Andree Clark Bird Refuge

Andree Clark Bird Refuge is a protected nature area in Santa Barbara built around a brackish lake with three islands and walking paths. The site combines open water, planted areas, and observation points connected by maintained trails that also link to the larger coastal park.

The refuge was founded in 1928 by Huguette Clark, a wealthy resident who created it as a memorial to her sister Andree. It has grown into a cornerstone of Santa Barbara's approach to preserving natural habitats along the coast.

The refuge is woven into Santa Barbara's coastal park system, showing how the community has chosen to protect nature within the city. Today it functions as a shared space where residents and visitors walk among gardens and water, connecting daily life with wildlife.

Three observation platforms positioned around the water provide good spots for watching birds up close, with early morning visits often rewarding. The paths are flat and well-maintained, making them easy to navigate on foot or by bike.

The refuge houses rare species like the tidewater goby and southwest pond turtle, found in very few places along the California coast. These specialized creatures depend on the precise conditions created by this modified estuary system.