UCSB campus is located in a scenic and ecologically diverse position on a mesa between a once extensive estuary (Goleta Slough) and the Pacific Ocean. In California subtle differences in slope aspect and hydrology can make significant differences in the plant communities supported. For these reasons the campus supports multiple unique coastal habitats that have become rare in southern California due to increased development pressure. These habitats include coastal sage scrub, coastal dune, oak woodland, native grassland, salt marsh and a variety of wetlands including vernal pool, lagoon, vernal marsh and bioswales.