SUNDAY, MAY 17TH, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Arroyo Hondo Preserve, Gaviota Coast

Join the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for our annual spring fundraiser at the breathtaking Arroyo Hondo Preserve on the Gaviota Coast.

This year’s Picnic holds special significance as we celebrate 25 years of protecting and stewarding Arroyo Hondo Preserve — a place that has become a cornerstone of conservation, education, and community connection in Santa Barbara County.

Become a Sponsor

Event Highlights

Picnic at the Preserve brings together conservation supporters, community leaders, and friends of the Land Trust for an unforgettable day on the land.

Experience Stations
Explore curated experience booths and interactive stations hosted by local partners and conservation experts. (Participating vendors and partners will be announced soon)

Live Auction
Bid on exclusive items and experiences that celebrate the beauty and character of Santa Barbara and beyond. MC’d by our favorite local auctioneer, Geoff Green. See more details below.

Paddle Raise
Join us in directly supporting the stewardship and long-term care of our protected spaces.

Lunch
Lunch with an Italian flare main dish (with vegetarian option), salads, breads, and dessert bars under a tent on the south meadow at Arroyo Hondo Preserve. Charcuterie board will be offered before lunch and will be served near the historic barn. Wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages available to guests.

Special Remarks
Hear from Laurel Fisher-Perez, Board President and Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director.

Live Auction

Picnic at the Preserve 2026 will feature a live auction during which attendees can bid on 6 unique experiences. These auctions items will take bidders as far as international shores and as near as Santa Barbara County’s gorgeous farmlands. Don’t miss out on these opportunities of a lifetime — they’re sure to go quick!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship support makes this event possible while advancing the Land Trust’s mission to protect and care for the lands that define Santa Barbara County. Picnic sponsorships offer meaningful visibility, exclusive access, and mission-aligned recognition—while helping ensure the long-term stewardship of our local open spaces.
Below is an overview of sponsorship levels and benefits. To sponsor a table, please click below or email Eden at ehagen [at] sblandtrust [dot] org

Become a Sponsor
Become a Sponsor

Thank you to our sponsors!

CALIFORNIA CONDOR
Patricia Bragg Foundation
Vicki King

COAST LIVE OAK
Marni and Michael Cooney
The Murphy Foundation
Ann Lippincott & Ned Emerson
David & Lyn Anderson

GOLDEN EAGLE

BOBCAT
Janis Salin & Jim Woloshyn
Carolyn Chandler & Kurt Koenig
Carla Amussen

LUPINE

Diane Evans & Tom Farr
Steve Wall & Kate Borger
Cindy Young
Judy Stapelmann
Kim Olson
Kerry Mormann
Lorraine McDonnell
Joe Ramos
Valerie Hoffman

In-Kind Auction Donations
We welcome in-kind donations for the Picnic at the Preserve auction, including experiences and items from local businesses and community partners. Examples may include local wine tastings or tours, outdoor or guided experiences, landowner or ranch tours, gift certificates, or other unique local offerings.
To donate an auction item, please email JB at jbowlin [at] sblandtrust [dot] org with a brief description.

Individual Tickets

Individual tickets are expected to go on sale in April. If you are interested in attending, we encourage you to check back soon or email Eden at ehagen [at] sblandtrust [dot] org to be added to our waitlist.

Event Logistics

Transportation
Parking is limited at Arroyo Hondo Preserve. Shuttle service details and additional transportation information will be shared with registered guests closer to the event date.

Attire
Casual, outdoor attire is encouraged.
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Have Questions?

Please give us a call at (805) 966-4520, or email Eden at ehagen [at] sblandtrust [dot] org