Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is looking to recruit up to 100 volunteers for its third large-scale trail restoration event of the year on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Volunteer workers hit the trails during one of several clean-up events held each year.
Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department conducts several Trail Day clean-up events each year. Credit: Courtesy photo

The work, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., will include clearing overgrown brush and branches, and repairing water diversion features to ensure trails are safe and accessible for all users.

Volunteers will gather at Montecito Union School for a safety orientation and instruction before heading out to Hot Springs, Tunnel and San Ysidro trails. The event will wrap up with a lunch for volunteers, 1-2 p.m.

Events held in April and June, brought out hundreds of volunteers to restore more than seven miles of trails in Santa Barbara’s front country after heavy winter storms caused severe damage and dangerous conditions.

The upcoming event will focus on improving trail conditions and addressing the heavy growth of vegetation after an exceptionally wet year.

“Some years, new growth is a small nuisance on the trails, but with so much rain this year, it’s a big project,” said Steve Biddle, parks supervisor who is coordinating the volunteer event.

The large-scale events are hosted multiple times each year by the Parks and Recreation Department, but collaboration with other local agencies and nonprofit partners is key to their success.

The Sept. 15 event is being held in partnership with Santa Barbara County Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, Montecito Trails Foundation, Los Padres Forest Association, and SAGE Trail Alliance.

“Working with all of our trail partners to bring so many volunteers together at once allows us to accomplish so much more than any of us could do on our own,” said Biddle.

No special experience is required to volunteer. Tools and instructions will be provided, and tasks will be assigned based on experience.

RSVPs are required to attend. To sign up, contact Biddle at SBiddle@SantaBarbaraCA.gov or 805-564-5439.

Local companies interested in donating snacks, drinks, giveaways, or raffle prizes for volunteers can contact Biddle to coordinate.

Learn more at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/TrailWork.