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 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.

The difficult task of drilling 100 holes in drought harden soil was aided by two serious tools. A gas powered two-man auger was used to 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 was able speed up the process and allow 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://sbtrails.org/volunteer/

A few clicks on the images below will allow you to see them at full size.

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

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