Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Coronado Butterfly Preserve

Perhaps best known as the gateway to the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove, the Coronado Butterfly Preserve is home to native coastal sage scrub habitat, eucalyptus groves and numerous birds and wildlife that thrive in this urban community treasure. The 9.3-acre preserve includes Devereux Creek, woodlands and meadows as well as trails, an outdoor gathering area and classroom.

The Preserve is protected open space and acts as a gateway to existing and future protected coastal resource areas nearby, via trails linking the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove, Ellwood Shores coastal bluffs, Santa Barbara Shores County Park, the Devereux Slough and the beach.

The preserve, a gateway to one of the largest Monarch butterfly over-wintering groves in California, is enjoyed by as many as 1,000 visitors per weekend during butterfly season.

Preserve History & Accomplishments

For many years, the community has appreciated and sought to protect the biologically rich, undeveloped coastal properties in west Goleta. Previously owned by the Goleta Union School District, the Land Trust purchased the Preserve in 1998 for $600,000 using public and private grants and over $50,000 in community donations. The Preserve is now permanently protected and used for the wildlife habitat preservation, outdoor education and links to the coastal trail system.

With the help of the neighborhood and greater community, the Preserve has become a thriving place for native plants, wildlife and learning. The Preserve is managed by an advisory committee, under the direction of the Land Trust. With great effort, the committee and neighborhood volunteers have:

• Planted over 1,000 native plants and removed weeds to improve wildlife habitat.
• Built trails and installed log seating.
• Collaborated with native plant experts, wildlife biologists, and local educators to maintain the urban nature preserve as a community asset.

To keep the Preserve healthy and open to the community, the Land Trust plans to:

• Plant more native trees and plants to further enrich butterfly habitat.
• Plan for future creek habitat restoration.
• Conduct on-going maintenance, such as fire prevention mowing, replacement plantings, trail grooming and irrigation.
• Involve the community in caring for the preserve.

Unlike most other insects, Monarch butterflies cannot survive a long, cold winter. Instead, they migrate south and spend the winter in roosting spots. In California, they fly to small groves along the California coast. The Monarchs can travel up to 3,000 miles and are the only butterfly to make such a long, round trip journey each year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts.

The Monarchs roost in eucalyptus trees, Monterey pines and Monterey cypress. The butterflies need cool areas protected from winds and nearby water to drink, and the Coronado Butterfly Preserve is part of a perfect over-wintering site.

As winter ends and days grow longer, the Monarchs become more active and return north to lay their eggs and continue the cycle. Protecting the important Monarch habitat found at the Preserve is critical to the survival of these beautiful and amazing creatures.

Peak over-wintering time for the Monarch butterfly typically range from December through February. They begin arriving as early as October and are usually gone by the end of March. The clusters of Monarchs are most easily seen during sunny weather during the middle of the day.

Directions to the Preserve

From Highway 101, exit Storke Rd./Glen Annie and head south (away from mountains). Turn right on Hollister Avenue, drive about 1.2 miles and take a left on Coronado Drive. Entrance to the Preserve is at the end of Coronado Drive.

Volunteers are needed to remove non-native plants, plant native plants, clear trails and fire hazards. The Advisory Committee organizes several volunteer work days each year, and we’d love to have your help.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Coronado Butterfly Preserve, please contact the Land Trust at (805) 966-4520 or email us at membership@sblandtrust.org.