Evening Blooms and Buzzing Life: A Glimpse of Wavecrest's Spring Magic

As spring deepens on the San Mateo Coast, the Wavecrest Open Space comes alive in the most subtle and magical ways. During the golden hours of dusk, the coastal breeze slows, the light softens, and the native plants and pollinators of our open space put on a show—if you know where (and when) to look.

One of the most striking sights right now is the California paintbrush (Castilleja spp.), glowing orange and red in the warm light. These semi-parasitic wildflowers thrive in native grasslands and coastal scrub, drawing their strength from the roots of nearby plants. Their brilliant bracts—often mistaken for petals—catch the low sun like fire.

Nearby, the soap plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum) opens its delicate white flowers only at dusk. Known as "amole" to Indigenous Californians, soap plant has long, curling leaves and sends up tall stalks where flowers bloom briefly in the evening, offering nectar to crepuscular pollinators.

Visit these same plants in the midday sun and you'd hardly guess the magic they hold. The soap plant’s flowers are tightly closed, waiting for evening. It’s a quiet reminder that much of nature’s drama unfolds when we slow down and look carefully.

While watching the flowers, you may also noticed something extraordinary beneath your feet—a small hole in the earth, just off a grassy trail, where bumblebees are coming and going with purpose. Bumblebees are ground nesters, and this humble entrance likely leads to an underground hive. Unlike the hives of honeybees, these wild colonies are seasonal, home to a queen and a few hundred workers.

These native pollinators are essential to the health of our open space, helping plants like the paintbrush and soap plant thrive from year to year.

Whether you’re walking the Wavecrest trails in broad daylight or pausing at sunset, there’s always more than meets the eye. This land is living, blooming, and buzzing—with stories written in color and flight. If you can spare the time, come take a walk and enjoy this beauty that so many of you and we have been working so hard to preserve!

You can also check out these great webinars that orient us to this incredible open space and the natural wonders of the coast!

Help us safeguard and care for these cherished coastal open spaces…

Junior Land Stewards 2025- A Year in Review Slideshow

The Junior Land Stewards Program has wrapped up another inspiring school year, working with the fourth-grade students from Alvin Hatch, El Granada, and Farallone View elementary schools. We invite you to enjoy this slideshow capturing highlights from their journey—moments of discovery, learning, and meaningful work that reflect a deepening connection to the land. This year has been a powerful one for growing skills and cultivating a lifelong ethic of stewardship among our local youth.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all who make this program possible. We are especially grateful to the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation and the California Coastal Commission for their generous support, alongside the Land Trust Alliance, Robert G. Kirby Foundation, Granada Community Services District, The Tomberg Family Philanthropies, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, California State Parks Native Plant Nursery, Cabrillo Education Fund, and Mavericks Community Foundation. Special thanks to Haley Peterson and Barbara Lohman, who share their passion and dedication with every fourth-grade class and many HMBHS science students in the Cabrillo Unified School District. We are also deeply thankful to the many board members, staff, and community supporters who help nurture this vital program.

Help us keep growing. Please consider making a donation to support the Junior Land Stewards and the ongoing protection and stewardship of our precious open spaces.

Wrapping Up the Year: The Final Nature Journaling Workshop for Cabrillo 4th Grade Teachers

To close out the school year, the Cabrillo fourth grade teachers gathered for one last Nature Journaling Teacher Workshop—this time at the beautiful Half Moon Bay State Beach. It was a great way to step back, reflect, and enjoy a quieter moment together outdoors.

This session, focused on "Using Our Senses and Questioning," marked the final workshop in a professional development series for teachers in the Junior Land Stewards (JLS) Program. Throughout the year, these workshops have supported teachers in bringing more nature-based learning into their classrooms and helping students build stronger connections to the natural world.

At the beach, teachers practiced tuning into their surroundings—listening, observing, and taking note of what they noticed. They also explored ways to guide student curiosity through open-ended questions that spark deeper thinking and engagement.

A big thank you to all our fourth grade teachers for their energy and dedication. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead and are grateful for the work you do every day with your students.

This program is supported by your generous support, as well as The California Coastal Commission's WHALE TAIL® Grant and the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.

Donate to support the Junior Land Stewards Program, connecting our local Coastside students to the natural world, and guiding them in stewardship of their local open spaces.

Healthy Waters, Thriving Coast- Webinar Recording

Healthy Waters, Thriving Coast

Presented by Kellyx Nelson and Clifton Herrmann

of San Mateo RCD

Are you curious about water quality at local creeks and beaches? Where does pollution come from, and who is helping safeguard our local waterways? Which pollutants affect humans, and which ones affect wildlife? How does water quality in coastal San Mateo County measure up? What can we, as local residents and businesses, do to be part of the solution? Learn how scientists and volunteers work together to track the health of our streams, wetlands, and coastal waters, and how these data are helping protect our environment and public health. Join the Coastside Land Trust as we welcome Kellyx Nelson and Clifton Herrmann, the Executive Director and Water Quality Specialist of the Resource Conservation District, to answer some of these questions and more.

Learn more about how to get involved and to support that San Mateo Resource Conservation District and its projects at www.sanmateorcd.org.

Donate to support the Coastside Land Trust free webinar programs and the protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces at www.coastsidelandtrust.org/donate.

Healthy Waters, Thriving Coast - Free Community Webinar Tomorrow at 10am

Healthy Waters, Thriving Coast

Presented by Kellyx Nelson and Clifton Herrmann

Saturday, May 10, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Are you curious about water quality at local creeks and beaches? Where does pollution come from, and who is helping safeguard our local waterways? Which pollutants affect humans, and which ones affect wildlife? How does water quality in coastal San Mateo County measure up? What can we, as local residents and businesses, do to be part of the solution? Learn how scientists and volunteers work together to track the health of our streams, wetlands, and coastal waters, and how these data are helping protect our environment and public health.

Join the Coastside Land Trust as we welcome Kellyx Nelson and Clifton Herrmann, the Executive Director and Water Quality Specialist of the Resource Conservation District, to answer some of these questions and more. It promises to be an engaging discussion on local water quality monitoring, data collection, and community conservation efforts.

Nature Journaling Brings Coastside Families Together at Farallone View

Last week, the Coastside Land Trust partnered with Elexis and our team to host a heartwarming Family Engagement Night at Farallone View Elementary school , where families came together to slow down, connect, and experience nature through journaling. The event welcomed a wide range of participants—from incoming transitional kindergarteners to seasoned 5th graders—along with their caregivers, all eager to explore the natural world through observation and reflection.

With nature journals in hand, families took part in a sensory-based activity designed to deepen awareness and appreciation of their immediate surroundings. Each participant was invited to record:

• 5 things they saw

• 4 things they heard

• 3 things they physically felt

• 2 things they smelled

• and 1 emotional feeling they were experiencing in the moment.

After this mindful exercise, we created gratitude lists that captured everything participants were thankful for in the space around them—from the cool evening breeze to the laughter of their children. It was a beautiful reminder that nature is not only something we visit—it’s something we live in, and live with.

As a parting gift, each family received a nature journal and a ZINE from the Wild Wonder Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering curiosity, creativity, and connection through nature journaling. Founded by naturalist and artist John Muir Laws, the Wild Wonder Foundation provides tools and inspiration to help people of all ages engage more deeply with the natural world. Their colorful and approachable zines include journaling prompts and tips that make it easy for families to continue their nature connection at home.

We’re so grateful to all the families who joined us, and to our partners and volunteers who made the evening such a success. Events like these remind us how powerful it is to pause, look closely, and wonder together.

Stay tuned for more nature journaling events and workshops with the Coastside Land Trust!

This Land Is Our Trust: Help Preserve the Coast

This land—wide open, wild, and free—is a gift we hold in trust, for now and for generations to come.
Our open spaces aren’t guaranteed. They exist today because people like you choose to preserve and protect these precious coastal places.
Your support makes all the difference.
Donate through Coastside Gives this week and be part of a lasting legacy of care.

Giving Where We Live…

Hello CLT friends! Coastside Gives Day is almost here—May 1 is next week! But the great news? Early giving is open now, and it's the perfect time to show your love for the land we all cherish.

At Coastside Land Trust, we’ve spent over two decades working to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural, scenic, historical, and agricultural treasures of Half Moon Bay and the San Mateo County coast. Every step forward has been made possible by the passion and generosity of our community—and this year, we have an incredible opportunity to do even more, together:

All donations will be matched up to $20,000 thanks to a generous anonymous donor!

Your gift will directly support our Community Education Initiative, which brings the magic of the coast to people of all ages through:

• Junior Land Stewards Program – inspiring students through fieldwork and science-based exploration

• Guided Walks & Raptor Tours – highlighting local ecology, geology, and history

• Community Webinar Series – with thought leaders, environmentalists, and educators

• Hands-on community events – like nature journaling workshops and the beloved Running of the Goats 

• And this year’s exciting new addition: educational trail signs! These engaging, beautifully designed signs will share fascinating facts about our coast’s ecosystems, history, and wildlife—turning every trail walk into a learning adventure.

This is truly a chance to give where you live—and double your impact while you’re at it.

Please consider making a gift today during early giving to help us continue this important work—and double your impact in the process.

We are deeply grateful to the Mavericks Community Foundation for this incredible opportunity to raise funds in support of our shared coastal lands—dramatic blufftop views, rolling valleys, rich wetlands, and historic open spaces that inspire, renew, and connect us. These lands are our collective legacy and speak to the future we all share.

Junior Land Stewards Wrap Up the Year with Springtime Discovery

As the school year winds down, the Junior Land Stewards capped off their season with a series of adventurous field trips filled with learning, and muddy boots—just the way we like it!

Our enthusiastic 4th graders returned to their beloved pollinator gardens for one last exploration before summer. Armed with nature journals and sharp eyes, they documented changes since their last visit, noting everything from new blooms to unexpected visitors. With the guidance of their high school field guides, students gently weeded around their growing plants and made thoughtful predictions about how their gardens might look when they return.

Despite some soggy spring conditions—thanks to a generous dose of rain—spirits remained high. No shoe left the day clean, and no student left untouched by the magic of the outdoors. Exciting sightings like chorus frogs and newts added to the thrill- reminding everyone of the beauty and surprises that nature holds.

Through observation, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world, these young stewards have demonstrated what can happen when curiosity meets conservation.

We're all proud of everything the Junior Land Stewards have accomplished this year. They worked hard, stayed curious, got their hands (and boots) dirty, and made a difference.

This program is supported by your generous support, as well as The California Coastal Commission's WHALE TAIL® Grant and the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.

Donate to support the Junior Land Stewards Program, connecting our local Coastside students to the natural world, and guiding them in stewardship of their local open spaces.

The spirit of exploration continued with a nature-themed bingo scavenger hunt. Students eagerly scanned the environment to check off items like butterflies, moss, seed pods, gopher holes, and even birds of prey. Each sighting sparked curiosity and conversation, and by the end of the hunt, every student had achieved "Bingo!" Their prize? A well-earned CLT hawk keychain, proudly presented by their high school field guides.

Happy Earth Day and Thank You Habitat Heroes!

Happy Earth Day from Coastside Land Trust!

This Earth Day, we’re sending out a heartfelt thank you to all of you who continue to care deeply for our coastal lands and open spaces. Every native flower, bird, and butterfly benefits from your love and stewardship — and we see that impact firsthand every day.

A special shout-out goes to our incredible Habitat Heroes team, who gather on the second Saturday of every month to roll up their sleeves and remove invasive weeds from our coastal habitat. These dedicated volunteers are making a real difference, helping native ecosystems thrive right here on the coast.

At our 4th Habitat Heroes Workday on Saturday, April 12, we want to give major thanks to Vicky, Julie, Carol, Sophia, Vivienne, Samantha, and Barbara L for their outstanding work removing invasive ice plant from the bluff edges at Wavecrest.

Yes, it was windy — again! — and the ice plant didn’t exactly cooperate this time around, but that didn’t stop our team. Their efforts are key to giving native flowers the space and sunlight they need to bloom this spring. While the ice plant may have pretty pink flowers, it tends to crowd out native species, so removing it is essential to restoring a healthy, biodiverse coastal habitat.

Want to get involved?
Join the movement! Our Habitat Heroes meet on the second Saturday of each month and we’re always looking for more hands to help. Email us at info@coastsidelandtrust.org to learn more or sign up.

Let’s keep working together to protect and restore the land we all love.
Happy Earth Day!

— The Coastside Land Trust Team

Come Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Half Moon Bay!

Celebrate the Earth with us!! CLT will be hosting a table and sharing information in celebration of Earth Day at the Half Moon Bay library at 620 Correas St • Half Moon Bay, CA. Stop by and see us!

Here's Lookin' At You...

"He’s been giving us all the side-eye since 1997… and he wants to know if we have donated to support our collective open spaces yet this year.

This wise old goat isn’t just judging—he’s inspiring! Join us in supporting our community and our open spaces during Coastside Gives. Your donation makes a difference!

Donate today for double impact!

Double Your Impact for Local Open Spaces – Coastside Gives is Here

As we step into Coastside Gives early giving, we invite you to be part of something that nurtures both our land and our community.

For over two decades, our mission has been to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural, scenic, historical, and agricultural treasures of Half Moon Bay and the San Mateo County coast—for today, and for generations to come.

From restoring native habitats to connecting local youth with nearby open spaces, our work thrives because of people like you. And this year, we have a special opportunity to make your generosity go even further:

All donations will be matched up to $20,000 thanks to a generous anonymous donor!

Your gift will directly support our Community Education Initiative, which includes:

•  Junior Land Stewards Program – empowering students through hands-on fieldwork and science-based exploration.

•  Guided Walks & Raptor Tours – exploring local ecology, geology, and history.

• Community Webinar Series - featuring esteemed environmentalists and educators.

•  Engaging community workshops and events - like the Running of the Goats and nature journaling workshops for community members and seniors.

•  Educational signage along our trails to inspire curiosity and learning.

Together, these programs spark a lifelong love of nature, deepen our understanding of the land, and inspire stewardship across generations.

Please consider making a gift today during early giving to help us continue this important work—and double your impact in the process.

We are deeply grateful to the Mavericks Community Foundation for this incredible opportunity to raise funds in support of our shared coastal lands—dramatic blufftop views, rolling valleys, rich wetlands, and historic open spaces that inspire, renew, and connect us. These lands are our collective legacy and speak to the future we all share.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Wonders of Wavecrest guided tour yesterday...

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for The Wonders of Wavecrest: A Guided Tour on Saturday! It was a beautiful day spent exploring the breathtaking Wavecrest Open Space in smaller subgroups, where we observed vibrant spring blooms, spotted some happy Wavecrest birds, and learned about the history and upcoming projects of the area.

Special thanks to our guides for sharing their knowledge and leading us through these explorations and the nature journaling session. Your enthusiasm, insightful questions, and connection to the landscape made the day truly memorable. We hope this experience deepened everyone’s appreciation for the coastal prairie, and we look forward to seeing you all at upcoming Coastside Land Trust events!

The Wonders of Wavecrest: A guided tour

Join the Coastside Land Trust for an immersive journey through the breathtaking Wavecrest Open Space. Led by our expert team, this guided tour will explore the rich history of Wavecrest and introduce you to the diverse flora and fauna of the coastal prairie—including local birds and vibrant spring blooms.

The Wonders of Wavecrest: A Guided Tour

Saturday, April 5, 2025

10:00 AM 12:00 PM

Participants will also have the unique opportunity to engage in a nature journaling session, guided by our Junior Land Stewards Program Manager, to deepen their connection with this stunning landscape,

Tickets are limited. All ages welcome and encouraged!

Wildfire And The Coast Webinar Recording

WIldfire and the coast

Presented by Timothy Federal

Saturday the Coastside Land Trust welcomed Timothy Federal of the San Mateo Resource Conservation District to discuss the pressing issues of wildfire management, habitat restoration, and climate resilience on the Coastside. This was a unique opportunity to learn about the historical and current state of fire practices in our region, including how seasonality impacts local ecosystems, and how these practices compare to other areas. We explored an exciting new fire reduction project taking place in the Wavecrest Open Space—an effort carefully designed to reduce wildfire risk while protecting the sensitive monarch butterfly migratory habitat.

Donate to support the Coastside Land Trust free webinar programs and the protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces at www.coastsidelandtrust.org/donate.

Junior Land Stewards Dive Into the Science of Pollination via Flower Dissections

Within the Junior Land Stewards Program, students are exploring the intricacies of plant systems. Recently, they had the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of plants through flower dissection. This hands-on experience sparked curiosity among our 4th-grade participants and provided them with answers to some common questions about flowers, pollination, and plant reproduction.

Here is a note from Haley Peterson, Junior Land Stewards Program Manager:

During our flower dissection, students were able to answer the following burning questions:

• Why do plants produce flowers?

• What is the purpose of nectar?

• Why are there brightly colored petals?

• What is the purpose of a sepal?

• Where does pollen come from and what does it do?

• What has to happen for a seed to grow?

• Why are we doing this work, and what purpose do our pollinator gardens serve?

Students talked about plants as food, shelter, seeds, and reproduction.We dissected flowering maples, daffodils, and African corn flag flowers. The 4th graders discovered that, although each flower was very different, they all had the parts that make up a flower and allow for pollination and reproduction. By using hand microscopes, the Junior Land Stewards were able to take an even closer look at their flowers.

We are excited to get back out into the field next week and see if any of our California native plants have started producing flowers!

This program is supported by your generous support, as well as The California Coastal Commission's WHALE TAIL® Grant and the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.

Donate to support the Junior Land Stewards Program, connecting our local Coastside students to the natural world, and guiding them in stewardship of their local open spaces.

The Wonders of Wavecrest: A Guided Walk- coming soon!!

Join the Coastside Land Trust for an immersive journey through the breathtaking Wavecrest Open Space!

Led by our expert team, this guided tour will take you through the rich history of Wavecrest while introducing you to the diverse flora and fauna of the coastal prairie—including local birds and vibrant spring blooms.

You’ll also have the unique opportunity to participate in a nature journaling session to deepen your connection to this stunning landscape.

Here’s a sneak peek at the day’s activities:

Wavecrest Plant Exploration with Barbara Dye
Exploring the fascinating world of the Wavecrest plants, learning about their history and the crucial role they play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Wildlife Exploration with Malia DeFelice
Getting up close to the local wildlife, including owls, kites, harriers, and white-crowned sparrows. Who knows what other exciting species we might encounter along the way?

Nature Journaling Activity with Haley Peterson & Kate Dickey
All groups will come together for an interactive nature journaling session. Engage your senses with a sound mapping exercise and reflect on your experience through journaling.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature, wildlife, and fellow nature enthusiasts. Reserve your spot today!

Thank you Habitat Heroes!

A big thank you to our amazing volunteers – Vicky, Lisa (and Skipper the dog!), Carol, Robin, Barbara D, and Barbara L – for making the third Habitat Heroes Workday on Saturday, March 8th at Strawberry Point such a success!

The weather and scenery were spectacular and it was very satisfying and surprisingly easy work pulling the long snakes of ice plant out of the lovely mix of native plants near the bluff edges. Removing the mats of ice plant was much more challenging, but still satisfying because we took out the patches completely -- go team!! –and we uncovered native wild strawberry plants growing under one of the ice plant patches... strawberries at Strawberry Point.

2024 Annual Report is Here!

We're excited to announce that the Coastside Land Trust 2024 Annual Report is fresh off the press and ready for all to read!

This year we're proud to share our accomplishments, milestones, and the impact we've made in protecting our shared open space lands of the Coastside. From habitat restoration to community engagement, it's been a year of good work and significant progress, and we can't wait to share it with you.

Check out this full report to learn more about how your support is making a difference.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!