Welcome to the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve!
The Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, 32+ acres located off Ramona Avenue in
the town of Los Osos, has been owned and managed by the
Morro Coast Audubon Society since 1989. The preserve offers hiking trails,
beautiful views of Morro Bay and Morro Rock, and excellent birding
opportunities.
Learn more about the
BIRDS of Sweet Springs
See additional information in the Sweet Springs Brochure (PDF).
Get
printable directions
(PDF).
See photos and watch videos from the trail cameras purchased with 2024 Giving Tuesday donations.
See additional information in the Sweet Springs Brochure (PDF).
Read the interesting annual summaries from the Sweet Springs Breeding Bird Survey (2014-2023).
There is no beach access. Rules and Regulations (PDF).
No-Pet Policy - Effective as of September 1, 2017
There is no beach access. Rules and Regulations (PDF).
No-Pet Policy - Effective as of September 1, 2017
For the protection of wildlife and bird species that inhabit and nest in
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, dogs and other pets are not permitted in the
preserve. MCAS greatly appreciates the understanding and cooperation of pet
owners.
To better understand this policy, MCAS is providing the following information (PDF):
Why Dogs Are Not Allowed
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs Welcome Here (other nice places to walk dogs)
References
No Pet Policy Announcement for LOCAC meeting, 07-27-2017
History of the Sweet Springs Site - from ~500 AD to 2017
Archeological artifacts indicate the area where Sweet Springs is located was originally settled by the Chumash as early as 500 AD and they lived there through the late 1700s. The area was subsequently “discovered” by the Spaniard Captain Gaspar de Portola during the ‘Sacred Expedition,’ from Mexico through San Diego to Upper California, from 1769 to 1770.
Read more about the History of Sweet Springs...
East Sweet Springs 2017 Expansion Project
The Morro Coast Audubon Society acquired the 8.3 acre East parcel in 2008. In 2011 MCAS applied to the County of San Luis Obispo for a minor use permit (MUP) allowing for native plant restoration and public access project at East Sweet Springs. In 2017 the MUP was approved and East Sweet Springs was improved with boardwalks, signage, benches, viewing blind, and more. Together with West Sweet Springs and Central Sweet Springs, the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve will continue to be a place to walk, watch birds, and enjoy a quiet and a peaceful natural environment.
Read more about the East Sweet Springs Restoration and Access Improvements...
Get Involved!
Read about volunteer opportunities at Sweet Springs Nature Preserve.
To better understand this policy, MCAS is providing the following information (PDF):
Why Dogs Are Not Allowed
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs Welcome Here (other nice places to walk dogs)
References
No Pet Policy Announcement for LOCAC meeting, 07-27-2017
History of the Sweet Springs Site - from ~500 AD to 2017
Archeological artifacts indicate the area where Sweet Springs is located was originally settled by the Chumash as early as 500 AD and they lived there through the late 1700s. The area was subsequently “discovered” by the Spaniard Captain Gaspar de Portola during the ‘Sacred Expedition,’ from Mexico through San Diego to Upper California, from 1769 to 1770.
Read more about the History of Sweet Springs...
East Sweet Springs 2017 Expansion Project
The Morro Coast Audubon Society acquired the 8.3 acre East parcel in 2008. In 2011 MCAS applied to the County of San Luis Obispo for a minor use permit (MUP) allowing for native plant restoration and public access project at East Sweet Springs. In 2017 the MUP was approved and East Sweet Springs was improved with boardwalks, signage, benches, viewing blind, and more. Together with West Sweet Springs and Central Sweet Springs, the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve will continue to be a place to walk, watch birds, and enjoy a quiet and a peaceful natural environment.
Read more about the East Sweet Springs Restoration and Access Improvements...
Get Involved!
Read about volunteer opportunities at Sweet Springs Nature Preserve.
