On a misty February morning, over 70 enthusiastic local volunteers gathered at Dos Pueblos Ranch, perched along the rugged bluffs and windswept beaches just north of Goleta. This historic ranch is a rare gem—the last remaining piece of a once-massive 15,000-acre Mexican land grant from the 1840s, which stretched along most of the Gaviota Coast from present-day Goleta to El Capitan State Beach. Today, Dos Pueblos Ranch is home to the Dos Pueblos Institute, an organization dedicated to connecting people with the land through immersive, hands-on experiences. Their programs range from outdoor education and public access to experimental regenerative agriculture, restoration efforts, and collaborative scientific and educational partnerships. One of their key initiatives—creating native-plant hedgerows and insectaries—is right in GS’s wheelhouse.

On this particular day, volunteers teamed up to co-create a 100-foot-long hedgerow of coastal sage scrub at the ranch entrance. The plants, grown by Santa Barbara Natives Nursery (proudly owned by GS’s former students!), added a splash of green and the promise of future blooms. With shovels in hand and plenty of determination, the crew dug holes, installed irrigation, and successfully planted over 400 native plants—all in a single day’s push.
Restoring native ecosystems is no small feat—it’s a labor-intensive process that often lacks adequate funding. But thanks to the dedication and hard work of volunteers, these efforts are not only possible but impactful. And the rewards go both ways: volunteers walk away with more than just tired muscles—they leave with the satisfaction of making a difference and, perhaps more importantly, a deepened sense of stewardship for the land.