Photo: Kyle Kusa / The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Gaviota, CA – [May 19, 2025] 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—once the last unprotected property in the Arroyo Hondo watershed—was acquired on March 31, 2025 from the Cadwell family thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor. “This is the second expansion of the preserve in the last three years and allows us to better manage the watershed for habitat. We are so appreciative of the philanthropic support that made this possible and for our partnership with the former landowners.” said Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director of the Land Trust.

The newly acquired property lies in the heart of Arroyo Hondo Canyon, surrounded by either the Arroyo Hondo Preserve or Los Padres National Forest. It includes steep, chaparral-covered hillsides as well as two riparian corridors featuring oak woodlands—most notably, the final unprotected portion of Arroyo Hondo Creek.

With this acquisition, the entire length of Arroyo Hondo Creek is now 100% protected—a significant milestone in watershed conservation. This stretch, though modest in length, provides vital aquatic habitat likely supporting the same sensitive species found throughout the preserve, including potential upstream refugia for the federally endangered and recently rescued Southern California Steelhead Trout. Protecting the full course of the creek ensures the long-term ecological integrity of the canyon and the resilience of its wildlife.

The property has been owned by the Cadwell family for several decades and was used occasionally as a family retreat. Recognizing the conservation value of the land and its potential to benefit the broader community, the family demonstrated a strong willingness and commitment to preserving its legacy by working with the Land Trust. Chris Cadwell of Tutti Frutti Farms—where the Land Trust also holds a conservation easement—served as trustee of the family trust that sold the land, reinforcing the family’s long-standing relationship with the Land Trust’s mission.

“[Our grandparents] Harold and Nina Cadwell both came from a long line of pioneers whose families came out West in the 1800’s to find a life filled with possibilities. Being a part of the Golden State meant that they took care of the people who surrounded them and were stewards of the land that gave them their livelihood,” says the Cadwell family. “Their legacy was to give to their three children and eight grandchildren. They wanted to create a playground of exploration and wonder for all to enjoy. Forever, they will be remembered for their generosity.”

An independent appraisal valued the property at $90,000 and The Land Trust negotiated the purchase at fair market value with funding provided entirely by an anonymous private donor dedicated to local land conservation.

With the acquisition complete, Land Trust stewardship and programs staff will begin developing conservation and management plans for the new acreage, including potential trail extensions from the existing Upper Outlaw Trail.

“We are very grateful to the Cadwell family for stewarding this important completion of the Arroyo Hondo Creek corridor and the anonymous donor for partnering with the Land Trust to conserve it in perpetuity,” says Land Trust Board Chair, Laurel Fisher Perez. “It is through partnerships with willing landowners like the Cadwell family that we have conserved nearly 58,000 acres of land in Santa Barbara County and counting!”

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County remains committed to protecting open space, wildlife habitat, and access to nature for future generations. This acquisition is a testament to the power of partnerships, philanthropy, and decades of conservation work in the region.

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About The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces throughout Santa Barbara County. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has protected 57,386 acres of land, ensuring the preservation of the county’s diverse landscapes for future generations. For more information about The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and its conservation efforts, visit www.sblandtrust.org, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.