The Love of Land: A Valentine for Carpinteria. (It’s a Bluff.)

Carpinteria celebrated a very special Valentine’s Day last Friday. Instead of dozens of red roses, she was gifted the final 2.48 acres of bluff property to connect all segments of the Carpinteria bluff lands and trail system. Dubbed “Rincon Gateway,” the acquisition of the former King Ranch was brokered by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County thanks to a generous donor – La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation.

“When we have a willing seller and terrific funding support,” said Meredith Hendricks, the Land Trust’s executive director, “We can make magic happen!” 

The seller’s former plans for the property, creating an Airstream glamping complex, was strongly opposed by Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs, who worked with the Land Trust to advocate for keeping this area open space and adding it to the bluff lands. Starting in the year 2000 when the lands east of Carpinteria State Beach were acquired through the efforts of both groups for the city, the group had built trails, cleared ice plant, and worked to restore the native habitat, often with volunteer help. Today, and each day, hundreds of people (and dogs) enjoy the open space and walking trails created for them by this organization.

It was, therefore, an elated, smiling group who showed up on the mud-lucious and puddle-wonderful bluffs on Valentine’s Day morning. The Trust had set up a tent that distributed large paper hearts and offered Valentine cookies and cupcakes and, thankfully, warm coffee, since the wind was icy and strong. The happy crowd was undeterred, however, and local artists were out in force. Arturo Tello spoke about the effect landscape had on plein air painters. “While we paint, it brings out the soul of the place. It belongs to us and we belong to it,” he said.

Meredith Hendricks spoke on behalf of the Land Trust. “With this acquisition, the Land Trust ensures that this beloved piece of land will remain undeveloped and preserved for the benefit of the public and future generations. Conservation is an act of love and this is a Valentine to our community,” said Hendricks. She pointed out that since its founding in 1985, the Land Trust has protected 57,306 acres of land, thereby insuring the preservation of the county’s diverse landscapes for future generations.  

Among the Land Trust’s work for Montecito are the Hot Springs Trail, a trail easement on West fork of Cold Spring Trail, and Ennisbrook Open Space and trails.