flutterby

This weekend, I decided to visit the Ellwood Butterfly Reserve and explore the area. Located in Ellwood Beach just north of Isla Vista, the butterflies travel to the Reserve between November and February. The butterflies are absolutely amazing and there are literally hundreds flying around you. Since I went on the weekend, there were many children, couples, and families there (even dogs!), so I would recommend going on the weekdays! Although it is not a long walk to the preserve, I would only recommend the walk for those that are able to go on a dirt trail (may not be ideal for seniors or those unable to easily walk).

The trail is a short hike from the road, intertwining between trees, old sofas, a giant trampoline and even a paintball gun war site! I was going to go to explore the trampoline, but soon found someone sleeping on it and quickly.. left! After leaving the trampoline, I continued on to the Butterfly Reserve. While the actual area is roped off, there are benches built into the hill for observers to sit on. I went to the Butterfly Reserve hoping to examine the butterflies up close and observe them in their temporary habitat. However, I soon realized (because it was the middle of the day and warm) the butterflies were constantly moving and too far to be seen up close. While I did take pictures in a zoom mode, I spent a majority of the time quietly sitting and observing, opposed to hands on exploring. The area was incredibly peaceful and the butterflies were absolutely beautiful. The butterflies are in large clumps in the trees, as well as floating around. While they were not mating yet, the environmentalist there explained that in a few weeks, they would be. As the sun went down, the butterflies begun to move around much less, and instead huddled together in large bunches in the trees.

After visiting the butterflies, I followed a trail out to the Ellwood Beach. Although I have run different trails out to this beach, I had never taken this specific trail. On the trail, I found an demolished cement bridge, as well as a new trail leading down to the beach. Although I spent some time on the beach, I am planning to go back to explore the tide pools and rocks at low tide. After 3 hours at the Butterfly Reserve, I went home and found the exploration a complete success. I was able to report back (came home safely!) but also enjoyed the experience.

Photo credit: Joshua Kennedy took pictures of the butterflies. (my roommate who went with me and is a photographer). Anna Nickelson (my little sister who also went) took pictures of me on the new trail we found.