Carpinteria Salt Marsh

From Highway 101, the Carpinteria Salt Marsh looks like nothing more than a muddy field, void of wildlife and dramatic plants. But upon closer inspection, the marsh is a busy, healthy ecosystem filled with rare birds, fish, snails, sharks and plants. Nestled between homes, agriculture, nurseries, the railroad and freeway, the marsh is one of the last remaining coastal estuaries in California. Less than 10% of the historic wetland habitat exists in California, and this 230-acre reserve is one of the only places left where the land meets the ocean, providing an essential environment for numerous plants and wildlife.

Throughout the twentieth century, the natural habitat of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh has been altered by construction of roads, flood control measures, and residential development. Deciding to preserve part of the marsh, 11 families living in the adjacent Sandyland Cove sold their part of the marsh to the University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS) in 1977.

Later, when faced with proposed development, a partnership including the Land Trust, State Coastal Conservancy, City of Carpinteria, University of California Natural Reserve System, County Flood Control District and adjacent homeowner associations purchased the remaining portion of this valuable coastal wetland.

Now, the owners of the marsh – City of Carpinteria, the University and the Land Trust – are dedicated to enhancing the native plants and wildlife habitats found in the marsh.

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park


Planned with the help of the Land Trust and owned by the City of Carpinteria, the Nature Park features a healthy, functioning wetland system. Complete with full color interpretive signs and nature trails, the Nature Park opened in 1997. Now used for research by the University of California, the Nature Park is a place of learning, exploring, calm and wonder.

Land Trust Portion of the Marsh: Basin I and South Marsh


The Land Trust owns or protects through a conservation easement, Basin I and South Marsh (next to the Nature Park), and is dedicated to improving the wetland and upland habitats of this 50-acre section of the marsh. Our Basin I and South Marsh Enhancement Project was designed and implemented to:  

•  Improve tidal circulation and restore historic tidal channels

•  Remove and control invasive non-native plants such as ice plant, myoporum, thistle and mustard and plant native vegetation that provides habitat for rodents and other small animals

•  Construct trails and viewing areas by installing a foot bridge from the Nature Park to Basin I

•  Install interpretive signs to promote education and understanding of the wetland ecosystem

•  Install bird perches for raptors

Donations are needed to insure proper stewardship of this extensive wetland enhancement project. Please contact the Land Trust at (805) 966-4520 if you are interested in making a gift to help us maintain this important restoration.

Directions to the Carpinteria Salt Marsh

From Hwy 101 southbound, take the Linden Ave. exit 86B.  Turn right onto Linden and continue toward the beach. Make a right turn at 3rd St. and continue until the street ends, turn onto Ash Ave. and park.   The Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park lies along Ash Avenue.  Following the trail toward the mountains and to the west will take you to the Land Trust pedestrian bridge, public trail and restoration area.

From Hwy 101 northbound, take the Casitas Pass exit 86.  Turn left onto Casitas Pass and turn right on Carpinteria Avenue. Go about a quarter mile and turn left onto Linden Ave. continue toward the beach. Make a right turn at 3rd St. and continue until the street ends, turn onto Ash Ave. and park.   The Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park lies along Ash Avenue.  Following the trail to the west will take you to the Land Trust pedestrian bridge, public trail and restoration area.