Backcountry Casitas Program

Jumping girls in nature

Learning Through Exploration

Nature is the Best Teacher

Whether you’re an architect, contractor, design-build team, artist, hobbyist, or student, the Garden needs your help building nature playhouses that encourage the community – especially families – to get outdoors and play in the natural world. Every year, we host an open call for applications and select up to four “casitas” designs to be built in the Backcountry.

Once brought to life in the Backcountry, each winning Casitas will remain for up to two years for everyone to enjoy. Are you ready to bring your creativity to the Garden in service of inspiring the next generation of stewards for our planet?

Contact
Education team

805.682.4726, ext. 102

Each of these creative, interactive playhouses has been designed to provide garden guests with unique perspectives on the wonders of nature. They are a delightful addition to the Backcountry area, which encourages children and adults to explore and discover.

Scot Pipkin, director of education and engagement at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Ready to Apply? Here Are Some FAQs to Consider.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for our 2025 Casitas program need to be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, 2025.

Can anyone apply?

Anyone may submit a design. Individuals and teams are welcome.

How will entries be judged and selected?

The selection panel will be comprised of garden employees and potentially future program sponsors. To better understand our selection criteria, please review the following document.

What should be included in my submission?

Design submissions should include a rendering and a plan view showing scale, etc. We will also accept 3D models.

Please also include the estimated budget for the playhouse and a general statement of what materials you will use. Natural materials and the ability to demonstrate a connection between your design and California’s native plants and habitats are strongly desired.

Will there be compensation for designs?

A stipend of $5,000 will be awarded to each selected design and build team. At the time of selection, 60% of the stipend payment will be provided. The balance will be provided six months into the exhibition. This is to ensure designs are properly installed and cared for during the first few months of use. Designers and/or build teams are responsible for the integrity of their designs.

Note, the Garden will pre-select installation sites for each new casita. Sites will be relatively flat mulched ground, immersed in riparian sycamore oak woodland and gardens.

Where can I apply?

You can apply via mail, in person, or online.

To submit your entry in person, please contact us at number above to schedule a drop off time. Or, you can also leave your submission at our front kiosk with a note for Scot Pipkin, the Garden’s director of education and engagement.

To submit via mail, please send your entry to the following address:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, c/o Scot Pipkin, Director of Education and Engagement, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

To apply online, please use the following link.

I have a few more questions, who should I contact?

Please contact the Garden’s Education Team with additional questions at 805.682.4726, ext. 102. We also encourage you to watch a recording of our pre-design Zoom meeting from last year below. Or, you’re also invited to join this year’s discussion on Wednesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. PST by following this link.

Scot Pipkin, director of education and engagement, hosts the Casitas pre-design meeting.
Sponsor a Casitas

Inspire the Next Generation of Stewards

Do you have fond memories of playing outdoors as a kid? Did this spark a passion for the natural world and a passion for conservation? With our Casitas program, we’re hoping to inspire the next generation of stewards for our planet by inspiring them through exploration and play. Do you, your foundation, or your company want to help us bring families together through our Casitas Program? Let’s talk!

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