Ellwood Mesa closed after rainstorm damage

Goleta, Calif. - After heavy rain from earlier this week, the Ellwood Mesa took a hit and is closed to the public.

This is also home to the Monarch Butterfly Grove.

Entrances are blocked off with tape and signs to showcase the closure of the Mesa.

Some of the damages include a service road that leads to the bluffs for emergency responders and city crews, and will need to be fully re-constructed.

Fallen trees are covering trails and need to be removed. 

Mudslides were also found on the bluffs and those areas need to be assessed. 

As for the monarch butterflies, George Thomson, manager of Parks and Open Space for the City of Goleta said, “This last storm dramatically impacted their population here. And so the community really isn't missing out on much right now. There's not a lot to see in terms of butterflies.”

The city is still in the safety assessment phase to see what other repairs need to be done. 

There is still no date on when the Mesa is set to re-open.