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Explore the Wild
Where the Wild Things Have Always Been
The Backcountry Section is designed to mimic the remote, open spaces of California. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore varied terrain to connect with native plants through play and study. Situated alongside Mission Creek, the Backcountry is filled with special habitats and features that evoke some of the habitats found throughout Southern California. Here, visitors are encouraged to take the path less traveled and discover something new.
Noteworthy Plants
Western sycamore
Platanus racemosa
A common tree in riparian areas, the soft hairs on the underside of the leaves are used by hummingbirds to help make their nests.
Mule fat
Baccharis salicifolia
Often found near streams and rivers, this shrub is in flower for most of the year and is a great source of food for wildlife.
Fragrant sumac
Rhus aromatica
This shrub is similar in appearance to poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) but doesn’t have the same uncomfortable effects. One way to tell the difference is to look for red berries in winter; poison oak’s berries are white or yellow.
Willows
Salix sp.
There are nearly 30 species of willow native to California. The bark of willows is the source of salicylic acid, a key ingredient in aspirin.
Dogbane
Apocyum cannabinum
A close relative of milkweeds, this plant commonly grows near streams and rivers. It is a vital food source for native hawk moths and a prized source of fiber for people.
For the Love of Nature
Inspiring the Next Generation of Stewards
Encompassing over 4 acres (over 1 hectare) west of Mission Creek, the Backcountry features inviting and distinct areas designed to inspire self-directed nature experiences. With activities including climbing on fallen trees, rock hopping, looking for critters under logs, building forts out of natural materials, navigating a maze, and hiking through different habitats, this area is designed to build connections to nature that last a lifetime.
Children enjoy climbing and playing near the Retention Basins, where natural features are used to slow the flow of water as it makes its way to the creek.
A Backcountry Ranger walks kids through interactions with the natural world.
Up close with a resident of the Backcountry, a Baja treefrog.
Room to grow: the Backcountry has a variety of spaces to explore, even if you can’t tie your own hiking boots yet.
Coming Together
Thank You for Your Support
Without the passion and support of countless individuals — from our partner and campaign committee to our founding donors — the Backcountry wouldn’t have been possible. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality.
Casitas such as the Hawk’s Nest, by Cody Westheimer, provide places to take a break from exploring.
The Trolling Trees is a friendly troll who is always saving a spot for you; designed by Natalie Leyva, a landscape architecture student at Colorado State University.
Relax with a good book at the Hawk’s Nest.
Trolling Trees is a great meeting place.
Whimsical & Interactive
Sustainable Nature Playhouses
Encouraging the community — especially families — to get outdoors together and play in the natural world, Backcountry Casitas, or nature playhouses, can be discovered throughout this section of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Selected from a public call for applicants, these temporary and unique playhouses have been designed by members of the community to help foster a love of nature and encourage imagination and participation from the young and young at heart.