California Coastal Trail Revamp Unveiled
New-and-Improved Path to UCSB West Campus Bluffs Back Open
To commemorate completion of the newly revamped section of the California Coastal Trail situated along the scenic West Campus Bluffs, the UCSB Associated Students Coastal Fund held an opening ceremony to showcase the changes. The unveiling celebrated completion of seven years of planning and financial contributions from campus organizations.
The two UCSB organizations in Associated Students, the Coastal Fund and Bicycle Improvements Keep Everyone Safe (BIKES), have collectively contributed over $150,000 in funds for the planning and implementation of this project. The California State Coastal Conservancy, which granted $175,000 towards construction in 2007 and the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration (CCBER) supplemented additional funding for the project and actualized the building and restoration of the trail, which will continue through the summer.
After years of degradation accrued from drainage problems and use by bikers and joggers, the new trail offers a more sustainable path along the bluffs.
“The project involved re-grading and stabilization of the existing pathway for improved drainage and separation from adjacent sensitive habitat areas,” reads a statement issued by UCSB’s Coastal Fund. “The new trail is landscaped along the edges to discourage bicyclists from seeking alternate routes. Old informal routes are now being closed and re-vegetated with local native plants.”
In addition to unveiling the path, the event welcomed speakers Scott Bull, Jennifer Pierce, Rachel Couch, and Lisa Stratton, from various partnering organizations involved with the refurbishment.
