Douglas Family Preserve | The Skunk Corner | Santa Barbara CA
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Douglas Family Preserve

The Douglas Family Preserve, also known as the Wilcox, is a 70-acre outdoor space with views of the ocean.  It is popular for dog walking, biking, paragliding, and observing nature, and is family-friendly.  Eucalyptus and oak trees, as well as some exotic species, provide shade throughout the park.  Climbing trees, side trails, lookout points, and birds are plentiful here.  The land was saved from development in 1996 by the Trust for Public Land and members of the community. 

View the Douglas Family Preserve iNaturalist Page for a list of the flora and fauna that have been observed here!

Explore the Preserve

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A perimeter trail and many side trails allow visitors to walk through grassland, coastal sage, and oak woodland habitats.

Access Information

The main entrance to the park is near the corner of Medcliff Rd. and Selrose Ln.  Parking is available on the street.  (Do not park in the driveway at the end of Medcliff; it is private property.)  Other entrances are located at the end of Borton Drive, the end of Mesa School Lane, and up the trail from the bridge at Hendry's Beach.

Dogs are allowed, including off-leash in certain areas, but please do not let them disturb wildlife.

This park is managed by the City of Santa Barbara.

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