Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration

The Cheadle Center at UCSB manages more than 340 acres of open space between Ellwood Mesa and Goleta Slough, carrying out ecological restoration, research, and education projects across these sites. Characterized by a rich mosaic of oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, grassland, and wetland ecosystems, the area is known for its relatively high level of biodiversity. The Cheadle Center’s project sites and management areas help protect and strengthen the region’s ecology through habitat conservation, upland restoration, wetland creation and enhancement, and the implementation of sustainable stormwater management solutions. Through careful integration with local watersheds and surrounding natural areas, the Cheadle Center’s management areas provide important corridors and refuge for wildlife, support the long-term preservation of the region’s natural resources, and serve as outdoor classrooms, research sites, and recreational areas for the campus community and the public.

This archived version of the May 2025 newsletter includes updates on the native wildflowers, Whittier Pond nightlife, and Harding school field trips. The feature story focuses burrowing owl conservation. Community photos include Green Heron (Butorides virescens), White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi), Ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and more!