The city of Goleta has two upcoming events planned at Ellwood Open Space.

Butterfly Grove BioBlitz will take place 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4; and a guided tour of Ellwood is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 6.

The BioBlitz gives nature lovers, citizen scientists and community members a chance to participate in a single day inventory of biodiversity at the Butterfly Grove.

The goal is to identify and record as many plants, animals, fungi, and other species as possible in a one day.

The hands-on experience provides an educational opportunity for all ages to connect with nature and foster a deeper understanding of environmental conservation.

UCSB’s Cheadle Center will present a free kids program for ages 6-10. Young scientists who want to join the data collection groups can join the adults who are exploring the site.

Participants will become citizen scientists, contributing data to ongoing biodiversity research, and playing a role in the conservation of important habitat for plants and wildlife.

The BioBlitz will be used as an informal baseline survey of biodiversity at the Goleta Butterfly Grove before the city enters the next phase of enhancement and restoration.

Surveys can be conducted in different seasons this year and again after several years to track changes in plants, birds, insects, and other living things.

For the Butterfly Grove BioBlitz, participants are asked to meet at the parking lot, 7729 Hollister Ave., across the street from Ellwood School.

Bring:
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Snacks
• Whatever else you need for your comfort
• Smartphone for documentation – download iNaturalist to your smartphone and join the “BioBlitz Ellwood Mesa” project
• Binoculars (optional)
 
The Goleta Butterfly Grove BioBlitz is co-hosted by the city’s Parks and Open Space Division, UCSB’s Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, and LegacyWorks Group.

The event is funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy. RSVP here.

Interested individuals can join the city for Ellwood Now: A Guided Tour of Habitat Stewardship. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the work underway at Ellwood with the city’s Parks and Open Space manager George Thomson.

Attendees will learn about the steps being taken to reduce wildfire risk, from clearing flammable materials to mowing grass to trimming and thinning trees. See firsthand the actions taking place to protect homes and preserve Ellwood’s natural beauty.
 
For the free guided tour, park at Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve parking area, 7729 Hollister Ave., across the street from Ellwood School
 
This event is free and open to all. It is especially designed for community members and neighbors eager to understand the vital work happening in our shared backyard. No RSVP required.

Learn more about the Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project here. For more on Ellwood, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood.