Conserving Local Land — Now, and for the Future.

What We Do

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County conserves natural resources, agricultural land and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations.

We care about

the 7th generation.

land.

trust.

conservation.

Explore the Land

VISIT LEARN

Arroyo Hondo Preserve

The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is a magnificent canyon located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park on 782-acres. Purchased from the Hollister family in late 2001, Arroyo Hondo is protected forever and managed by the Land Trust as a natural and historic preserve. The preserve is rich in Chumash and early California history and the canyon and meadows are thriving with wildlife.

Coronado Butterfly Preserve

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 Goleta Monarch Grove, Ellwood Shores coastal bluffs, Santa Barbara Shores County Park, the Devereux Slough and the beach. The preserve is…

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

Driving north or south on Highway 101, you’re sure to have noticed the scenic ocean vista, swaying Eucalyptus lined paths, and fields of coastal sage and wildflowers known as Carpinteria Bluffs, which offers spectacular views of Anacapa, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. The property also overlooks a low tide beach and one of the four harbor seal rookeries remaining along the southern California coast. Among this stunning scenery passersby walk their dogs along the tree lined paths, peak at the harbor seals, ride bikes, paint landscapes and stop to…

Steelhead Lookout

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is proud to announce the successful acquisition of Steelhead Lookout, an 80-acre property expanding the beloved Arroyo Hondo Preserve to more than 900 acres. This critical inholding was acquired on March 31, 2025 from the Cadwell family thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, and lies in the heart of Arroyo Hondo Canyon, surrounded by either the Arroyo Hondo Preserve or Los Padres National Forest. With this acquisition, the entire length of Arroyo Hondo Creek is now 100% protected—a significant milestone in watershed conservation.

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Don’t just take our word for it — See the beauty for yourself.

News & Events

EVENTS

Land Trust Treks

Land Trust Treks are a free, public series of guided hikes for the community to explore scenic Santa Barbara County and to meet your local Land Trust.

EVENTS

Visit Arroyo Hondo Preserve

The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is open to the public on the first and third full weekends of each month, advanced reservations required.

02.14.2025 NEWS

Press Release: Topanga Creek’s Rescued Southern California Steelhead Trout Find New Home in Arroyo Hondo Creek After Palisades Fire

Gaviota, CA – In a significant conservation effort, over 200 critically endangered Southern California steelhead trout, rescued from Topanga Creek following the devastating Palisades Fire in January 2025, have been successfully relocated to The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County’s Arroyo Hondo Preserve. This release made possible through a partnership between The Land Trust, the California…

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Conserving Local Land — Now, and for the Future.

Conserving Local Land — Now, and for the Future.

Explore the Land

Arroyo Hondo Preserve

Coronado Butterfly Preserve

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

Steelhead Lookout

Don’t just take our word for it — See the beauty for yourself.

News & Events

Land Trust Treks

Visit Arroyo Hondo Preserve

Press Release: Topanga Creek’s Rescued Southern California Steelhead Trout Find New Home in Arroyo Hondo Creek After Palisades Fire

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