What We Do
The Dunes Collaborative works to identify restoration, recreation, and educational needs in the dunes and to allocate funds to enhance these efforts. Identified priority projects include: controlling the spread of non-native invasive plant species; recovering rare plant populations; improving and protecting sensitive coastal habitats and listed species; and enhancing visitor experiences through education, interpretation and visitor services in the dunes.
The Dunes Collaborative reviews projects submitted to the Restoration Subcommittee and provides recommendations on those projects in accordance with criteria established by the Stewardship Collaborative and approved by the Restoration Subcommittee. The Restoration Subcommittee is responsible for final project approval and making sure that all activities are consistent with the settlement criteria.
Past Projects
2010
Invasive Species Removal and Monitoring
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is working with the Dunes Collaborative to do invasive species removal and monitoring in many different parts of the Dunes Complex, including the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, and other parts of the dunes.
Restoration Task Force Coordination
The Land Conservancy is working with the Dunes Collaborative to coordinate the Restoration Task Force. This project coordinates a committee of science professionals to strategize and provide guidance over the restoration efforts being made in the dunes through Dunes Collaborative funding.
Re-Assessment: Using Remote Sensing to Map Invasive Species in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes
Over the last eight years, invasive species removal has been the priority restoration activity in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes (the Dunes). Priority treatment areas were originally determined in 2003. The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive re-assessment of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex, including areas previously un-surveyed, to resolve the overall effect of treatment efforts to date, as well as provide critical reassessment and prioritization for future invasive species treatment allocation
Dunes Collaborative Administration
The Dunes Center works with the Dunes Collaborative to provide a formal administrator of the Dunes Collaborative Endowment projects. The Dunes Center provides over site, coordination, and resources.
Mission Expansion and Capacity Building
This project was designed to increase and expand the Dunes Center's capacity to engage the Central Coast community in programs and activities that enhance the public understanding and the appreciation of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex, thereby increasing the likelihood of additional conservation and restoration efforts within the Dunes Complex. In addition, the project was designed to strengthen and expand the volunteer base for resource restoration and dune-related public access and educational services.
2009
Invasive Species Removal and Monitoring
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is working with the Dunes Collaborative to do invasive species removal and monitoring in many different parts of the Dunes Complex, including the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, ConocoPhillips Santa Maria Facility, and other parts of the dunes
Restoration Task Force Coordination
The Land Conservancy is working with the Dunes Collaborative to coordinate the Restoration Task Force. This project coordinates a committee of science professionals to strategize and provide guidance over the restoration efforts being made in the dunes through Dunes Collaborative funding.
Interpretive Trailer Project
The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is working with the Dunes Collaborative to provide an interpretive trailer in the dunes. This trailer was unveiled at an open house event hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Dunes Center at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge in April. It is currently being exhibited at Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve parking area at the west end of West Main Street (Highway 166). CNLM manages this park for the County of Santa Barbara. If you visit this trailer you will learn about birds in the dunes, especially the federally threatened western snowy plover.
Dunes Collaborative Administration
The Dunes Center works with the Dunes Collaborative to provide a formal administrator of the Dunes Collaborative Endowment projects. The Dunes Center provides over site, coordination, and resources
Research Library Accessibility and Maintenance Project
The Dunes Center works with the Dunes Collaborative to provide an information repository in our Olivier Fourie Research Library. The main goals of this project are to provide an updated and easily usable search engine for our collection online and to provide digital access to public Dunes Collaborative documents via the internet.
2008
Invasive Species Removal and Monitoring
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is working with the Dunes Collaborative to do invasive species removal and monitoring in many different parts of the Dunes Complex, including the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, ConocoPhillips Santa Maria Facility, and other parts of the dunes.
Restoration Task Force Coordination
The Land Conservancy is working with the Dunes Collaborative to coordinate the Restoration Task Force. This project coordinates a committee of science professionals to strategize and provide guidance over the restoration efforts being made in the dunes through Dunes Collaborative funding.
Interpretive Trailer Project
The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is working with the Dunes Collaborative to provide an interpretive trailer in the dunes. This trailer was unveiled at an open house event hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Dunes Center at the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge in April. It is currently being exhibited at Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve parking area at the west end of West Main Street (Highway 166). CNLM manages this park for the County of Santa Barbara. If you visit this trailer you will learn about birds in the dunes, especially the federally threatened western snowy plover.
Upcoming Events
Newsletter
Our newsletter keeps you up to date with the latest information about our exhibits, upcoming events, and programs.