Conservation on the Farm

Endangered Status: The Gaviota Tarplant is a federally endangered species. It is found only on a narrow 20-mile stretch of the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County.
Endangered Status: The Gaviota Tarplant is a federally endangered species. It is found only on a narrow 20-mile stretch of the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County.

Harris Farm Preserve

In addition to starting a flower farm, we dedicated 30 acres of our land to a permanent conservation easement and nature preserve. The preserve is adjacent to the flower farm and includes oak woodlands, riparian corridors, coastal sage scrub, grassland, and chaparral habitats—supporting a wide range of wildlife. This is a wild place, and we intend to keep it that way. At the same time, we believe people should have the opportunity to experience and learn from it. Starting this summer, we plan to offer guided tours so visitors can see firsthand what makes it so special. Our hope is that this complements the flower farm while celebrating wild landscapes that are becoming increasingly rare along the California coast.

Importance of Conservation

Creating a conservation easement ensures the land can never be developed and its natural resources will be protected for future generations. We believe this is the best way to honor the region’s biodiversity. These 30 acres support a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Gaviota Tarplant (Deinandra increscens ssp. villosa). Its habitat exists only in fragmented populations along the Gaviota Coast, Point Conception, and Lompoc. With nearby development already destroying much of this habitat, we are committed to protecting it through sustainable grazing and ongoing population monitoring.

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