The Montecito Triangle Restoration Project, a collaborative effort between public and private entities spanning two years, aims to rejuvenate the intersection of Hot Springs and Olive Mill roads, known as "The Triangle," into a lush oasis featuring drought-tolerant native trees and plants. This initiative follows the devastation caused by the debris flow on January 9, 2018, which stripped away much of the area's vegetation, leaving behind mud and rocks. While the County of Santa Barbara undertook initial improvements, such as clearing the site and installing basic infrastructure, further enhancements required additional funding. As part of our ongoing mission to support the community, The Garden Club of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Montecito Community Foundation and the neighboring retirement community of Casa Dorinda raised funds for the completion of this planting project. The Garden Club of Santa Barbara applied for and received a Garden Club of America Restoration Initiative Grant which was a substantial contribution to the project. Puck Erickson, a GCSB member and a partner in the local landscape architecture firm, Arcadia Studio, worked pro bono to develop and implement a viable landscape plan for the restoration project. Casa Dorinda was an important partner as well, contributing funding and irrigation. The Garden Club of Santa Barbara played a pivotal role in coordinating the planning, design, and funding support for the project. The Montecito Community Foundation facilitated fundraising efforts and managed donations, with support from the Montecito Association, ensuring community-wide awareness and involvement in the restoration project. | Ruth Green with Montecito Community Foundation; Sasha Shebalin and Puck Erickson of Arcadia Studio; Susanne Tobey with the Garden Club of Santa Barbara; and Brian McCague, CEO of Casa Dorinda; all of whom have been instrumental in the Triangle Restoration Project. |