January 2015

ByErik Olson

And some rain came …

Santa Barbara joyously welcomed the 6.3 inches of rain we received in December. Unhappily these rains represent only 20% of the yearly average rainfall in Santa Barbara and a very small percentage of the amount needed to end our three-year long drought. That being said, the growing things on More Mesa were very appreciative of even this small relief. Grasses and flowers are making their appearance, Cottonwoods are getting ready to burst, Red Wing Blackbirds are calling, and we have even heard tree frogs “singing” in some areas. In short, it is very lovely out on More Mesa. Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2015jan01

2015jan02

Similar Posts

  • |

    August 2016

    ByErik Olson

    A Tiny Bright Light In a world dominated by talk of drought, we offer a tiny bright spot … about a lovely native plant; Seacliff Buckwheat. While almost all of our More Mesa native wildflowers bloom in spring, this cliff and dune dwelling plant flowers in the middle of summer, providing nectar to many butterflies and insects….

  • |

    March 2012

    ByErik Olson

    Despite the lack of rain, signs of spring are beginning to appear on More Mesa. This Sunday, two butterfly species and two flowering plants were photographed. More Mesa Native Plants – March, 2012 Lacy Phacelia Chaparral Clematis Lacy Phacelia is a native annual, found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The common name…

  • March 2015

    ByErik Olson

    The White-tailed Kite, MMPC’s signature bird, is a “California Bird Species of Special Concern”. It has been given this designation because the White-tailed Kite was once at risk of disappearing, and is currently found in few places in California; one important area being the Goleta Valley. And within the Goleta Valley, More Mesa is one…

  • |

    Living with the Lockdown Treasure Hunt #2

    ByErik Olson

    Welcome to the second of our treasure hunts. The plant we bring you now, Miner’s Lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), can be found in shady places on More Mesa, along creeks and in parks everywhere around Santa Barbara. Remember to keep your 6 foot distance and have fun!! The Surprising Truth About Miner’s Lettuce Miner’s Lettuce got its…

  • |

    April 2013

    ByErik Olson

    To Citizen Stewards For more than a decade, our supporters have been active citizen scientists by reporting sightings of rare birds, animals and plants that are observed on More Mesa.  These reports have contributed significantly to our base of scientific knowledge about this last remaining jewel of coastal open space.  Many in our community have…

  • December 2015

    ByErik Olson

    2015 … The Year in Review The day we knew was coming, but wouldn’t welcome, arrived. In late July a group with the same members who circulated development plans for More Mesa three years ago, announced that they represented the Kalid Saud Al Shebaily Group (KSSG), owners of More Mesa. The new group’s opening salvo came…