For Ellwood. For everyone.
Ellwood Friends supports the stewardship, conservation and celebration of Ellwood Mesa. We foster a sense of community among those who cherish this coastal gem, and we work alongside our government and non-profit partners to care for Ellwood Mesa.
Volunteers needed!
Volunteers are needed to plant trees and native plants that will provide food and shelter for overwintering monarch butterflies.
These volunteer events are part of a larger conservation effort to restore monarch habitat at Ellwood Mesa—one of the most important overwintering sites for Western monarchs. With butterfly populations declining due to drought and extreme weather, this project will plant hundreds of trees and thousands of native plants to create the shelter monarchs need to survive. Your help makes it possible.
Complete all five days and earn a limited-edition Ellwood Mesa T-shirt!
Volunteer Days (Saturdays):
August 30 from 9 AM - 1 PM
September 27 from 9 AM - 1 PM
October 25 from 9 AM - 1 PM
November 15 from 9 AM - 1 PM
December 6 from 9 AM - 1 PM
Nature Awareness & Journaling Class Friday November 7
Explore nature through sketching and observation in this engaging, hands-on journaling class. No experience needed—just curiosity and a love of the outdoors.
What is Nature Journaling?
Check out this inspiring explanation by Jack Laws. You can scroll down to play his introductory YouTube video.
Where: Goleta Beach, Picnic Area D (near the playground)
When: This Friday November 7
Time: 2-3:30 PM
Who: Everyone is welcome! Please share with anyone who may be interested.
Cost: Sliding scale - Free to $25. Donations are not expected or required.
But if you are able to support these classes an keep them going, donations of any amount can be made online at Ellwood Friends - ellwoodfriends.org.
Who is teaching?
This class will be taught by Lori Clayton, a former teacher, counselor and experienced nature journaler. Thank you Lori! We’ll have different teachers each session. If you’re interested in leading a future class, please reply to this email. Stipends are available.
What to bring?
Essential materials (this is what I bring):
— pencil and/or pen
—sheets of blank paper or gridded/graph paper
—clipboard or other firm surface for paper
— beach chair or camp chair
Helpful in due course:
— small (6”) ruler
— small sketchbook (7” x 10” is a good size on lap) OR
—field/lab notebook (blank or gridded pages) with sturdy front & back covers for support
— colored pencils
— magnifying glass
— binoculars
Personal style options—up to each person’s eventual preference, such as:
—stopwatch or counters
—tweezers
—field guide books
—tape or clear film, or mounting block or other support for certain items
—erasers
—watercolors, watercolor pencils, brushes
—inks and dip pens
—charcoal, conté, pastels
Help save the Monarchs!
Let’s keep in touch!
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Ellwood Anniversary Painting for Sale
Own the stunning landscape painting created live by Kevin Gleason during the Ellwood 20th Anniversary celebration. Half the proceeds will be donated to Ellwood Friends to support ongoing conservation efforts. Purchase or inquire at Kevin's website. Cost: $2,250.
Small actions make a big difference.
Join us in writing the next chapter of Ellwood Mesa’s story. Become a docent, volunteer at service day or let us know how you’d like to get involved. Your support today will shape Ellwood’s future.
Connect.
Give a little to make a big impact.
With your help, we can ensure that Ellwood Mesa thrives as a community-supported landscape — for today and for future generations.