California Coastal Cleanup This Saturday

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, FROM 9:00 AM - NOON

The Coastside Land Trust is calling all Coastsiders to join us as we come together to clean up our state’s beaches and waterways- to protect our coast and our ocean. All ages encouraged. Invite your friends and neighbors, and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.

Where: Poplar Beach at the west end of Poplar Street, Half Moon Bay

When: Saturday, September 23, from 9am - Noon

What to bring: Layered clothing for coastal weather and sun protection

Parking: Parking available at the Poplar Beach parking lot. Parking permits provided.

Join Community Nature Journaling Classes

Do you want to connect with nature and learn how to observe the world around you in a more intentional way? In partnership with Granada Community Service District, the Coastside Land Trust is offering two nature journaling workshops taught by naturalist, Elexis Padron. Elexis will teach how to slow down, observe one’s natural environment and translate those observations into a beautiful nature journal. This will incorporate writing, drawing, numbers, measurements, painting and even poetry. This is a free intergenerational activity, and all are welcome. All supplies will be provided. Sign up now. Space is limited. To register contact leah@coastsidelandtrust.org

 Workshop #1 – Classroom work at GCSD Meeting Room, Monday, October 2, 2023, 10:00 am-Noon

Workshop #2 – Fieldwork, meet at Quarry Park parking lot, Sunday, October 8, 2023, 10:00am-Noon

Mulch Appreciated

Thank you again to Brush Hog Tree Care for delivering truckloads of fresh mulch to El Granada elementary and Farallone View elementary over these past couple of days in preparation for the Junior Land Stewards gardens. This mulch will be used to preserve moisture and control invasive plant overgrowth- giving the students’ future seedlings a leg up, once they are planted into their gardens.

Preparing the Junior Land Stewards Plots

With great excitement and anticipation, the Coastside Land Trust is gearing up for this school year’s Junior Land Stewards Program. Members of our Board of Directors and Stewardship Advisory Committee have joined Haley Peterson ( Junior Land Stewards Program manager) to weed the Wavecrest JLS plots in preparation for this year’s program and students.

The mission of the Junior Land Stewards program is to connect the students of Cabrillo Unified School District with their local open spaces, and guide them in developing the environmental literacy skills and desire to become life-long stewards of open space. This project features three integrated components:

• Field work and stewardship in the local coastal prairie. This field work is facilitated by the Half Moon Bay High School Science students.

• Weekly hands-on science lessons and journaling

• A culminating celebration in which student stewardship and learning is celebrated and shared with the public.

Donate to support the Junior Land Stewards Program today.

Wildlife Photography and the Documentation of Biodiversity- Webinar recording

Please enjoy this recording as the Coastside Land Trust welcomes Dr. Pedro Peloso, Brazilian field biologist and conservation photographer, as he shares his photographic documentation of biodiversity worldwide. Dr. Peloso's focus has been upon the diversity and evolutionary history of amphibians and reptiles around the world, including the documentation of new, rare and threatened species. Peloso has participated in over 20 scientific expeditions to document this biodiversity, including in South America, Southeast Asia, and India. Through this work Peloso has discovered and named many new species of animals, and published a large number of scientific papers and popular articles covering a range of topics in biology.

Donate to support the Coastside Land Trust free webinar programs and the protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces.

Coastal Trail Association visits Wavecrest Open Space

The Coastside Land Trust team was delighted to host a group of Coast Walk members from the Coastal Trail Asssociation out at the Wavecrest Open Space earlier this week. Thank you to Barbara Dye of our Stewardship committee for sharing the flora and fauna of the region- including an orientation to the native plants and birds within this protected expanse. Thank you also to board member, Sara Polgar for sharing the details of the coastal trail extension, and its plans to improve Wavecrest accessibility, while curbing erosion and rehabilitating the bluff top.

Wavecrest Raptor Walk- with Sequoia Audubon Society

This walk will explore our local overwintering raptor population. Wavecrest is the single most important site on the San Mateo Coast for wintering raptors, which can be seen hunting in the property's broad fields. Raptors and other species rely on its expansive grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and roosting sites. Wavecrest is the place to see many raptors, including White-tailed Kites, Northern Harriers, Turkey Vultures, Sharp-shinned/ Cooper's/ Red- tailed/ Rough-legged Hawks, American Kestrels and Falcons.

We will tour the open space preserve in small groups, each led by a docent from the Sequoia Audubon Society.

Cost: $15

Credit for these incredible photos: Steve Maller and Alvaro Jaramillo

California Coastal Cleanup Day Is Coming Up Soon

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Saturday, September 23, From 9:00 AM - Noon

The Coastside Land Trust is calling all Coastsiders to join us as we come together to clean up our state’s beaches and waterways- to protect our coast and our ocean. All ages encouraged. Invite your friends and neighbors, and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.

Where: Poplar Beach at the west end of Poplar Street, Half Moon Bay

When: Saturday, September 23, from 9am - Noon

What to bring: Layered clothing for coastal weather and sun protection

Parking: Parking available at the Poplar Beach parking lot. Parking permits provided.

While you wait for September, you can do your own Coastal Cleanup! Clean up your neighborhood, parks, and local area anytime. Gather cleanup supplies from home, download the CleanSwell app (to count your trash, and to have your trash counted!), and clean on your own time. Trash from inland areas flows downstream to the coast, so cleaning up neighborhood trash prevents marine debris.

Wildlife Photography/ Documentation of Biodiversity Free Webinar

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE DOCUMENTATION OF BIODIVERSITY

WITH DR. PEDRO PELOSO

FREE COMMUNITY WEBINAR

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023

10:00AM

The Coastside Land Trust welcomes Dr. Pedro Peloso, Brazilian field biologist and conservation photographer, as he shares his photographic documentation of biodiversity worldwide. Dr. Peloso's focus has been upon the diversity and evolutionary history of amphibians and reptiles around the world, including the documentation of new, rare and threatened species. Peloso has participated in over 20 scientific expeditions to document this biodiversity, including in South America, Southeast Asia, and India. Through this work Peloso has discovered and named many new species of animals, and published a large number of scientific papers and popular articles covering a range of topics in biology.

Goats Munching Away...

Thanks to Doreen Maller for this great photograph of the goats munching away on the historic railroad right-of-way. This large herd of goats comes from Star Creek Land Stewards and works with the Coastside Land Trust as a part of a planned grazing project.

Donate to support the Coastside Land Trust and its dedication to preserve, protect, and enhance the open spaces of the San Mateo County coast.

The Arrival of the Goats Drone footage by Steve Maller

Goats Return To The Historic Railroad Right-Of-Way

The restoration goat herd from Star Creek Land Stewards will be moving to their new grazing spot, along the historic Ocean Shore Railroad Right-Of-Way, arriving tomorrow morning (Saturday) between 9:30AM- 10:00. They will not be running across the road this year, but will be returning to work, and great for viewing over the following days- as they are eating fire fuel, aerating the soil, fertilizing the ground, and encouraging the growth of native plant species. This results in a reduction in wildfire danger, improved soil fertility, and an increase in the diversity of native perennial grasses. This process is also good for the environment, as it doesn't require petroleum products or chemicals of any kind.

This large herd of goats comes from Star Creek Land Stewards works with the Coastside Land Trust and the City of Half Moon Bay as a part of a planned grazing project. Stop by the intersection of Railroad Ave & Poplar St in Half Moon Bay and watch these fuzzy restoration workers return to work.

Gathering In Wavecrest Open Space Honors Ric Lohman

Photo credit: Emma Spaeth

Please CLICK HERE to read an article written in the Half Moon Bay review about the celebration honoring Ric Lohman, held out on the bluffs of Wavecrest Open Space last Wednesday.

CLICK HERE to read Ric's obituary in the Half Moon Bay Review.
Please also consider making a DONATION in memory of Ric Lohman, and his dedication to keeping the character of the Coastside, along with his passion to preserve open space. Memorial donations will fund the Wavecrest trail extension. As an avid runner, Ric wore through many pairs of shoes running along the Wavecrest coastline.

Gathering in honor of Ric Lohman

Join us for a
Gathering in honor of Ric Lohman
July 12
6:30 pm  

Let us join together to share stories and memories as we toast and celebrate Ric's life. There will be beverages and snacks provided. Please bring your own blanket or a camp chair if you would like to sit. We hope to catch a sunset and a green flash. The event starts at 6:30 pm. Toasting and the sharing of stories will start at 7:00 pm. 

LOCATION: Wavecrest Open Space. We will meet just south of the Seymour Bridge at the second overlook, which is easily visible from the bridge. DIRECTIONS
The closest parking lot is POPLAR BEACH parking lot (which closes 30 minutes after sunset). There is also a large amount of free street parking in the neighboring streets. Parking is also available at SMITH FIELD, with post sunset closure of gates.

CLICK HERE to read Ric's obituary in the Half Moon Bay Review.
Please also consider making a DONATION in memory of Ric Lohman, and his dedication to keeping the character of the Coastside, along with his passion to preserve open space. Memorial donations will fund the Wavecrest trail extension. As an avid runner, Ric wore through many pairs of shoes running along the Wavecrest coastline.

Contact jo@coastsidelandtrust.org with any questions.

"All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost"

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Nature Journaling Workshops Continue

Great thanks to Elexis Padron for her wisdom and teaching, and to the Coastside Seniors for their collaboration in the second series of nature journaling workshops that took place over these last two weeks. Participants began at the Senior Coastsiders center, learning and practicing with the basic skills and tools. The following week participants traveled to a tree covered spot within the Wavecrest Open Space, next to the Junior Land Stewards gardens. Here participants used flowers from the garden (as well as other biotic and abiotic findings from their immediate surroundings) to evoke Intentional Curiosity and practice their nature journaling techniques.

Donate to support these free community programs, as well as the protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces.

Look who is working on their lunch break...

Stop by and take a look at these goats who are hard at work, munching away in the coastal prairie- just north of the Seymour bridge. This large herd comes from Star Creek Land Stewards, and works with the Coastside Land Trust and the City of Half Moon Bay as a part of a planned grazing project. These goats are effective at eating fire fuel, aerating the soil, fertilizing the ground, and encouraging the growth of native plant species. This results in a reduction in wildfire danger, improved soil fertility, and an increase in the diversity of native perennial grasses. This process is also good for the environment, as it doesn't require petroleum products or chemicals of any kind. They are also beautiful to see along the coastal prairie.

Come over and visit with your family and friends, but please do remember to use caution near the goats, as they are surrounded by electric fencing and hard at work.

Nature Journaling workshops with Senior Coastsiders

Over these last couple of weeks, a group of 13 seniors met to connect with nature and learn how to observe the world around them in a more intentional way. In partnership with Senior Coastsiders, the Coastside Land Trust offered two nature journaling workshops taught by naturalist, Elexis Padron. Within these two sessions, participants learned how to slow down, observe one’s natural environment, and translate those observations into a beautiful nature journal incorporating writing, drawing, numbers, measurements, painting, and even poetry. The first session took place at the Senior Coastsiders center, where participants learned and practiced with the basic skills and tools. The following week participants traveled to Wavecrest Open Space to put these skills into practice in the field.

Participants shared that the sun came out for the field session, and that they saw an abundance of wildlife, including some of the more elusive pacific tree frogs and garter snakes. Another participant shared that she had never spent so much time examining one thing at a time, explaining that these practices have helped her to move beyond a habit of “just taking a photo and moving on.” She has learned how to slow down and become more present in nature.

If you are interested in taking part in a future Nature Journaling workshop with Senior Coastsiders and the Coastside Land Trust please contact Hope Atmore at hatmore@seniorcoastsiders.org. This is a free intergenerational activity, and all are welcome. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited.

Webinar Recording- The Ecology of Soil with Dr. Chelsea Carey

Please enjoy this recording of Ecology of Soil, a Coastside Land Trust free community webinar, featuring Chelsea Carey of Point Blue Conservation Science. Dr. Carey talks about the intricate and fascinating world below our feet. Dr. Carey is the director of Soil Research and Conservation for Point Blue Conservation Science. She develops and leads research projects and partnerships with rangeland management across California and beyond, including local TomKat Ranch. Carey’s research focuses on characterizing soil properties that are relevant to soil health and climate change mitigation, identifying ways that explicit consideration of the soil can improve success of conservation practices.

Learn more about Point Blue Conservation Science. Or you can reach out directly to Dr. Carey with further questions.

Donate to support the Coastside Land Trust free webinar programs and the protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces.

The Ecology of Soil- Free Community Webinar

Photo credit: Bruno Pereira

THE ECOLOGY OF SOIL

WITH CHELSEA CAREY OF POINT BLUE CONSERVATION SCIENCE

FREE COMMUNITY WEBINAR

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023

10:00AM

Join the Coastside Land Trust as we welcome Chelsea Carey of Point Blue Conservation Science to talk about the intricate and fascinating world below our feet. Dr. Carey is the director of Soil Research and Conservation for Point Blue Conservation Science. She develops and leads research projects and partnerships with rangeland management across California and beyond, including local TomKat Ranch. Carey’s research focuses on characterizing soil properties that are relevant to soil health and climate change mitigation, identifying ways that explicit consideration of the soil can improve success of conservation practices.

Learn to Nature Journal at Senior Coastsiders

Do you want to connect with nature and learn how to observe the world around you in a more intentional way? In partnership with Senior Coastsiders, the Coastside Land Trust is offering two nature journaling workshops taught by naturalist, Elexis Padron. Elexis will teach how to slow down, observe one’s natural environment and translate those observations into a beautiful nature journal. This will incorporate writing, drawing, numbers, measurements, painting and even poetry. This is a free intergenerational activity, and all are welcome. All supplies will be provided. Sign up now. Space is limited.

WORKSHOP 1: 6/5 (at Senior Coastsiders) and 6/12 (at Wavecrest Open Space), 2:00-4:00pm

WORKSHOP 2: 6/26 (at Senior Coastsiders) and 7/3 (at Wavecrest Open Space), 2:00-4:00pm

If you are interested please contact Hope Atmore at  hatmore@seniorcoastsiders.org.

Photo credit: John Muir Laws