Often used together, these two parklands in Santa Barbara allow exploration of highly varied eco – zones in a short time period. Restoration on the Douglas Family Reserve provides the opportunity to introduce the concept of re – wilding of land previously used for agriculture and residences. Native plantings in the riparian area are widely varied including many water loving plants including mulefat, juncus, arroyo willow and sycamore. On the mesa of the park are stands of imported palms, eucalypts and exotic we eds along with more recently restored native plants where contrast among plants and habitats are explored. Views out over the Pacific and the Arroyo Burro beach with shore birds and sea life are often in view. On the Arroyo Burro beach, the geology of the coastline is readily in view all the way to the to p of the Santa Ynez Ridge. This allows for interpretation regarding erosion, sand movement, and sedimentation and the entire rock cycle. Weather patterns and the effects on the local habitat provide the possibility for discussions that focus on the interface between ocean and beach with the estuary at the edge. Plant and animal life from the ocean and the land are compared for their adaptation to their habitat.
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