The Salt Marsh, also known as El Estuaro, is one of the most important wetlands in Southern California.  Nature Park docents will lead you through this beautiful, relatively unspoiled estuary that is home to rare and endangered plants and birds. A haven for migrating birds, the estuary is the foundation for much of the local food chain, as well as a nursery for marine fish. 

The estuary totals 230 acres, 120 of which is owned by University of California, Santa Barbara as the Salt Marsh Reserve. The remainder is the Salt Marsh Nature Park, which is owned and operated by the City of Carpinteria.