It was a fantastic afternoon celebrating collaboration, sustainability, and yes — a very good-looking dog park. 

 

Standing with our partners from the Santa Monica Mountains Fund and the City of Calabasas, LV staff gathered recently to celebrate the Butterfly Garden and Micro-Forest at Calabasas Bark Park — a project rooted in environmental stewardship, community partnership, and the natural beauty of the region. 

Born from a shared vision to restore habitat and create resilient, climate-conscious landscapes, the garden now serves as a vibrant show of how native, water-wise plants can thrive while supporting biodiversity and enhancing community spaces. Featuring California-friendly vegetation inspired by the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains, the project helps improve soil health, support pollinators, and reduce localized heat — all while creating a beautiful destination for park visitors (both the two-legged and four-legged kinds). 

 

“This project is a great example of what can happen when organizations come together around a common goal,” said Craig Jones, LVMWD Resource Conservation Manager, “Not only have we created a beautiful and functional habitat space, but we’ve also created an opportunity for our customers to see firsthand how they can bring the natural environment of the Santa Monica Mountains into their own yards.”  

The project would not have been possible without the partnership and dedication of the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, whose expertise and support helped shape the garden, and the City of Calabasas, which will steward the site for years to come. 

The Butterfly Garden is a living example of sustainable landscaping in action. Visitors can explore native plants up close, see how habitat-friendly landscapes function, and gather inspiration for their own yards at home.