Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Botanical garden and nonprofit organization in Mission Canyon, California.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden sits on sloping terrain and displays native plants from different regions of California, from coastal areas to mountain zones. Walking paths wind through various ecosystems and show the variety of vegetation across the state.
The garden was founded in 1926 to protect and study wild California plants. Over the following decades it grew into an important center for restoring endangered species from the region.
The garden shows visitors how California plants were used by Native Americans, with signs throughout explaining traditional relationships with the local flora. The way the space is organized reflects a commitment to both preservation and making nature accessible to everyone.
The site has many paths with varying slopes, so visitors should wear good shoes and allow several hours to explore all areas. Visiting works best on cloudy days or in the morning hours when it is not too hot.
Within the garden stands an old stone dam that Native Americans built under Spanish direction in the early 18th century. This structure is direct evidence of indigenous engineering and connects the site to a much older story.
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