Foothills Forever
haku k-ič’ -ičantik’ - Hello - Hola
News & Updates!
New $1 Million Stewardship Fund Campaign Kicks Off!
Every nature preserve needs a circle of “friends” to ensure ongoing care and protection.
Now that the San Marcos Foothills Preserve has grown to 301 acres combined, it’s become clear we need to secure additional, consistent funding for the regular upkeep of the entire Preserve and shore up legal protections for the full acreage.
Please join us in caring for this entire unique and beautiful nature preserve by donating to the new $1 Million Stewardship Fund.
First Grant Cycle a Success!
In June 2025, we held our inaugural grant cycle and made grants to Channel Islands Restoration for a Chumash Ethnobotanical Garden, long-term research and monitoring on the prescribed sheep grazing project, and installation of burrows for burrowing owls, a California Species of Special Concern. Sign-up for the FFI newsletter to receive updates and visit our Grants Page to learn more about our Grants Program.
ADA Access Conceptual Design Project for Parking, Entry and Trail
We are excited to announce that Foothills Forever has received a generous grant from the La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation’s Health Equity & Access Fund to develop a conceptual plan for ADA parking, entry, trail and signage for the now combined 301-acres San Marcos Foothills Preserve.
This was always one of our group’s original intentions: to ensure universal access for all and a beautified entrance that matches the grandeur of the Preserve. This project is the first step – conceptual design to 30% – in active partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, who will implement the design into reality.
ABOUT US
Foothills Forever grew from a powerful grassroots campaign that united thousands of neighbors and community members to save the San Marcos Foothills from development.
In June 2021, community groups led by Save San Marcos Foothills and Channel Islands Restoration, together with thousands of donors and volunteers, raised $18.6 million in just 90 days to purchase the 101 acres on the West Mesa. In June 2023, the West Mesa was transferred to the County of Santa Barbara and combined with the existing 200 acres to create the 301-acre San Marcos Foothills Preserve.
OUR ROLE & COMMITMENT
We serve as community stewards and trusted partners in the long-term care of the San Marcos Foothills Preserve. Through collaboration with Santa Barbara County and local conservation partners, we help guide restoration efforts, oversee endowment funds, and support thoughtful management of this treasured public open space.
We’re committed to preserving the natural and cultural richness of the Foothills – balancing restoration, public access, and stewardship so that these lands remain protected and well-cared for as public open space and vital wildlife habitat.
Preserving Our Foothills
Your donation today helps us carry forward our community’s vision – to preserve the foothills and other natural open spaces, honor cultural heritage, protect wildlife and native plants, and ensure these lands remain open and welcoming to all.
Special Giving Opportunity! Every nature preserve needs a circle of “friends” to ensure ongoing care and protection. Please consider a donation to the new $1 Million Stewardship Fund Campaign.