What looks like ruddy wasteland as you whiz past on the freeway turns out to be a magical network of rivulets and trails meandering across a thriving salt marsh. Pathways tunnel through hedges, cut through grassland, and cross a footbridge on an adventurous route through this critically important 230-acre ecosystem. A habitat for rare birds, fish, snails and sharks, this is one of the last remaining coastal estuaries in California.
The trails are open during daylight hours- and you can schedule a docent-led tour through the City of Carpinteria Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 684-5405.
