Butterfly Grove Gets Upgrade

Twenty hardworking volunteers just finished replacing 100 posts and over 1000 feet of manila rope that cordoned off the viewing galleries in the Goleta Butterfly Grove. If you have not had a chance to see the Monarch butterflies fluttering around their winter home in the Eucalyptus groves on Ellwood Mesa, now is a great time to go. Not only will you see the plumbed posts and the new natural-looking rope that runs continuously around the grove, but you will also see Monarch butterflies congregating in massive colonies that roost in the canopy.

The project, which spanned five days, was initiated by the City of Goleta and coordinated by Charis van der Heide who leads the Monarch Docent Program. Trails Council president, Otis Calef, organized the volunteers, including Trails Council board members Paul Herning and Kerry Kellogg. Special thanks to members of Santa Barbara Outdoor Volunteers who gave a helping hand including Christine K, Jason K, Emily O, Kartik V, Marianne M, Kyle R, Kathe H, Matt S, Kevin W, Bobby B, Alis B, Ruth S, Jian S., and Emily. On your next visit be sure to check out the beautiful rope splicing. Volunteer Dave Ralston made a dozen splices to add a touch of elegance to the whole project.

Two serious tools helped us complete the difficult task of drilling 100 holes in drought-hardened soil. A gas-powered two-man auger cut through the soil in hard-to-reach sections of the grove. Fortunately, Ray Ford volunteered to demonstrate how a Kubota Excavator with an auger attachment sped up the process and allowed us to finish ahead of schedule. Thanks, Ray!

If you are interested in volunteering for projects that help to make our community a better place to live, please visit: https://santabarbaratrails.org/volunteer/

Photo Credit: Willa Kveta | http://www.willakveta.com/