Who would have thought that a deadly virus would spur more people to use trails this year? Tragic and amazing at the same time. We are grateful that more people are learning what you already know. Trails are an important part of an active lifestyle and essential to maintaining our physical and mental health. With an explosion in trail use, the need for new trails is clearer than ever.

In the coming decade, we have many opportunities to expand our local trail network with more than 20 miles of new trails, and your continued volunteer and financial support make this possible.

Our latest project, the Baron Ranch Trail on the Gaviota Coast ran into unexpected expenses late in the year. Unavoidably, the trailhead is adjacent to two underground high-pressure gas lines, and we have incurred over $16,000 in hard money costs including: Land Surveys ($5,000), Biological Surveys, ($1,200) Engineer Plans, ($5,000) Exposing Pipelines, ($2,500), Temporary Gate, ($1,500), and six Lock Systems ($3,500) have impacted our progress.

Overall, for Baron Ranch, we have secured grants and donations totaling $317,000. We are short $48,000 needed to finish this wild and scenic trail, only 20 minutes from Goleta. Upon completion, this Gaviota Coast trail that traverses several endemic habitats and environmental zones, with extraordinary panoramic views of the islands, will be open seven days a week for all trail users.

Once created, and maintained, new trails open up new parts of our local landscape for current and future generations to explore and enjoy. The cost is an investment in the future. New trails are an 80/20 proposition. Advocating for new trails—planning, permitting, and funding—is the invisible expense (80%), while the actual construction is the visible portion (20%.) With your help, we can do it all.

All donations include a one-year free Trails Council membership. Donate and receive a complimentary Baron Ranch t-shirt and map as our thank you gift.