Carpinteria Salt Marsh
updated: Nov 14, 2009, 7:00 AM

by David Powdrell

With camera, tri-pod and my bike, I’d intended to shoot some surf photography, what with the hype of the next winter swell circulating. But the surf was marginal, so I pedaled over to the Carpinteria Salt Marsh to see what’s up.

I have to tell you, if you haven’t yet toured the Carpinteria Salt Marsh, you should. It’s a beautiful and ecologically important coastal estuary right here in Carpinteria. The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County completed an extensive restoration project in February 2008 to provide better wildlife habitat, opportunities for scientific research, and ways for people to learn about our coastal environment.

From the highway, this 230 acre parcel of land looks rather bland. But in fact, the place is a busy, healthy ecosystem teeming with plant life, invertebrates, terrestrial organisms, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. In it’s serpentine waterways, there’s a full blown party going on.

The trail is incredibly well maintained with lots of places to perch yourself down to watch and listen to the magic.

I snapped a few photos today to share with you. I also took an aerial photo from John Wiley’s airplane about a year ago, which is the first photo in the set.

Directions: From the 101 take Linden Avenue. Drive almost to the beach. Turn right onto 3rd Street and drive until it dead-ends on Ash. Turn left and park on the street. Stroll the grounds on your own or take a docent-led tour. Call 805-684-5405 for details on the docent tours.

For more information about the Carpinteria Salt Marsh, take a peek at link for more info or another link

David Powdrell adventure Carpinteria Salt Marsh beautiful ecologically important coastal estuary pics

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