Highlighted Projects from the Small Grants Program

Devereux Slough in Santa Barbara County, Site of Multiple SGP Projects

The Small Grants Program (SGP) provides funding for community-based restoration projects in watersheds and coastal wetlands in the southern California region. The purpose of the Program is to build local capacity to plan and implement wetland restoration projects, promote community involvement in wetland and stream restoration activities, and foster education about wetlands ecosystems.  In the context of relatively small restoration efforts being implemented on sometimes significantly degraded wetlands, streams and rivers, restoration is important as a social process to increase visibility and value of wetlands to society.  Community-based restoration can be viewed in part as a means to an end – an avenue to get people connected to their watershed that results in numerous beneficial feedbacks to the community.  A successful SGP project accomplishes meaningful restoration, but the ideal project is more than just a restoration project – it fosters awareness and stewardship in community members.  The point of the Small Grants Program is that restoration is something in which people and communities participate, not just something that consultants perform. Moreover, a good project is well planned and proposed, well run, stays on time and within budget, and well documented.