Midland School, a trailblazing leader in sustainability education and environmental stewardship, has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Santa Barbara Foundation. The grant, funded by the Hollis Norris Fund for Conservation, Environment, and Public Trails, will support Midland’s efforts to restore its trail system, preserve historical landmarks, and rehabilitate native ecosystems damaged in the 2024 Lake Fire.
This significant grant underscores the school’s vital role in conserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Santa Barbara County while providing exceptional educational opportunities for its students and the surrounding community.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Santa Barbara Foundation for their generosity and partnership,” said Hannah Nelson, Midland’s head of school. “This grant allows us to rebuild and reimagine our trail systems and landscape, ensuring safety, accessibility and ecological health for years to come. It also supports our mission to inspire students to lead lives of environmental responsibility and community service.”
Restoration Efforts and Goals
The $25,000 grant will fund a comprehensive restoration project that includes:
Rebuilding Fence Lines: Ensuring the safety of hikers and horseback riders, while protecting historical and ecological sites.
Native Species Replanting: Restoring critical habitats for rare and endangered species such as the Santa Barbara Jewelflower and the California red-legged frog.
Invasive Species Removal: Preventing the spread of harmful plants to promote ecological recovery.
Erosion Control Measures: Mitigating the risk of landslides and soil degradation in fire-scarred areas, particularly ahead of the upcoming rainy season.
Trail System Rehabilitation: Reestablishing Midland’s network of trails, which serves as a vital resource for educational programs, community access and recreational use.
The Importance of Community and Education
Midland School’s trail system and 2,860-acre campus serve as a living classroom, where students connect deeply with the natural world. The trails are also open to the public and provide access to organizations like NatureTrack and Acorn Village Forest School, offering local children transformative outdoor learning experiences.
“This restoration project isn’t just about rebuilding; it’s about strengthening the bonds between our school, the land, and our community,” said Nelson. “The grant allows us to engage volunteers, alumni and students in meaningful, hands-on conservation work.”
The project will also provide opportunities for Midland students to engage in citizen science, environmental monitoring, and fire ecology research.
A Vision for the Future
The grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation reflects a shared commitment to building resilient and vibrant communities.
“This funding represents the foundation’s confidence in our ability to steward this land and create a model of sustainability and environmental education,” said Nelson. “We are excited to collaborate with the Santa Barbara Foundation and other partners like the Santa Barbara Land Trust and Santa Barbara Trails Council to achieve our restoration goal. Together, we’re creating a lasting legacy of conservation, education, and community engagement.”
The restoration project aligns seamlessly with Midland’s broader mission of environmental stewardship and education. The school’s core curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, with students taking active roles in land management, trail upkeep, and conservation initiatives.
By restoring its trail system and landscapes, Midland ensures that future generations of students, educators, and community members can continue to learn from and be inspired by this unique environment.
For more information about Midland School’s trails or land trust partnership, please visit the school website or contact land@midland-school.org.