San
Marcos Foothills once comprised 1500 acres of undeveloped
foothill and terrace landforms along the rim of the
Goleta basin. The remaining 377 acres still offer expansive
vistas, diverse biological treasures, recreational opportunities,
and identified archeological sites. They can teach us
and our children much about California as it was hundreds
of years ago. And if we preserve the land, it may well
serve as a lifeline to the future. This is a place to
learn, to restore the spirit, and to discover the miracle
when they happen together.
Above: Sphinx Moths emerge
at dusk from their hiding places and feed on the nectar
of flowers. Sphinx Moth larvae are yellow with long
black dorsal lines. The larvae change underground into
adult moths, then dig their way to the surface. Mating
occurs shortly thereafter, with females laying as many
as 1,000 eggs on the underside of food plants. Eggs
hatch within a few days. Photo by Morgan Ball.
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