1212 Mission Canyon Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805.682.4726
SBBotanicGarden.org
April 16, 2026
Re: Earth Day Proclamation
Dear Mayor Perotte and Members of the City Council:
On behalf of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, we would like to thank you for issuing an Earth Day proclamation next week as it is an important acknowledgement of the unique eco-region in which we reside, the benefits biodiversity brings our community, and the concerted and intersectional efforts now underway to protect and enhance biodiversity within our community.
In addition to the myriad groups working to restore, protect, and enhance our regional environment, there is a cohort of over 45 regional nonprofits all signed on to a shared Vision and Policy Platform in Support of Biodiversity on California’s Central Coast (attached). This Biodiversity Working Group hopes that the city of Goleta as well as others throughout the region continue making commitments to sustainability and conservation in the following ways:
• Support the expansion and stewardship of local protected areas, greenbelts, habitat corridors, and marine protected zones—including voluntary conservation easements, native habitat restoration projects, and urban biodiversity initiatives; • Commit to integrating biodiversity considerations into city/county planning, zoning, and development decisions, including the use of native plant landscaping, wildlife-friendly design, and nature-based solutions to climate resilience; • Encourage partnerships with Chumash community members, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, land trusts, marine sanctuaries, K-12 and higher educational institutions, and scientists to advance habitat restoration, community-led science, and biodiversity education in our communities;
• Direct staff to identify funding sources (including grants, state/federal programs, and private partnerships) and to report back with recommendations for advancing local biodiversity goals in alignment with state and regional conservation plans.
As you know, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is particularly interested in native plants and the role they play in ecosystem health. Native plants are critical because they form the foundation of the web of life, having coevolved over thousands or millions of years with insects, birds, and other wildlife that depend on them for food, shelter, and timing of life cycles like pollination and migration. Because they are adapted to local climates and conditions, native plants also make communities more resilient by reducing urban heat, conserving water, supporting pollination and natural pest control, and helping landscapes recover from disturbances like wildfire and erosion.
1212 Mission Canyon Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805.682.4726
SBBotanicGarden.org
It is our hope that today’s proclamation might seed the way for increased attention to the role that native plants play in urban landscapes – from roadsides and sidewalks to parks, development projects, and beyond. As we’ve seen with many of the Garden’s own Landscape Transformation projects in Cuyama, Santa Barbara, Montecito and elsewhere, native plants and urban activity can coexist! Through partnerships and incentives, policy initiatives and code updates, native plants could form the pillar of future city-based ecological design. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is here as a resource to support you in this critical effort.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working with your staff in the future.
Eric Cárdenas, Impact and Advocacy Director
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Community
Vision and Policy Platform in
Support of Biodiversity on
California’s Central Coast
est. 2024
Carrizo Plain National Monument (Photo: Denise Knapp)
The central coast’s vibrant landscapes of diverse habitats and ecosystems rich in biodiversity are protected, celebrated, and valued for the essential, life-giving gifts (air, water, food) they provide to all living species. With the significance of biodiversity woven into our thinking, planning, and way of life, we have thriving, equitable communities and dynamic, sustainable economies.
Vision
Biodiversity Vision & Policy Platform
We face both a drastically changing climate and a mass extinction of species, the likes of which have not occurred for nearly 66 million years. It is imperative that we begin to address both crises in tandem to ensure a future for all species — human and non- human alike. Without considering both concerns simultaneously, the diversity upon which life depends could be lost or severely impacted before climate solutions begin to reverse the damage. Decisions about how we protect and manage land, natural resources, and native species have never been more critical to our well-being.
Collaboration and community empowerment driven by a bold vision and policy goals will unite us and make us more effective in achieving our shared goals.
People and nature are interconnected, and all species thrive.
Purpose
To do this we must...
Values & Assumptions
Native species and well-functioning
ecosystems are essential for human
well-being and have the inalienable
right to exist and flourish.
Biodiversity and healthy
ecosystems provide economic and
social benefits, including
improvement of water quality,
reduction in water demand,
improvement to soil health
supportive of agriculture, and
resilience against wildfires.
Equitable policies and practices
that consider the needs of humans
and nature support biodiversity and
economic needs and also ensure a
livable place for all species.
Indigenous and community
knowledge and stewardship of
lands, waters, and biodiversity
provide guidance, leadership, and
opportunities for meaningful
partnerships and learning.
Connections to nature and the land
through recreation, education,
spiritual practices, and other
activities inspire joy, promote social
and physical well-being, and
increase appreciation for the
interdependence of humans and
the natural world.
A regional biodiversity vision and
action plan is strengthened by
aligning with and laddering up to
related visions, frameworks, and
plans at the local, state, Tribal, and
federal levels.
Galvanize the whole
community around a
biodiversity vision to
catalyze a movement that
increases investment,
leverages resources, and
drives policy action to
stop further species loss
and extinction, restore
and protect ecosystems,
combat climate change,
and empower people to
create thriving, equitable
communities.
Stop the loss of
biodiversity and reverse
habitat decline on
California’s central coast
and model how to live in
partnership with nature
through collaborative
actions and whole-of-
society engagement.
Working at all levels of government and across a broad range of sectors, organizations, and networks, we will individually and collectively seek opportunities to align public policy and actions with the biodiversity vision framework. These policy goals and actions fall under three key strategies.
Policy Goals
2 3
1 Shape land-use policies
Engage community and galvanize support
Inspire government leaders, land managers, & residents
to act
Support expansion, conservation, and restoration of all habitat types and ecosystems across the landscape to increase the abundance of native wild species to vibrant and resilient levels.
Expand opportunities that empower residents to create and advocate for biodiverse habitats in their community parks, creeks, streets, and yards for thriving, equitable communities.
Advocate for the protection of existing healthy, abundant, and biodiverse wild areas to prevent further biodiversity loss and habitat degradation.
Engage with business leaders, policy- and decision-makers, and other sectors of society to educate on how biodiversity and high-functioning ecosystems support a vibrant economy and social well-being.
Promote and celebrate the abundance and beauty of native wild species and natural habitats in our region to build broad support for policies that halt human-caused extinction of species (at all scales).
Seek opportunities in existing and new land-use policies, community plans, and other civic actions to increase native plant coverage and restore habitats throughout our urban and rural communities. This will reduce the impacts of climate change, support economic well- being, improve habitat and ecosystem function, and increase biodiversity in areas most impacted by society and development.
Push for land-use decisions and restoration and conservation activities to be informed by science, research, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and local wisdom. This will secure better outcomes in the protection of biodiversity, habitats, native plants, soil, and water resources.
Ensure that landscape-scale planning considers contiguous wildlands and connected habitats across all landscapes to provide native species with refugia and safe movement corridors to food, water, and essential habitats.
We will prevent further loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems by strengthening policies that protect and conserve natural resources and areas rich in biodiversity, working to restore ecosystem health in wild and working landscapes, increasing native species in urban environments, and expanding education. These objectives also will meet our societal needs, particularly as communities grow and build their economies. Additionally, by promoting the story of biodiversity and its social and economic value, we will foster more sustainable practices, inspire regional pride, increase support for conservation and protection efforts, lift up new leadership, and promote volunteerism in service of protecting biodiversity across all landscapes.
Theory of Change
In July 2023, over 40 environmental leaders met at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to explore the creation of a shared vision of biodiversity to energize a movement on par with climate change and invoke greater urgency into action. With all partners bringing their own lenses and areas of focus to the conversation, we explored how best to support and unify the many players working in conservation, resource protection, restoration, and climate action to create a biodiversity vision that reflects community priorities and values.
In addition to input from workshop participants, common themes for biodiversity and conservation were gleaned from over 35 community plans, reports, policy documents, and collaborative visioning processes (21 local sources; 14 state government, national government, and biodiversity-aligned nongovernmental sources). From this review and the outputs from the workshop, common themes emerged and were aggregated into a draft biodiversity framework. This framework was then shared with survey participants in fall 2023, who reviewed it and provided feedback.
A second workshop facilitated by the Garden and held at the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub in December 2023 had over 50 participants. The goal of this workshop was to begin galvanizing the community around a biodiversity vision and elevate ways of working collectively. Workshop attendees were presented with the draft biodiversity framework and survey results, and through facilitated discussions and panel presentations, we gathered addition input and suggestions that were incorporated into the current version of the framework.
This vision and policy framework are starting points for elevating biodiversity priorities and generating collaboration and cooperation for supporting and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems in our region. Next steps will be to secure commitments/pledges to the biodiversity vision and policy framework from a range of conservation organizations, form a working group to help identify strategies for advancing policy goals, and promote a biodiversity resolution for cities and county government to adopt.
Background: Creation of the
Biodiversity Vision Framework
Together, We’re Stronger.
Are You Ready?
Together, We’re Stronger.
Are You Ready?
Together, We’re Stronger.
Are You Ready?
Together, We’re Stronger.
Are You Ready?
SBBotanicGarden.org
The solution to
biodiversity loss
is in our hands -
and our gardens.
OUR MISSION
THE LAND TRUST FOR
SANTA BARBARA
COUNTY CONSERVES
NATURAL RESOURCES,
AGRICULTURAL LAND
AND OPEN SPACES FOR
THE BENEFIT OF
PRESENT AND FUTURE
GENERATIONS.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Laurel Fisher Perez
President
Greg Parker
Vice President
Ann Lippincott
Secretary
Joe Weiland
Treasurer
Emily Cotter
Henry Glasheen
Valerie Hoffman
Bradley Lundgren
Ken Marshall
Maurie McGuire
Ted Mullen
William O'Donnell
James Phillippi
Teresa Romero
Ben Romo
Jim Selbert
Scott Van Der Kar
1530 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.966.4520 sblandtrust.org
April 17, 2026
City Council
City of Goleta
130 Cremona Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
RE: Support for Proclamation Recognizing April 2026 as Earth Month in the City of Goleta
Dear Mayor Perotte and City Council Members,
The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County appreciates the City of Goleta’s proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Earth Month and its commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity, habitat restoration, and community action.
For more than 40 years, the Land Trust has worked to conserve natural resources, agricultural land, and open space across Santa Barbara County.
Protecting and restoring biodiversity is central to that work and to the long- term health and resilience of this region.
We appreciate the proclamation’s recognition that healthy ecosystems support community well-being, climate resilience, and the durability of local landscapes. Efforts to protect native species, restore habitat, support pollinators, and expand green infrastructure are practical and important investments in Goleta’s future.
The Land Trust is also part of a regional biodiversity collaboration of more than 40 organizations working to address shared challenges across the county. That work reflects a broad understanding that biodiversity supports not only habitat health, but also watershed function, soil health, agricultural resilience, wildfire resilience, and community connection to the land.
Earth Month is a useful reminder that stewardship is ongoing work. Real progress comes from sustained local action, strong partnerships, and thoughtful public policy. We appreciate the City’s leadership, including through Go Green Goleta, and its continued focus on practical, community- based environmental efforts.
1530 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.966.4520 sblandtrust.org
As habitat fragmentation, invasive species, climate change, and development pressures continue to affect the region, public recognition of these issues is important. We encourage the City to continue supporting native habitat restoration, open space stewardship, and biodiversity-minded planning, and we appreciate the opportunity to partner in protecting the natural systems that sustain this community.
Sincerely,
Meredith Hendricks
Executive Director
Land Trust for Santa Barbara County
1430 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 PO Box 90106, Santa Barbara, CA 93190; Office: (805) 965-7570 www.healtheocean.org 17 April 2026 Goleta City Hall Council Chambers 130 Cremona Dr. Goleta, CA 93117 Re: Agenda Item B.1 - A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Proclaiming
the
Month
of
April
2026
as
Earth
Month
in
the
City
of
Goleta
Dear Mayor Perotte and City Councilmembers, Heal the Ocean (HTO) applauds the City for this Proclamation, as it is statements such as these that
form
the
foundation
for
effective
future
environmental
actions
and
policies.
HTO
leads
a
diversity
of
local
Earth
Month
actions
and
activities,
and
we
are
encouraged
that
the
City
is
a
leader
in
environmental
actions
as
part
of
your
sustainability
and
climate
work.
HTO is part of a regional collaborative that meets quarterly to discuss pressing issues impacting and
benefiting
local
biodiversity.
Over
40 organizations
have
signed
on
to
a
shared
vision
and
policy
platform
in
support
of
biodiversity
on
the
central
coast.
We
hope
in
the
future
that
you
will
continue
to
build
on
this
Proclamation
by
drafting
a
future
Resolution
specific
to
the
City
of
Goleta’s
goals
related
to
Biodiversity.
HTO focuses on reducing ocean pollution and improving the health of our oceans and resilience of
our
coasts
to
benefit
people
and
wildlife.
Goleta
has
a
long
and
profound
history
of
conservation
and
environmental
protection,
and
we
are
proud
to
be
one
of
many
groups,
including
Goleta’s
City
Council
and
other
governmental
agencies,
dedicated
to
protecting
this
incredibly
biodiverse
region.
We encourage future actions by the City to integrate biodiversity considerations into City planning,
zoning,
and
development
decisions,
including
the
use
of
native
plant
landscaping,
wildlife-friendly
design,
and
nature-based
solutions
to
climate
resilience.
We
look
forward
to
supporting
these
future
actions
and
related
projects.
We
will
continue
to
fight
against
marine
and
coastal
pollution,
a
threat
to
our
native
biodiversity,
and
we
will
continue
advocating
for,
advising,
and
implementing
projects
on
our
coast
that
not
only
support
native
species
and
biodiversity,
but
also
make
our
coastlines
more
resilient.
Biodiversity enhances resilience against climate change, supports public health and our local economy,
improves
water
quality,
and
is
essential
to
providing
many
benefits
and
positive
outcomes
that
come
from
thriving
ecosystems,
both
on
land
and
in
the
ocean.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide a letter of support for the City’s Proclamation. Sincerely, Noah Boland Programs Manager, Heal the Ocean www.healtheocean.org [email protected] Karina Johnston Executive Director, Heal the Ocean www.healtheocean.org [email protected] 2