Santa Barbara, Calif. – On Friday evening, the Environmental Defense Center hosted its seasonal TGIF celebration, highlighting the successful acquisition of the Naples property along the Gaviota Coast by the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County.

Decades‑long effort reaches a turning point

EDC Chief Counsel Linda Krop praised the Surfrider Foundation and the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County as “indispensable” partners in the campaign. The Land Trust now holds a purchase agreement for the roughly 1,000‑acre parcel, preventing developers from building more than 70 mansions that had once been approved for the area known as the Santa Barbara Ranch.

Community leaders share the moment

Surfrider Executive Committee member Bob Keats said the purchase “culminates 35 years of effort by local environmentalists,” adding that the celebration reflects “a lot of work by many people and other organizations over a long period of time to save this property.”

Committee member Stephanie Boshers reminded attendees that the work is not finished: “We still have money that needs to be raised. There are still properties that are not part of the purchase that will need to be addressed.” She urged volunteers to join the Surfrider Foundation, the Land Trust, and other groups to keep momentum going.

Fundraising continues

The campaign aims to raise at least $16 million to fully protect the Naples property and adjacent lands. Organizers encourage donations through the Save Naples website, noting that every contribution helps secure the coastal habitat for future generations.

Local flavor

The evening featured a performance by the band Brengrass and complimentary ice cream from Dave’s Drip House, adding a community‑focused touch to the environmental milestone.

For more information or to contribute, readers can visit naplescampaign.com.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.