Carpinteria Salt Marsh, located along California’s South Coast in Santa Barbara County, is a 230-acre estuarine system fed by Franklin and Santa Monica Creeks. This salt marsh is part of a small watershed that receives an average annual rainfall of 15 to 20 inches, with much of the water flow occurring during winter storms. The estuary features a mix of salt marshes, tidal channels, mudflats, and brackish wetlands, providing critical habitat for numerous species, including migratory birds, fish, and rare plants.

Human activities have historically impacted the marsh through urban development, channelization of creeks, and modifications to tidal flow, leading to habitat loss and changes in hydrological dynamics. Today, restoration efforts aim to preserve its ecological integrity while addressing the challenges of sedimentation, water quality degradation, and the impacts of sea-level rise. Flooding during storm events poses additional risks to nearby infrastructure and communities.

Real-time water level monitoring at Carpinteria Salt Marsh helps track tidal dynamics, flooding patterns, and changes in hydrology, providing valuable data to guide restoration, habitat management, and flood mitigation efforts. This monitoring ensures the marsh’s long-term resilience and its ability to support biodiversity while balancing the needs of surrounding human populations.