The City of Goleta is moving forward with an important next step—restoring and enhancing natural habitat in areas where trees and vegetation were removed during Project Connect construction. These mitigation efforts are focused on bringing additional native landscape, while supporting local wildlife and long-term environmental health.

What’s Being Planted
The mitigation plan includes a variety of native plants carefully selected and grown specifically for this project. New plantings include Western Sycamore, Black Cottonwood, Coast Live Oak, and several willow species, along with native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants that help support pollinators and improve soil health.

In total, more than 3,600 native trees and plants will be installed by a qualified restoration contractor across approximately four acres of restoration area.

Where This Work Is Happening
Beginning in June 2026, planting will take place in open space areas including Ellwood Mesa, Lake Los Carneros, as well as along Fowler Road and near Old San Jose Creek. These locations were chosen to strengthen existing habitats and create a more connected natural landscape. Mitigation plantings will be completed in late fall 2026.

What You May See
As this work gets underway, you may notice crews working in open space areas to prepare the land and installing temporary fencing in preparation for the installation of new plants and irrigation systems.

At first, some areas may look sparse, but over time, these spaces will fill in and grow into healthy, thriving habitats.

Ongoing watering, monitoring, and maintenance will continue to support plant establishment and ensure long-term success.

These mitigation efforts are an important part of Project Connect – mitigating construction impacts and enhancing Goleta’s natural spaces for the community to enjoy into the future.

Questions? Looking for more details?
www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect
connect@CityofGoleta.gov
805-690-5116