SAGE promotes environmental stewardship and an active, healthy community through access to nature.
Volunteer Events
We host monthly events on trails throughout the area where volunteers can learn the ins and outs of trail maintenance. No experience is necessary to attend, SAGE crew leaders are always on hand to answer questions and guide groups on tasks. Check back often, as we’ll add more days if conditions are just right or projects allow.
Equitable Access to Nature
Investing in park infrastructure is one of the ways SAGE ensures access to healthy and active spaces, without requiring a means or willingness to travel into the National Forest. Parma, Elings, and Tucker’s Grove Parks are within, or just outside, some of Santa Barbara’s higher density, and historically underrepresented urban zones. In the 2023 season, SAGE created accessible trails at Parma and Elings Parks, suitable for use by folks with strollers, wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Both trails feature low grades, with smooth, wide, and hard surfaces for ease of travel in an otherwise steep and rough region.
Youth Recreation
We support local cycling clubs and youth leagues to build community and instill active habits from the ground up. Our local parks are a favorite outlet for young families to recreate together, and Elings Park has even developed a mountain bike summer camp on their trails. To complement the advanced trails our area is known for, one of SAGE’s top priorities is to improve access to terrain suitable for young and beginner riders to safely progress.
Bell Program
The first of its kind, this program was developed in response to increased user conflict on local trails more than two decades ago. The tight corridors and narrow, exposed single-track that make our area’s historic routes so enjoyable can also invite startling encounters in less than ideal places. Bike bells alert users to cyclists coming up or down trail, taking out the element of surprise. You can find bells at our local bike shops or at most popular trailheads.