The Rhythm of Wavecrest

If you've ever hiked or biked along the Wavecrest Coastal Trail and watched the grass sway toward the ocean, you've witnessed one of the Coastside's oldest conversations taking place.

Coastal prairie is one of the rarest ecosystems in North America, found in only a narrow ribbon along the Pacific Coast. Shaped by cool ocean air, summer fog, salty breezes, and winter rains, these grasslands support an astonishing diversity of life.

Despite their quiet appearance, coastal prairies can host more species of native plants per acre than many forests and shrublands, making them biodiversity hotspots hidden in plain sight.

Here at Wavecrest, wind shapes the grass and brush. Fog feeds the soil. The ocean cools the land. The land protects the coast. Everything here is connected.

If you too are enjoying Wavecrest this season, please consider a donation of any size to help us care for and protect these beloved coastal landscapes.

Inspiring Tomorrow's Conservation Leaders

Shared from Land Trust Alliance Article, June 18, 2026

Helping people of all ages connect with our shared open spaces on the coast is at the heart of Coastside Land Trust's mission.

In this article for the Land Trust Alliance, our Junior Land Stewards Program Manager, Haley Peterson, shares how the program is inspiring local fourth graders, empowering Half Moon Bay High School Science students as mentors, and creating lasting connections to the land.

The article also looks ahead to an exciting new chapter, with the launch of the Wingwatchers program this fall. This is a brand new bird ecology and community science program for CUSD 7th graders, working in partnership with the San Mateo County Bird Alliance and California State Parks.

Thank you to the the Land Trust Alliance for this opportunity to share this program!

A Few Trail Tune-Ups for a Healthier Wavecrest

Over the next few weeks, we'll be doing some important trail stewardship work at Wavecrest Open Space. You may notice construction equipment returning to the trail - something that looks a little out of place in this beautiful coastal landscape - but it's here to help ensure these trails remain healthy, resilient, and enjoyable for years to come.

We'll be repairing three sections of trail that were damaged this past winter after a movie production company improperly used the trail. These areas will be rebuilt from the ground up with improved drainage and structure, helping the trail better withstand winter rains and years of footsteps to come.

We're also making a few small improvements, including installing split-rail fencing in key locations and formalizing two short trail connections—one near the south stairs and another leading to a beautiful coastal overlook. By creating durable pathways where people naturally walk, we can help reduce erosion while protecting the surrounding habitat.

Healthy trails help protect healthy ecosystems.! Thank you for your patience as we make these improvements.

The Night Shift Is Blooming!

One of Wavecrest's most fascinating native wildflowers is making its summer appearance. Keep an eye out for Wavy- leafed Soap Plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum), whose elegant white flowers bloom from May through August, adding a little magic to the coastal grasslands.

Unlike most flowers, the Soap Plant’s star-shaped blossoms open in the late afternoon and evening, welcoming moths and other nighttime pollinators before closing again by the next morning. It's a clever adaptation that gives a whole different crew of pollinators a chance to feast.

Its name comes from the underground bulb, which is rich in natural saponins—soap-like compounds that California's Indigenous peoples traditionally used for washing and many other practical purposes.

Come take a late afternoon or evening walk at Wavecrest and see these beautiful plants doing their thing!!

If you're enjoying Wavecrest this season, please consider a donation of any size to help us care for and protect these beloved coastal landscapes.

2026 G.O.A.T Showdown Results Are In!

We asked you to cast your vote for the MOST LEGENDARY GOAT from our eight magnificent contenders in the 2026 ultimate G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) showdown, and we have tallied the results!

Drumroll pleasE!!!

This goat may look a little scruffy, but don't let that fool you—Tumbleweed has been hard at work grazing, clearing vegetation, and winning hearts along the way! And your votes have officially crowned this goat the 2026 Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) champion.

Congratulations, Tumbleweed!!!!

A special shout-out to Midnight, who gave Tumbleweed a run for the title and finished as a very impressive runner-up.

Thanks to everyone who voted and helped celebrate our hardworking herd. We think every goat is a winner, but this year, the crown belongs to Tumbleweed!

Help us keep the tradition going strong! Please consider donating to support the return of goats to the Railroad Right of Way next year.

Drone Video of the 2026 Running of the Goats

Check out this incredible video made by local photographer, Steve Maller…

The 2026 Ultimate G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) Goat Showdown!

It's time to vote for this year's most legendary goat! Browse our magnificent contenders, feast your eyes on their epic photos, and choose the ultimate GOAT. Cast your vote and tell us why your favorite deserves the crown!

Nimbus

Side-Eye Sally

Midnight

Chompers

Professor Nibble

Tumbleweed

Dusty

Nellie

What a Morning! Thank You for Joining the Running of the Goats

Thank you to everyone who came out this morning to cheer on the annual Running of the Goats!

Approximately 100 community members of all ages gathered at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Poplar Street to watch one of the Coastside's most beloved traditions. The stars of the show? About 500 enthusiastic goats from Star Creek Land Stewards, who made their way into the Railroad right-of-way and are now happily munching away on invasive vegetation as part of an important planned grazing project.

The event was filled with smiles, laughter, wagging tails, and plenty of memorable moments. Attentive observers were treated to an unexpected bonus performance as swallows swooped and darted overhead, taking advantage of the insect buffet stirred up by the goats. After months of undisturbed growth in this area, the sudden arrival of 500 hungry landscapers sent insects into the air, creating a feast for these agile aerial hunters and a wonderful reminder of how connected our local ecosystems truly are.

We're grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this unique partnership between conservation and community.

Stay tuned for more photos and videos from the event—and get ready for one of our favorite traditions: the return of our "Vote-a-Goat" contest! Soon you'll have the chance to cast your vote for your favorite goat personality, hairstyle, horns, ears, or overall goat charm.

Stop by and check out their progress over the next few days!

Help us keep this fun tradition going! Please consider donating to support bringing the goats back to the Railroad Right of Way next year.

Walking Tour of the Purissima Old Town Site

Walking Tour of the Purissima Old Town Site

Saturday, July 25, 2026

10:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Step into the past with a visit to the Purissima Old Town Site in historic Half Moon Bay. Join us for one of our small 2 hour, docent-led tours and uncover the mysteries of one of the oldest Coastside towns that disappeared. You will learn about the lives of the people who once inhabited this historic site while experiencing the beauty of the native flora and fauna. You will explore a bit about it all as you follow the trails through the redwoods- tucked away from the beaten path. Reserve your spot today.

Tomorrow Morning: The Running of the Goats!

We have a last-minute goat update!

Our friends at Star Creek Land Stewards just confirmed this morning that the annual Running of the Goats will take place tomorrow, June 23, at 8:00 AM at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Poplar Street.

Please forgive the short notice. As it turns out, goats don't spend much time updating calendars, responding to emails, or sticking to predictable meal plans. Their grazing schedule is determined by a variety of factors, and we just received the final time confirmation today.

If you can join us, it's well worth setting an early alarm. Dozens of goats will trot down Poplar Street into the Railroad right-of-way, hooves clicking, tails wagging, and fuzzy heads bobbing. Whether you're 2 or 92, it's an unforgettable sight that brings joy, laughter, and a little bit of wonder to everyone who watches.

More than just a charming local tradition, the goat run marks the start of an important planned grazing project in partnership with Coastside Land Trust, Star Creek Land Stewards, and the City of Half Moon Bay. These hardworking goats help:

• Reduce wildfire fuel
• Aerate and fertilize the soil
• Promote native plant growth
• Support ecosystem health without machinery or chemicals

The goats launch at 8:00 AM sharp, so arrive a few minutes early if you'd like a front-row view of the festivities.

We hope to see you there as we celebrate this unique blend of conservation, community, and goat-powered land stewardship.

The Running of the Goats is on for Tuesday morning!

Wavecrest is Growing: Trail, Habitat, and Beach Access Updates

If you've visited Wavecrest Open Space recently, we hope you've enjoyed seeing the continued evolution of the Wavecrest Coastal Trail Extension. The vision for a more connected, accessible, and welcoming coastal experience is steadily taking shape, with new trail improvements, habitat restoration efforts, visitor amenities, and beach access features coming with each passing week.

One of the most exciting milestones is that the beach access stairs are nearly complete! After many months of planning, construction, and careful coordination, the structures have finally taken shape. While a few finishing touches remain, eager visitors have already begun putting them to use. Ready or not, the stairs are getting plenty of attention, and it's been wonderful to see the community's enthusiasm for improved beach access.

This project has been a long time in the making, and we're grateful for the patience and support we've received along the way. Creating public access while protecting sensitive coastal habitats is a careful balancing act, and we're so happy to see visitors enjoying this trail system every day.

You may also notice a few temporary features around the site. A portable restroom has been placed in Parking Lot 1, and temporary fencing and signage have been installed to protect newly restored habitat and native plantings as they become established.

As much as this project is about connecting people to the coast, it's also about caring for the coastal prairie, wetlands, and wildlife that make Wavecrest so special. We kindly ask visitors to respect fenced areas and posted signs while restoration work continues.

Another milestone worth celebrating is that the new trail extension has been designed to meet ADA accessibility standards, helping create a more welcoming outdoor experience for all community members.

Thank you to so many of you for all of the support, enthusiasm, and guidance through the process. We know many of you have been enjoying watching the progress closely as you walk through or bike along the path. See you out on the trail!

Leadership team helping bring the Wavecrest Coastal Trail Extension to life.

Goat Watch 2026

We’re still waiting on the official starting gun, but sources close to the herd report that the Running of the Goats is getting very, very close… likely within the next two weeks.
This winsome goat appears to know the exact date and is refusing to comment.
Stay tuned! The countdown to chaos, cuteness, and enthusiastic race to weed-eating has officially begun!

Thank You, Habitat Heroes!

Our June Habitat Heroes workday at Wavecrest Open Space was a wonderful way to wrap up another season of stewardship!

A heartfelt thank you to Dawn, Julie, Scott, Sophia, Carol, and Coastside Land Trust Stewardship Committee members Barbara Lohman and Robin for spending their Saturday caring for our coastal landscapes. Together, the team removed a significant portion of a large ice plant patch that had been encroaching on an area rich with native coastal prairie plants.

While ice plant may seem harmless, it can quickly outcompete native vegetation and alter fragile coastal habitats. By removing it, volunteers are helping create space for native species to spread and thrive naturally. We look forward to returning next year to continue the effort and, with luck, fully eradicate ice plant from this section of Wavecrest.

Although this was officially our final Habitat Heroes workday of the season, we all know that stewardship never really stops. The timing of our volunteer season is guided by the rhythms of the landscape, and by early summer many of the invasive plants we target have already gone to seed, and dry soils make weeding difficult. This year, however, has been a little unusual, and there is still work to be done.

In the months ahead, volunteers may have opportunities to help maintain restoration areas planted by our Junior Land Stewards, collect native seeds later this summer, and assist with seed spreading during the winter rainy season. if you are interested in joining this crew please reach out to sara@coastsidelandtrust.org.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who joined us over the past six months. Every weed pulled, every native plant protected, and every Saturday morning spent outdoors contributes to the long-term health of our shared open spaces. We are grateful not only for the work accomplished, but also for the community that grows when people come together around a shared love of nature!!

Look Who Is Showing Off These Days…

If you've taken a walk at Wavecrest Open Space recently, you may have noticed these patches of brilliant pink wildflowers peeking out in patches in all sorts of seemingly random spots. Meet Farewell-to-Spring (Clarkia amoena), one of our native California wildflowers and a total seasonal show-off!! ! It's also one of Coastside Land Trust Board President, Barbara Lohman’s, favorites.

Despite its somewhat melancholy name, Farewell-to-Spring arrives as a celebration of the changing season. Blooming from late spring into early summer, its bright pink blossoms seem to appear just as many other spring flowers begin to fade. It is one of nature's colorful sendoff to the lush green days of spring.

Farewell-to-Spring has more than just a beautiful flower. Native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators rely on its nectar and pollen this time of year , making it an important part of our coastal grassland ecosystem. Each flower opens like a landing pad for hungry insects, helping fuel the intricate web of life that thrives at Wavecrest.

The plant's scientific name, Clarkia amoena, also hints at its charm. "Amoena" comes from a Latin word meaning delightful or pleasing—and after seeing a hillside dotted with these blooms, it's hard to argue with that assessment.

Right now, Farewell-to-Spring is putting on one of its best displays of the year, so it's a wonderful time to visit Wavecrest and see these seasonal beauties for yourself.

Nature's calendar is always turning, and these blooms won't last forever. For now, though, Farewell-to-Spring is having its moment—and it really is worth a walk to witness the show.

If you're enjoying Wavecrest this season, please consider a donation of any size to help us care for and protect these beloved coastal landscapes.

The Running of the Goats is Almost Here!

One of Half Moon Bay’s most beloved (and undeniably adorable) annual traditions is almost here: the goat run down Poplar Street and into the Railroad right-of-way! The Running of the Goats!

If you’ve never experienced dozens of goats trotting through town like they’ve got somewhere very important to be, you’re in for a treat. And if you’ve seen it before, you know exactly why people line the streets year after year to watch this wonderfully quirky Coastside spectacle.

While we’re still waiting on the official date and time, we’re hearing that the run will likely happen sometime in mid-to-late June. Nothing is confirmed just yet, but the moment we hear, we’ll share the details so everyone can mark their calendars and get ready for the hoofed excitement.

The goats come from Star Creek Land Stewards, in partnership with Coastside Land Trust and the City of Half Moon Bay, and they’re not just here for the photo ops. These hardworking landscapers help reduce wildfire fuel, improve soil health, fertilize the land, and support native plants—all without machinery, chemicals, or fossil fuels.

It’s one of those events that perfectly captures the spirit of Half Moon Bay: a little unusual, a lot of fun, and genuinely good for the community and the environment.

Following the Running of the Goats, we'll once again hold our wildly popular Vote-a-Goat Competition, in which you can help crown the ultimate G.O.A.T.

Stay tuned—we'll spread the word as soon as we know more. Until then, consider this your official warning:

GOAT SEASON IS UPON US, AND THE COUNTDOWN TO THEIR RUN HAS BEGUN!

Check out this awesome video created by the talented and Steve Maller …

Stop by and see us at the Coastside Farmers’ Market starting this Saturday!

Stop by and see us at the Coastside Farmers’ Market this Saturday between 9-1! Come learn about ways to enjoy and support our shared open spaces. Whether you’re a longtime CLT supporter, a fellow nature lover, a community member, or simply curious about what’s happening on the Coastside, we’d love to connect and chat with you!

Envirotokens- Please Vote for Coastside Land Trust Today!

Dear CLT Friends,

If you have a moment, we would be very grateful if you would consider voting for Coastside Land Trust in New Leaf Market’s Envirotokens program.

When customers bring reusable bags to New Leaf Community Market, they receive tokens that can be donated to local nonprofits. Coastside Land Trust is currently being considered as one of the participating organizations for the coming cycle!

These small acts of community support add up in meaningful ways and help sustain local environmental and community-centered work throughout the year.

Your votes will help support Coastside Land Trust’s work protecting open space, restoring habitat, and connecting people with the natural landscapes of the Coastside.

Voting is open through end of day tomorrow, June 2!

THANK YOU!!!

Reflecting on a Year of Junior Land Stewards at Roosevelt Beach

The Junior Land Stewards teachers come together one last time this year to explore the sand dunes at Roosevelt Beach through one often-overlooked sense: smell. Alongside time in nature, the group reflected on the year’s successes and challenges and discussed ways to continue strengthening the program for next year, including supporting more combined 4th/5th grade classrooms.

Teachers also shared ideas for making nature journaling prompts even more accessible for students, including using examples from past journals to help spark interpretation and creativity.

As a small thank you for all they bring to the program, teachers were gifted Coastside Land Trust hats and travel watercolor sets to encourage nature journaling wherever they go.

We are deeply grateful for these educators and their commitment to helping students build meaningful relationships with the natural world.

Thank you Habitat Heroes!

In May, our Habitat Heroes volunteers gathered at Wavecrest Open Space for a morning of hands-on stewardship focused on invasive plant removal along the new gravel trails.

A huge thank you to Scott, Bridgett, Julie, Dawn, Sophia, Carol, and Stewardship Committee members Barbara L., Robin, and Barbara D. for your time, attention, and steady work pulling sow-thistle and bristly ox-tongue. These plants were carefully bagged and removed to reduce seed spread and help protect surrounding habitat. While the work can be repetitive, it is an important early step in preventing these species from establishing more widely in future seasons.

Thank you as well to Sara’s husband , Ayad, for tackling a patch of mustard ahead of the event near the south side stairs, and to Scott for making sure all pulled material was properly bagged and packed out.

If you are interested in joining future Habitat Heroes efforts or learning more about stewardship opportunities, please reach out to Sara Polgar at sara@coastsidelandtrust.org.