Native Plant Meetups at Elings Park

The Garden is hosting a yearlong series of free native plant meetups at Elings Park, offering creative, educational, and family-friendly experiences each month. Participants can enjoy activities ranging from plein air painting and meditative walks to birding, gardening, storytelling, and even biking and skating. You’ll also learn about our native plant restoration project at the Park. Registration is not available — simply arrive at the designated location on the day of the event.

Location:

Elings Park – 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. The group will meet in varying locations for each meetup.

Location Map:

Please reference this map to guide you.

2026 Remaining Meetups:

September 12 | 9AM to 12 PM – Community Walk with Latino Outdoors 

What: Enjoy a community-centered walk focused on connection, nature, and shared learning. Explore the restoration area and the native plants that call Elings park home, guided by leaders from the Garden and Latino Outdoors.

Where: Top parking lot.

What to bring: Water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes.

Garden leader: Eric Cárdenas

October 24 | 9-10:30 AM – Story Time at Elings

What: Join us for Story Time at Elings Park Restoration Site! Spend a morning surrounded by nature as Santa Barbara Public Library staff and conservation staff share nature-themed stories in our native plant plot — right in the heart of an active restoration area. Explore California’s native plants and see restoration work up close.

Where: Meet at the top at the restoration site at Elings Park.

What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing 

Group leaders: Santa Barbara Public Library

December 12 | 9-10:30 AM – Mountain Biking with Boom Boom Bike Room 

What: End the year with a dynamic trail ride that blends outdoor recreation with ecological insight. Learn to recognize native plants at trail speed, discover tips for preventing invasive seed spread, and explore Elings Park with bike experts and Garden staff.

Where: Meet at top parking lot

What to bring: A bike, helmet, water, and sun protection.

Garden leaders: Abraham Lizama and Sean Carson

Thank you to our partners:

Boom Boom Bike Room | Elings Park | Latino Outdoors | PALMA Colectiva | Santa Barbara Public Library | S-C-A-P-E

Please note, our restoration work at Elings Park is underway, and volunteers are needed. Click here for more information and to register as a volunteer.