is free if you come before noon and mention, at the entry kiosk, that you are volunteering for the Coastal Cleanup. Come find us in the day use area near the trash bins and the lifeguard station. Gloves and collection bags will be at our check-in table. School volunteer hours and community service can be signed if you bring the form.

You will need to sign a liability waiver at our table at Refugio Beach or online when you preregister below here ( scroll down to Refugio Beach ticket). Preregistration is not necessary but will enter you into a raffle pool for prizes.:

Register on Eventbrite

Sportfishing Conservancy Classic
2023-08-26 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
WHEN: Saturday, August 26, 2023

TIME: Check-in 6:30 – 10am – Lines in at 7:00am

PRIZE: Raffle Drawing 11:00am

The Gaviota Coast Conservancy works to protect this unique area’s rural and ecological character, its working landscapes and its historic culture. The Gaviota Coast’s global significance is recognized in National Forest and Marine Protected Areas along its perimeter, and GCC strives toward a vision of its permanent conservation to benefit current and future generations.

Gaviota Coast Conservancy recognizes the entire terrestrial and marine environment as interdependent for a healthy ecosystem. The Sportfishing Conservancy also addresses these relationships with their mission statement:

“Recognizing that with privilege comes responsibility, the mission of the Sportfishing Conservancy is to empower sportsmen to fulfill and celebrate their commitment to their sport and to the real-world conservation”

The SportfishingConservancy encourages catch-and-release practices with barbless hooks. Tournaments support nonprofit conservation organizations such as GCC and Trust for Public Land who promote habitat protection and restoration as well as recreation. 100% of tournament registration fees and raffle ticket purchases go to the beneficiary of the tournament which is GCC this year. In the past, Sportfishing Conservancy created and hosted a 4-year, summer-long fishing and photo contest in all national marine sanctuaries. Visit their website to learn more and to register for this tournament Sportfishing Conservancy https://www.sportfishingconservancy.org/index.php/product/conservancies-classic-tournament-entry/

The grand raffle prize is a new Bass Pro fishing kayak! You do not have to win the tournament to win raffle prizes. Everyone who is registered will be entered in the pool.

You can register on tournament day at Haskells as you arrive. A California fishing license is required for fishing from the shore. You can come support the event without fishing and your $20 donation will get you into the raffle drawing.

Contact Janet Koed with any questions janet@gaviotacoastconsevancy.org

White Buffalo Land Trust Tour
2023-08-19 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
You have the opportunity to Tour White Buffalo Land Trust and learn about …

Restoring Our Ecosystem through Agriculture – A global hub for regenerative land stewardship, ecological monitoring & research, education, training, and enterprise development.

This is a two-hour walking tour with a total of about 1 mile. They do have a small vehicle that can accommodate 4 people if the walk is too challenging. You would need to arrange passage with them.

WHEN: Saturday, August 19 from 10:00am to about 1:00pm

WHY: Their mission is to Practice, Promote, and Develop Systems of Regenerative Agriculture for Local, Regional, and Global Impact

“We are committed to the evolution of land stewardship and reimagining our food system to address the climate, biodiversity, public health, and food security challenges we face today.”

“Our unique approach is circular; weaving regenerative land stewardship with the education of our community and the training of current and aspiring farmers and ranchers. Innovative monitoring and data collection measure and support scientific research which improves our land stewardship, learning, and teaching. All of this work brings regenerative products into the marketplace and catalyzes the forces of supply and demand.”

WHERE: Jalama Canyon Ranch near Lompoc and Jalama Beach. They send detailed instructions the week of the tour.

HOW: Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farm-tour-at-the-center-for-regenerative-ag-at-jalama-canyon-ranch-tickets-519843274227

PRICE: “Suggested donation” of $25/person.

Herb Walk with Emily Watkins
2023-08-06 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
ABOUT OUR HERB WALKS

Join local herbalist Emily Watson to learn about the medicinal and edible weeds of Santa Barbara, move your body, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Come explore the bluffs and Eucalyptus forest along the Elwood Butterfly Preserve and enjoy the bounty of herbs along its trails.

During this hike, you will learn more about the folk, magical, medicinal, and culinary uses of herbs, trees, and shrubs that grow in our own backyard. Safe plant id and ethical wild crafting with be taught, along with easy to make herbal remedies for everyday ailments.

Date / Time: August 6, 2023 5PM – 7PM PDT

Location: Cornado Butterfly Preserve, Meet at 495 Coronado Dr., Goleta CA 93117

Registration: Register for this event at: https://www.artemisiaacademy.com/events/herb-walk-at-ellwood-butterfly-preserve

Emily donates 20% of your registration fee to Gaviota Coast Conservancy.

Gaviota Coastal Cruise October 23, 2022 - SOLD OUT
2022-10-23 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
by Janet Koed

Photo Courtesy of Condor Express from a past event

On Sunday, October 23, Gaviota Coast Conservancy will be hosting a cruise on the Condor Express from Santa Barbara Landing. Captain Dave will take us up the coast with the goal to get to Gaviota State Beach and back in about 4 hours. It’s always possible we could get distracted by interesting wildlife sightings. October is the season for humpback, gray and minke whale sightings. We will have representatives who can point out places of interest that GCC has worked to protect and areas that might still be in danger of development. At any rate, the scenery of our undeveloped Gaviota Coast is always breathtaking.

Tickets will go on sale on our website on August 1 for $125 / person.

WHAT: A four hour cruise on the Condor Express with Captain Dave. Leaving from Santa Barbara Landing up toward Gaviota State Beach with narration to explain Gaviota coastal areas that have been protected or are in need of protecting. A unique perspective of our amazing Gaviota Coast.

WHEN: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 23, 2022

WHERE: Boarding at Santa Barbara Landing in the harbor and cruising up the coast to Gaviota and returning.

HOW: Tickets will go on sale on our website on August 1 for $125 / person.

RAFFLE: Included in your ticket purchase, you will be awarded a raffle ticket for a chance to win a pair of SEAVEES shoes of Santa Barbara. See what SEAVEES does to help the marine environment at https://www.seavees.com/pages/seatrees

Naples Hike September 25th
2022-09-25 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
NAPLES HIKE

View from one of our Naples Hike

Sunday, September 25 We have limited space for this Naples hike which starts at 2:30pm and lasts 2.5 to 3 hours. The hike is about 2.5 to 3 miles and is considered “moderate” although we do use a rope assist on the trail to the beach if you choose to go the distance. Children must be accompanied by adults and we ask you to sign a liability waiver.

To be included on out hike list, email janet@gaviotacoastconservancy.org

Details will be emailed to hikers the week before the event.

Coastal Cleanup at Refugio
2022-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
COASTAL CLEANUP

Cleanup Day –

Saturday, September 17 – Join Gaviota Coast Conservancy at Refugio State Park between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. Help us scour the beach for unwanted debris and earn a raffle ticket for a chance to win 2 tickets to the October 5th Jack Johnson concert at the Santa Barbara County Bowl or a pair of SEAVEE shoes.

Parking is free during these hours if you tell them at the kiosk that you are volunteering for Coastal Cleanup. We encourage you to bring your own gloves and buckets if you can. You will find us in the day use lot near the lifeguard station. Children must be accompanied by adults and we ask you to sign a liability waiver.

Your GCC Cleanup earns you a Raffle ticket for a change to win a ticket to see Jack Johnson at the Santa Barbara Bowl Or Seavees Shoes – https://www.seavees.com/

Conservancy Classic Fishing Tournament August 20, 2022
2022-08-20 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
To Benefit Gaviota Coast Conservancy

When: August 20, 2022

For some folks, the thrill of sport fishing is in bringing home a 30” halibut to put on the dinner table. For others, the satisfaction comes from spending slow peaceful hours of hearing the water lapping against the shore and perfecting the cast. The Sportfishing Conservancy promotes catch-and-release practices.

One of my favorite fishing moments was on my kayak at Scorpion Bay, Santa Cruz Island. I took my son’s small “Snoopy” pole and tackle out since it fit conveniently inside my small vessel. After dragging my “worm king” on the sandy bottom about 5 minutes, BAM! Something hit my line and started dragging me out to sea. My girlfriend grabbed my kayak, from hers, to keep me from drifting into the great beyond. I told her to let me go or the light line might break with the weight of us both. She paddled out with me. It didn’t take long for the fish to win this battle of strength. My Snoopy line snapped in acquiescence and the beast was gone. I thought that fish must have been a magnificent creature and I didn’t mind that she got away. I only wish I had known about “barbless” hooks back then.

Since that time at Santa Cruz Island, a series of Marine Protected Areas have been established with the purpose of preserving species diversity and abundance. By protecting marine habitats and ecosystems that species rely on, this area at Scorpion Bay (and other sites around the Channel Islands) can now be enjoyed by snorkelers and scuba divers while fishing is allowed a short distance away. The thinking is that these MPAs will help maintain long term benefits for more productive and sustainable regional fisheries.

“Recognizing that with privilege comes responsibility, the mission of the Sportfishing Conservancy is to empower sportsmen to fulfill and celebrate their commitment to their sport and to the real-world conservation.” This nonprofit group promotes best practices such a catch-and-release and the use of barbless hooks. It is in this spirit that they are sponsoring a No Motor Tournament on August 20 to benefit Gaviota Coast Conservancy. The $20 entry fee for adults and additional raffle ticket sales will go to preserve our beautiful coastline between Coal Oil Point and Point Sal. Someone will go home with a new SUP! And that’s not the only prize. Even if you’re not into the fishing, you can still register for a chance to win a prize and support Gaviota Coast Conservancy. The tournament takes place in Carpinteria.

Participants register and pay the $20 fee at the table on the beach the morning of the tournament, whatever time you arrive. Raffle tickets are included in the registration fee. There is no online registration.

First Place Raffle Prize is an Ascend inflatable SUP package from Bass Pro

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/ascend-inflatable-stand-up-paddleboard-package

Call or text Janet Koed at 805-683-6631 if you have questions.

Santa Ynez Chumash Earth Day 2022
2022-05-21 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Come visit us at our Gaviota Coast Conservancy table during this Chumash Earth Day celebration and see what we’re up to.

Enter our raffle for a chance to win a ticket for our October 23 Coastal Cruise!

When: May 21, 2022

Time: 10 AM – 2 PM

Where: Kitiyepumu’ Park – 100 Via Juana Road, Santa Ynez, CA

April 23 - Medicinal Herb Walks - Elwood Bluffs & Butterfly Preserve
2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 20-50
April 23rd Medicinal Herb Walk at Elwood Bluffs and Butterfly Preserve

WHAT: Join local herbalist Emily Sanders to learn about the medicinal and edible weeds of Santa Barbara, move your body, breathe, and reconnect with nature. Come explore the bluffs and Eucalyptus forest along the Elwood Butterfly Preserve and enjoy the bounty of herbs along its trails. During this hike, you will learn more about the folk, magical, medicinal, and culinary uses of herbs, trees, and shrubs that grow in our own backyard. Safe plant id and ethical wild crafting with be taught, along with easy to make herbal remedies for everyday ailments.

Artemisia Academy has partnered with the Gaviota Coast Conservancy to put on this live event. The Gaviota Coast Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the rural character and environmental integrity of the Gaviota Coast for present and future generations. A portion of the ticket price is donated to Gaviota Coast Conservancy through Artemisia Academy.

WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 2022 meeting at 10:00 AM until about 12 noon

WHERE: Elwood Butterfly Preserve in Goleta

HOW: Purchase tickets through Herb Walks – Artemisia Academy https://www.artemisiaacademy.com/herb-walks Cost is $20-30 per person – a percentage of the ticket price is donated to Gaviota Coast Conservancy through Artemisia Academy.

February 12 Hike at Naples/Santa Barbara Ranch
2022-02-12 12:00 - 15:30 UTC
Days are getting longer and the grass is getting greener. Let’s get out onto the Gaviota Coast.

WHAT: This guided hike is on a private ranch with a recent history of approved plans for development. We will meet at the entrance and hike about a mile to the beach access trail. Since the tide is very low, we will have the option of descending down to the beach and heading toward Dos Pueblos Ranch. This is considered a “moderate” hike but we do scramble down a slippery shale path to the beach. There is always the option of remaining on the bluff top with your picnic lunch if the trail looks too intimidating. There are also gates to climb over or scoot around/under. If you choose to go the whole way, it’s about a 3-mile hike to Dos Pueblos and back. It’s an adventure and it’s legal to access this place.

WHEN: Saturday, February 12 meeting at 12:00 noon until about 3:30pm

WHERE: Naples/Santa Barbara Ranch, approximately 2 miles west of Haskell’s Beach

HOW: Reply to janet@gaviotacoastconservancy.org to ask questions and receive instructions. We do limit the group size to about 16 people. Dogs are not invited on our group hikes.

New Year's Day Hike 2022
2022-01-01 13:30 - 16:00 UTC
The year 2022 starts with an unusually low tide of -1.8 at 3:00 pm on January 1. This is a great opportunity to head to your favorite Gaviota beach and witness the splendor of the amazing places we seek to protect. So far, the weather forecast is encouraging. The sun sets just about at 5:00 pm.

Some of you may have read the blog that GCC is leading a guided hike from Gaviota State Beach on January 1. Due to the fast-moving invasion of the omicron Covid virus strain, we are canceling the guided hike. There are still a group of individuals who intend to meet at 1:30 pm and be back by around 4:00. It is unusual to be able to get to Hollister Ranch from Gaviota State Beach. December 31 (New Year’s Eve) will offer a -1.3 tide at 2:12 if that is more convenient for you. Invite a friend and get out there for this unusual tidal event. Just be sure to turn back by 3:00 pm so you don’t get caught by the rising tide and darkness.

AGAIN, THIS IS NOT A GCC HIKE AND IS NOT LED BY GCC GUIDES

Love and protect Gaviota in 2022 and forever!

Day use parking at Gaviota State Park is $10.

Good Gaviota Beaches to visit on this low tide day include:

Sands

Ellwood

Haskell’s

Refugio State Beach

El Capitan State Beach

Jalama

Surf Beach

PADDLE for PARADISE
2021-10-02 09:30 - 14:30 UTC | Refugio State Beach, 10 Refugio Beach Road, Goleta, California, 93117, United States
Experience a special part of the undeveloped Gaviota Coast from the vantage point of an aquatic creature. Let Santa Barbara Adventure Company meet you at the water’s edge with their necessary kayaks and gear. Their seasoned guides will take care of everything once you arrive. We meet at Refugio State Beach, a 15-20 minute drive north of Santa Barbara. Once outfitted, your guides offer a thorough kayaking lesson on shore, including instruction for surf entries and exits. Once we are on the water and feeling comfortable, we will tour a total of 3 miles, stopping in pristine kelp beds to learn about Marine Ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel, and hopefully paddling with dolphins. As the trip progresses, we offer a fun series of kayak challenges and games. This unforgettable trip provides great opportunities to swim, play or just float. It’s perfect for kids (age 5 and older) as well. At the end of the paddle we will land back at Refugio state Beach.

Starting point and time: Refugio State Beach, 9:30am

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Paddling time and distance: 3 miles.

Minimum Age for Kayaking: 5 years old. (Must be comfortable swimming in the ocean, able to follow instructions, paddle, and get in/out of kayak independently. Must be in a double kayak if younger than 12.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Use this link to register for our group

https://sbadventureco.zaui.net/booking/web/#/groupmainland/activity/233?date=2021-10-02

The Conservancies Classic
2021-09-12 07:00 - 11:00 UTC | Carpenteria Beach, 100 Ash Avenue, Carpenteria, California, 93013, United States
Fish with friends – win awards! The drawing winner gets a BRAND NEW KAYAK!!

All proceeds go to the Gaviota Coast Conservancy!

Please follow all current COVID-19 Guidelines

Low Tide Beach Hike at Naples
2020-11-29 14:00 - 17:00 UTC
Steve Forsell will take us onto the private working ranch where we will legally climb over/under a gate to the cow pasture. The path to the beach can be challenging with a slippery shale slope. We bring a rope to hang onto although it seems to not be necessary for some who are surefooted. This hike is about 3 miles. Again, we still need to limit the numbers to 12 participants as an abundance of COVID caution and give priority to those who reply first to janet@gaviotacoastconservancy.org. On all of our hikes, we now require masks and also have you sign a liability waiver. We also ask that you do not bring pets.

Geology Hike
2020-11-23 12:30 - 15:00 UTC | Arroyo Hondo Preserve, CA 1, Goleta, California, 93117
Susie Bartz will lead this hike. Arroyo Hondo has limited days and hours and requires a registered group space which we have for this date. Participants will be accepted on a first come-first serve email response. We still need to limit the numbers to 12 participants as an abundance of covid caution. You will be asked to pay a $10 fee to Arroyo Hondo at the hike. This hike is 2 to 3 miles and is moderate with some gradual hills and creek crossings to maneuver.

Medicinal Herbs of the Gaviota Coast - Herb Walk at Gaviota Hot Springs
2020-11-21 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Gaviota Hot Springs Trailhead, Gaviota Park Boundary, Goleta, California, 93117
Join local herbalist Emily Sanders on a morning herb walk at the Gaviota Hot Springs to learn native medicinal plants of the Gaviota Coast. During this morning walk, you will learn about the folk, medicinal, and culinary uses of herbs, trees, and shrubs that grow in our own backyard. Safe plant ID and ethical wild crafting with be taught, along with easy to make herbal remedies for everyday ailments.

To keep our participants safe during COVID -19, we are following CDC and local health department regulations for public health and safety. We still need to limit the numbers to 12 participants as an abundance of COVID caution. Please check your email as the date approaches for any updates. We currently require that all participants wear face coverings and continue to social distance. We also promote hand washing or sanitizing before and after our walks to ensure that we keep everyone healthy in our group. If anyone is at high risk for COVID, we ask that you stay safe in your own home until given your doctor’s “all clear” to return to regular group activities.

Please be aware that due to COVID19 or Wildfires in CA, we may have to last minute postpone the event. Check your email the week before classes to for any updates.

GCC Star Viewing
2020-10-30 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Goleta, CA, United States

GCC Gaviota Geology Hike
2020-10-17 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Haskell’s Beach, Goleta, CA, 93117, United States
Susie Bartz will lead the hike.

Medicinal Herbs of the Gaviota Coast
2020-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Baron Ranch Trailhead, 14550 Calle Rea, Goleta, CA, 93117, United States
Join local herbalist Emily Sanders on a morning herb walk on the Baron Ranch to learn native medicinal plants of the Gaviota Coast. During this morning walk, you will learn about the folk, medicinal, and culinary uses of herbs, trees, and shrubs that grow in our own backyard. Safe plant id and ethical wild crafting with be taught, along with easy to make herbal remedies for everyday ailments.
To keep our participants safe during COVID -19, we are making sure to follow the CDC’s and local health department’s regulations for public health and safety. Please check your email as the date approaches for any updates.
We are currently requiring that all participants wear face coverings and continue to social distance. We are also promoting hand washing or sanitizing before and after our walks, to ensure that we keep everyone healthy in our group.
If anyone is at high risk for COVID, we ask that you stay safe in your own home until given your doctor’s “all clear” to return to regular group activities.
Artemisia Academy has partnered with the Gaviota Coast Conservancy to put on this live event.
General Information about this location:
-There are no restrooms available at this location.
-No dogs are allowed at this hike location.
-Children under the age of 12 can come free of charge.
