A Coastside Land Trust Night Under the Stars...

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Coastside Land Trust evening under the stars! On a clear, cloudless night, a wonderful group gathered with binoculars and great energy to take in the sky together. The cool air was perfectly matched with warm cups of hot chocolate and coffee, lovingly crafted by Executive Director, Bob Rogers.

We’re especially grateful to Rachel Ross for sharing her expertise, guiding us with her magical laser pointer and answering all our questions, and to Bryan Atsatt for lending a helping hand throughout the night. It was a great evening of learning, connection, and community. Thank you to all who joined to be a part of it! If you missed this event, keep your eyes peeled for more of these events to come in the future.

Habitat Heroes Launch a Strong Start at Wavecrest

Last Saturday a dedicated group of volunteers gathered at Wavecrest Open Space for the first Habitat Heroes Workday of 2026. With the help of volunteers Julie, Vicky, Sophia O., Alejandra, Bridgett, Sophia H., Carol, and members of the Coastside Land Trust Stewardship Committee (Barbara D., Robin, April, and Barbara L.), meaningful restoration work got underway.

One of the highlights of the day was the seeding of Choris’s popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys chorisianus), a rare native plant. Volunteers spread seed along two former “casual” trail segments that had been intentionally broken up last fall as part of trail restoration work. Identified by CLT’s project botanist as high-priority opportunity sites, these areas offer promising conditions for reestablishing this special species. This marks the first time Coastside Land Trust has attempted seeding Choris’s popcorn flower, and we’re excited to monitor how it responds in the year ahead.

After seeding, volunteers split into groups to tackle additional stewardship projects. One team successfully removed a patch of invasive jade plant that had taken hold along the bluff edge, while another focused on cleaning up invasive ice plant along the new gravel Coastal Trail—continuing restoration efforts that began last winter.

These hands-on workdays are about more than just removing invasives or planting seeds. They’re about caring for Wavecrest’s fragile coastal habitats, learning together, and building a community of people committed to the long-term health of this special place.

The next Habitat Heroes Workday will take place on February 14 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with the location to be announced. This monthly series will continue on the second Saturday of each month through May, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new volunteers. If you are interested in joining this team please reach out to sara@coastsidelandtrust.org

Thank you to everyone who helped make our first Habitat Heroes Workday such a strong start to the year!

Wavecrest Beauty This Morning

The coast has a way of opening us all up. After the rain—and between the storms—the land feels alive and cozy along the Wavecrest Coastal Trail, for all who are willing to throw on a jacket and step out the door…

Kite flyers spotted from the trail!

The boots on the ground who are making this all happen!

Junior Land Stewards- Words from the Field

Just before winter break, Junior Land Stewards students were out exploring Coastside open spaces together. High school students stepped into leadership roles as field guides for 4th graders, leading field-based nature journaling activities such as sound mapping, my secret plant, bird observations, ecosystem inspections, and reflective prompts like I notice / I wonder / It reminds me of.

Favorites included sound mapping, where students slowed down to listen and map the sounds of nature, and “my secret plant,” where careful observation and detailed drawings helped peers locate a hidden natural object. Each trip also included learning the story of the land—from the protection of Rancho Corral de Tierra at Farallone View, to El Granada’s Ocean Shore Railroad and the community effort to save Quarry Park, to Wavecrest’s agricultural history and coastal prairie grasslands.

Guided by their high school mentors, students had time to explore these places deeply, building curiosity, confidence, and a sense of ownership and belonging in the open spaces that surround them.

Thank you to the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, Cabrillo Unified School District, Granada Community Service District, and everyone who contributed during Coastside Gives for their generous support of this program.

If you would like to help this program continue to grow, please consider making a donation to support the Junior Land Stewards and the ongoing protection and stewardship of our precious open spaces.

Wavecrest Trail Extension- New Year, New Access!

Happy New Year from Wavecrest! We’re excited to share some of the last 2025 progress on the Wavecrest Trail Extension and beach access—work that’s already making a visible difference for the community.

We’ve officially wrapped up the final to-dos needed to open the second Wavecrest parking lot, and it’s already being put to good use.

Here’s what’s new:

• Parking access expanded:

  • Lot 1 (newly opened): 20 marked parking spaces

  • Lot 2 (previously opened): 10 marked spaces, with room for approximately four additional vehicles
    Wheel stops for those extra spaces will be installed in the coming weeks. (In the meantime, visitors are already using them.)

• Trail and beach access looking great:
  After the recent rain, the gravel trail and the path to the beach (especially along the north side) are holding up well- solid, scenic, and ready for use.

• Next steps underway:
  This week, work is continuing behind the scenes to map out where split-rail fencing will be installed along the trails. Once conditions dry out, fencing installation will begin, helping guide trail use and protect surrounding habitat.

One small but important reminder as more people enjoy this space: PLEASE PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN. Additional “no littering / take your trash with you” signs will be installed soon, and we’re asking everyone—especially dog walkers—to help care for this shared place by taking waste home.

We’re grateful to everyone who’s already exploring the new access points and helping bring this project to life. Each step forward brings us closer to a more connected, welcoming stretch of the California Coastal Trail—and we can’t wait to share what’s next.

Stay tuned for more Wavecrest updates, and we hope to see you out on the trail soon.

COMING SOON... Astronomy Walk at Wavecrest Open Space

Join the Coastside Land Trust for a special evening astronomy walk at Wavecrest Open Space, taking place from 6:00–8:00 p.m on January 24th. as we explore the night sky together in one of the Coastside’s most beautiful open spaces.

This guided walk will be led by Rachel Ross, an experienced astronomy educator who has worked in an observatory specializing in education, outreach, science research, and telescope operations. Rachel brings a deep passion for making astronomy accessible and engaging, drawing on her experience teaching introductory astronomy labs, collaborating with research astronomers, and leading public sky-viewing programs.

As daylight fades, we’ll walk the trails, learn to identify celestial features, and enjoy a quiet, awe-inspiring view of the night sky above the coast. This event is perfect for curious beginners and seasoned stargazers alike.

Come experience Wavecrest after dark—and see the Coastside from a whole new perspective.

TICKETS COMING SOON!!

Become a Habitat Hero in 2026!

The Coastside Land Trust is bringing back our Habitat Heroes Workday Series in 2026, and we invite you to join us in caring for the open spaces we protect.

From January through June, volunteers will gather on the second Saturday of each month (9–12) to work on high-priority habitat restoration projects at CLT-managed sites, including Wavecrest Blufftops and Purissima Old Town Site (POTS). You’ll get your hands dirty, learn about the land, and make a real difference alongside fellow community members.

2026 Workday Dates

January 10 • February 14 • March 14 • April 11 • May 9 • June 13
(You’re welcome to participate even if you can’t attend every date.)

Workday 1: Wavecrest Blufftops

Saturday, January 10 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tasks include spreading native seed in recently restored areas and, time permitting, hand-removing ice plant. Expect a short walk, beautiful coastal views, and hands-on learning.

What to bring: sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, layers, water, and gloves (extras provided).

How to Join

To become a Habitat Hero or ask questions, please contact Sara Polgar at
info@coastsidelandtrust.org

We hope to see you out on the land this January!

The CLT 2025 Stewardship Report Slideshow

Beautifully curated by stewardship team member Barbara Dye, this slideshow offers a glimpse into the lands we are honored to own, care for, and share. Through striking photography, it highlights the diversity of our conserved properties, species observed throughout the year, and moments of connection from stewardship events with our community. Together, these images tell the story of thoughtful land management, dedicated care, and the living landscapes that make our region so special.

If these places inspire you as they inspire us, we invite you to consider supporting our stewardship work. Your donation helps ensure these lands continue to thrive—for wildlife, for community, and for generations to come.

Sharing Our Annual Highlights: A Year of Caring for the Coastside, Together

We’re excited to share our Annual Slide Deck, highlighting the work, progress, and community stories that defined this year. It’s a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished together—and a reminder of what’s possible when a community stands up for its coast.

Thank you for being part of this ongoing, collective effort. We’re honored to protect and care for the Coastside with you.

For those wishing to support CLT’s conservation work, we’ve included a link below…

"Why Are Open Spaces Important?" - Words from the Field with the Junior Land Stewards

Ever wonder what really makes our open spaces so important? Haley Peterson, our Junior Land Stewards Program Manager, took that question straight to the people who explore these landscapes with the most curiosity—her students out in the field.

In this quick, two-minute video, you’ll hear honest, funny, and unexpectedly wise answers from the next generation of land stewards. From wildlife to fresh air to places to just be, these kids remind us exactly why protecting open space matters.

Hit play and let them tell you themselves!

NEW PARKING LOT ON REDONDO ROAD is now open for the Wavecrest Coastal Trail!!

We’re excited to share that the NEW PARKING LOT ON REDONDO ROAD is now open for the Wavecrest Coastal Trail!! With 35–45 spaces, and restrooms and bike racks to come - getting out to enjoy this special coastal area will be safer and easier than ever.

This is an important step in the Wavecrest Trail Extension, connecting Poplar Beach to Redondo Beach with 2.3 miles of new compacted gravel trails, beach access stairs, and boardwalks that protect wildlife habitats.

We’re so grateful to our community and supporters for helping make this possible. Come on explore, enjoy the views, spot some raptors, and help us continue protecting this beautiful coastline for generations to come

This parking lot is clearly raptor approved!!

Tune In on Giving Tuesday: Coastside Land Trust on KHMB Radio

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to tune in to KHMB Radio (100.9 FM) on December 2 from 1:00- 2:00 pm for a special conversation highlighting the work your support makes possible. Coastside Land Trust Board President Barbara Lohman, Executive Director Bob Rogers, and Junior Land Stewards Manager Haley Peterson will be on air sharing updates from across our organization.

They’ll discuss the progress of the Wavecrest Trail expansion, our year-round stewardship and restoration efforts, and the impact of the CUSD Junior Land Stewards program, where students connect deeply with coastal ecosystems through hands-on learning. You’ll also hear about our community education offerings—from guided walks and webinars to nature journaling sessions that help people of all ages build a relationship with the land.

We hope you’ll join us on KHMB this Giving Tuesday to learn more about the work happening across our Coastside and the partnerships that keep it thriving.

Celebrating Art, Wildlife, and the Coastside: New Local Clothing and Gifts by Our Very Own Sara Polgar

It’s not every day that an organization can say its Chief Operating Officer is also an insanely talented artist—but (we hate to brag, but…) we can! This season, we’re celebrating the creative work of our own Sara Polgar, who has transformed some of the Coastside’s most iconic wildlife into truly beautifully illustrated designs.

She’s teamed up with a local printing agency to bring this artwork to life as a new line of Coastside swag—thoughtful, high-quality gifts that totally honor the land, the species we love, and the community that helps protect them.

These designs feel both personal and deeply local—perfect for fellow nature lovers who live on, visit, or love our Coastside. Needless to say, our staff has already been shopping for our loved ones (and ourselves!) for the holidays.

See some examples from the collection featured below - including some of our favorite local fauna. These include:

• The majestic raptor (of course!)

• The elusive long-tailed weasel, captured in all of its quick, curious charm

• A coastal bat, an important and often overlooked member of our ecosystem

You can also click the button below to view the full collection.

Stunning Raptors from the Wavecrest Walk- Thank you Donna Pomeroy!

White Tailed Kite- hovering with that unmistakable poise - Photo credit: Donna Pomeroy

Last weekend’s Wavecrest Raptor Walk gave us one of those wonderful Coastside mornings when the weather allows for many of us to come together to witness a whole lot of raptor magic. We’re thrilled to share three beautiful photographs captured by Donna Pomeroy on that morning, each one highlighting the grace and power of our local birds of prey at Wavecrest Open Space. Thank you to Donna for sharing these incredible photos!

American Kestrel - Photo credit: Donna Pomeroy

American Kestrel - tiny, fierce, and absolutely radiant in the coastal sun - Photo credit: Donna Pomeroy

Northern Harrier - Photo credit: Donna Pomeroy

Northern Harrier - sweeping low over the prairie in classic harrier style- Photo credit: Donna Pomeroy

These images remind us why protecting places like Wavecrest matters so deeply. During this season of giving and generosity, we hope you will consider supporting the work that protects these lands and animals that we all cherish.

Fourth Grade Teachers Kick Off the Year With Connection and Reflection

This Monday the fourth grade teachers joined Coastside Land Trust staff members Elexis Padrón and Haley Peterson for the first Junior Land Stewards teacher training of the year. It was a thoughtful, energizing session—one that showcased how much heart and intention these educators bring to their students every day.

They discussed both the joys and challenges of guiding students through the JLS program, providing valuable feedback that will help strengthen the experience for their classrooms. They also practiced slowing down with a journaling exercise focused on seeing the world from different perspectives—an activity that translates far beyond environmental education into many areas of life.

Their conversation naturally explored mental health, sources of inspiration, and what brings them joy. Seeing them share so openly was a powerful reminder of the care they hold for their students and for the broader community.

Connecting in this way—over shared values, curiosity, and the desire to create meaningful learning experiences—is at the heart of Coastside Land Trust’s mission to protect and preserve open space for future generations. By fostering these connections and supporting educators, we help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world, inspiring the next generation of stewards for our coast and lands.

Thank you to the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, Cabrillo Unified School District, Granada Community Service District, and everyone who has donated to support of this program.

If you would like to help this program continue to grow, please consider making a donation to support the Junior Land Stewards and the ongoing protection and stewardship of our precious open spaces.

Another GREAT Raptor Walk

Last Saturday’s Raptor Walk at Wavecrest was a beautiful morning to be out on the coast. Under clear skies, 87 participants set out in small groups and spotted White-tailed Kites, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels and other raptors and other birds that make their winter home in Wavecrest’s open grasslands.

Huge thanks to the San Mateo County Bird Alliance guides for sharing their expertise, and to everyone who came out—your curiosity and enthusiasm are what make this annual walk so special.

Also a huge shout out to Sara Polgar, and to everyone who has been working tirelessly to complete the Wavecrest Trail Extension that makes this walk even more incredible and accessible to all!

Wavecrest remains one of the most important wintering habitats for raptors on the San Mateo Coast, and your support helps protect this landscape year after year. If you joined us, please note that the event fee goes directly toward paying our guides. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us care for this place and continue offering programs like the Raptor Walk.

November 18 Wavecrest Trail Update: Hydroseeding Progress and Preparing for More Rain

Construction and restoration work at the Wavecrest site continues, with significant progress made ahead of another round of seasonal rain. Following last week’s efforts to stabilize the blufftops and seed newly contoured restoration areas, crews focused on completing hydroseeding and erosion-control measures across both sides of the ravine.

On the south side, hydroseeding went especially well. The contractor successfully applied a mix of native seeds, mulch, water, and nutrients to encourage quick vegetation growth and long-term soil stability. This application will help protect the restoration area during the coming storms and support the return of healthy coastal plant communities.

The north side of the ravine also saw important restoration work this week. Crews wrapped up seeding, installed straw mulch, and placed additional wattles to slow runoff and prevent further erosion. These final touches were timed carefully to take advantage of the moist conditions that help seeds establish while minimizing potential storm impacts.

Coming Up NEXT:

As more rain is forecast, on-site activity will slow while the restoration areas benefit from the natural watering. Once conditions begin to dry out, the contractor will install a removable wooden bollard at the end of Redondo Beach Road. This bollard will prevent non-construction vehicles from driving onto the trail, helping protect the work zone and keep the area safe for the community.

Thank you for following along and supporting the continued progress of this project. Each step brings us closer to improved trail access, stabilized bluffs, and long-term ecological health for this cherished stretch of coastline. Let’s hope the rain gives our newly seeded areas a good jumpstart!

Junior Land Stewards Are Planting Their Seeds!

Recently our Junior Land Stewards have been diving deeper into hands-on ecological learning—beginning their discoveries of how native plants grow, how to track data like scientists, and how their work directly supports the wildlife that shares our coastal home.

Each student selects one native plant species to focus on, learning about its growing needs and the ways it benefits local pollinators and other wildlife. To better understand how plants respond to different conditions, students set up a simple experiment: they plant seeds in two pots—one with added fertilizer and one without—and make predictions about what might happen as the plants mature. Throughout the project, they practice documenting observations using consistent methods, helping them gather accurate data over time.

As their seedlings begin to sprout, students are introduced to graphing and tables, learning how to represent growth trends and comparisons in their nature journals. These early data-collection skills help them communicate what they’re seeing and build confidence as young environmental scientists.

With more than 20 native plant species to choose from, students are cultivating a rich diversity of plants that will grow into thriving pollinator gardens. Hatch and King’s Mountain students will later plant their seedlings at Coastside Land Trust’s 50 acres in Wavecrest Open Space. Meanwhile, students at El Granada and Farallone View nurture habitat gardens on their own school campuses.

Over the years, Junior Land Stewards have expanded these gardens, creating healthy spaces that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. All seeds used in the program are collected directly from Coastside Land Trust properties, ensuring each new plant is deeply rooted in its home ecosystem.

Thank you to the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, Cabrillo Unified School District, Granada Community Service District, and everyone who contributed during Coastside Gives for their generous support of this program.

If you would like to help this program continue to grow, please consider making a donation to support the Junior Land Stewards and the ongoing protection and stewardship of our precious open spaces.

Wavecrest Trail Extension Update: Restoration, Hydroseeding, and Parking

Work at the Wavecrest construction site has slowed due to recent rain, but steady progress continues on key elements of the project. Over the past two weeks, the contractor focused on building the second (western) parking lot and restoring eroded blufftops on the south side of the ravine.

Soil excavated from the new parking lot area was repurposed for the blufftop restoration site—about 0.3 acres where topsoil had previously washed away. After shaping the terrain for proper drainage, the team seeded the area with a native coastal mix and installed straw wattles to help prevent erosion ahead of last week’s storms.

This week will be a shorter construction week as more rain is expected. The south bluff restoration area is being hydroseeded—a process that sprays a slurry of water, native seed, mulch, and nutrients to quickly establish vegetation and stabilize the soil. The mixture may include a biodegradable colored dye, which helps crews see where the seed mix has been applied; the color fades naturally over time and is completely compostable.

Meanwhile, the contractor will begin connecting the existing casual path to the redwood crib wall structure, creating a temporary route for informal beach access from the south side. This interim path will remain in place until construction begins on the permanent south staircase, anticipated to start in January.

As always, thank you for your continued patience and support as this exciting project nears completion—bringing improved access and restored habitats to our beloved coastal landscape.

Wavecrest Bioblitz Gratitude

Thank you to the San Mateo County Bird Alliance, and to everyone who came out to the Wavecrest Open Space Bioblitz on such a beautiful day yesterday! Together, we explored, observed, and recorded the many species that call this area home—an effort that helps us better understand and care for this coastal habitat.

Participants documented a wide range of plants and animals, including several bird species such as American kestrels, northern harriers, white-tailed kites, red-shouldered hawks, turkey vultures, meadowlarks, and a variety of sparrows. They also identified a breadth of native plants (including plants like soap plant, yarrow, and California buckwheat) along with a diverse list of Invertebrates and unique galls.

This event also comes as the Wavecrest Trail Extension nears completion. Though construction is still underway, the trail extension is already helping visitors connect more closely with these vibrant habitats within these shared open spaces that the Coastside Land Trust works hard to preserve and steward.

Thank you to the San Mateo County Bird Alliance for organizing this event and giving our community the opportunity to come together to explore and document the life of this shared open space.