Shorelines & Watersheds Current Programs

Devereux Slough Monitoring Program

In 2003, Ph.D candidate Darcie Goodman established a water quality monitoring program at the Devereux Slough, the endpoint of the Devereux Creek- the only creek in our watershed. The Monitoring Program uses UCSB undergraduate interns to conduct field samples. Prior to this program very little was known about the Devereux Slough. This data will be used to create a management plan to preserve the Slough's ecosystem functions. Funding for this program is provided by the Coastal Fund.

Coal Oil Point Reserve Tour Program

S & W's Program Committee initiated a Coal Oil Point Reserve Tour Program in 2005. However, recent funding from Venoco Inc. has allowed S & W to expand the program by training volunteer tour leaders, and to create tours catered to a variety of interest groups such as bird watchers, cultural enthusiasts and tidepool lovers. For more information, click here.

Skunk Awareness Program

Dozens of Snowy Plovers nest at Coal Oil Point Reserve between March and September. During breeding season 2007, over 40 Snowy Plover eggs were eaten by skunks. Although skunks are a native predator of Snowy Plovers, their numbers have grown substantially in the past several years. Prior to human alteration of the natural environment, coyotes and bobcats kept skunk numbers to a minimum. Snowy Plovers are unable to react to the current surplus of skunks.

In response, Shorelines & Watersheds has initiated a Skunk Awareness Program to alert communities surroudng Coal Oil Point Reserve about this issue.

What can you do? Keep your garbage in a tightly sealed garbage can, store pet food indoors, and seal off entrances to decks and attics where skunks might make their homes. Extra food provides nutrition for skunks, making them more successful breeders. We do not want to exterminate skunks, but we do want to keep their numbers to levels where Western Snowy Plovers can have successful breeding seasons.

Advocacy

Shorelines & Watersheds consistently advocates for environmentaly sensible policies in Goleta. Our city is on the brink of further development, and Shorelines & Watersheds is working to preserve open space and expand bike paths, while still advocating for affordable housing.