When the Santa Barbara breakwater and harbor was completed in 1929, sand immediately started accumulating behind the jetty and a beach (and a world-class surf break) was formed. Nine years later, the University of California built the La Playa Stadium on the coastal bluffs overlooking the harbor. Generations of students, alumni and sports fans have practiced, played and watched their favorite field sports with an unparalleled view of the coast as backdrop.
However, the undeveloped steep slopes leading down to the playing field/track are subject to ongoing erosion and weed infestation. To help shore up and beautify the slopes, Growing Solutions, with a private donation from a Chumash tribal member, began to revegetate and restore the long-neglected slopes in 2007.
Over the next two years SBCC Ecological Restoration students weeded, laid down irrigation and erosion control fabric during several class labs. Section by section students from SBCC’s Ecological Restoration class planted Santa Barbara-native quailbush, coastal sunflower, sages and lemonade berry. Today we have nearly 100 percent cover providing slope stability, cover and forage for birds and small mammals. The next time you’re on campus, check the view and smell the lovely coastal sage!
