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Teachers Take Root: Junior Land Stewards Program Hosts Second Nature Journaling Workshop

Photos: Haley Peterson

Coastside Land Trust’s Junior Land Stewards (JLS) program continues to grow - alongside the educators behind it.

Last week, 4th grade teachers from across Cabrillo Unified School District gathered for the second JLS teacher workshop of the year. Led by JLS Program Manager Haley Peterson and Nature Journaling Educator Elexis Padron, the group spent an immersive afternoon exploring one of El Granada’s most special (and often overlooked) natural spaces: the local monarch overwintering site.

Tucked within a eucalyptus forest and doubling as a seasonal wetland, this remarkable place hums with biodiversity. Frogs, snakes, raptors, songbirds, and native plants all find refuge here. Careful observers can even spot the distinctive sap wells created by a yellow-bellied sapsucker etched into the bark of towering trees. And yet, despite its ecological richness, the site remains unprotected and is currently owned by the district — a detail that made the visit feel both meaningful and urgent.

Over the course of 90 minutes, teachers fanned out and followed their curiosity. One knelt beside nearby vernal pools, absorbed in close observation. Another carefully documented the shape and texture of oxalis leaves. A third spent the entire time sketching a cluster of mushrooms. One stood still beneath the canopy, pencil poised, recording every bird call drifting through the trees. The morning’s bird list was a delight: spotted towhee, ruby-crowned kinglet, yellow-rumped warbler, Anna’s hummingbird, Allen’s hummingbird, chestnut-backed chickadee, and even a great horned owl.

This is the heart of nature journaling - there’s no wrong way in. Whether you’re a data collector, an artist, a listener, or simply a wonderer, the journal becomes a tool for genuine connection with the natural world. These are the habits of attention and curiosity teachers will carry back to their classrooms and share with students through the Junior Land Stewards program.

But the workshop offers something beyond pedagogy. It provides a rare opportunity for educators to slow down together — to step away from lesson plans and rediscover their own sense of awe. That kind of renewal matters, not just for teachers, but for the young people they inspire.

We’re grateful to Haley, Elexis, and every teacher who showed up with open eyes and a pencil. The Junior Land Stewards program is stronger because of the educators who believe in it — and because of the wild places, like this quiet eucalyptus grove in El Granada, that remind us what’s worth protecting.

Thank you Habitat Heroes!

Photo credit: Rhonda Figone

A small but mighty group of Habitat Heroes came out this past weekend to help remove invasive plants at Wavecrest Open Space, and we lucked out with beautiful Saturday morning weather. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers Julie, Vicky, Sophia O., Stella, Rhonda, Scott, Sophia H., and Carol—along with Coastside Land Trust Stewardship Committee members Barbara L. and Robin, and our fearless leader, Sara P.—we made tremendous progress clearing a large area near the eucalyptus grove on CLT’s 50-acre Wavecrest property.

The crew working on weeding out teasel and bristly ox-tongue from the rushes. Photo credit: Sara Polgar

Together, volunteers tackled several key invasive weeds, including bristly ox-tongue, teasel, and poison hemlock. Like many invasive plants, these species spread aggressively and crowd out native coastal prairie plants. By removing them early in the growing season (before they flower and produce seeds) we help give native species like blue-eyed grass, soap plant, Douglas’ iris, and rushes a better chance to thrive. These native plants are essential for supporting the insects, birds, and other wildlife that depend on healthy coastal habitats.

A bouquet of aromatic eucalyptus! Photo credit: Sara Polgar

The timing of this work couldn’t have been better - with weeds just emerging, and the ground soft enough for effective digging and pulling. Thanks to the energy and teamwork of our volunteers, a significant stretch of prairie is now better positioned for a strong growing season.

Admiring an unusual bristly ox-tongue. Photo Credit: Sara Polgar

These hands-on workdays are critical for the care of our fragile coastal habitats. They are also an opportunity for learning together, and building a community of people committed to the long-term health of our shared open space lands.

The next Habitat Heroes Workday will take place on March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at CLT's Purisima Old Town Site property (affectionately known as "POTS"), and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new volunteers. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to sara@coastsidelandtrust.org for more details.

Voice of the Open Space: Sara Polgar- COO of Coastside Land Trust and Wavecrest Coastal Trail Project Lead

If you’ve walked the bluffs at Wavecrest on a clear evening, watched a red-tailed hawk drift over the fields, or caught the soft glow of soap plant blossoms opening at dusk, you’ve experienced something Sara Polgar hopes everyone gets to feel: connection — connection to land, connection to community, connection to something larger than ourselves.

As Coastside Land Trust’s Chief Operating Officer and the passionate project manager behind the Wavecrest Coastal Trail extension, Sara’s work is rooted in that simple idea.

Sara Polgar with the HMBHS Junior Land Stewards field guides.

Finding Home on the Coast
Sara grew up in a small rural town on the East Coast, and after studying at Stanford and earning her master’s degree in coastal resource management at UC Santa Barbara, she knew she wanted to land somewhere that felt both coastal and close-knit.

Nearly nineteen years ago, she found that here. “This area had the small-town feel I loved,” she says. “Friends nearby, being able to walk everywhere, spending lots of time outside. It felt like a place where you could really live.” It’s also where she and her friends raised their kids together - more like siblings than neighbors- with open space as their shared backyard.

Sara with her family on the Coastal Trail.

From Planning to Doing
Sara’s career began in the world of regional planning for coastal access and sea level rise adaptation for San Francisco Bay - important work, but often slow-moving and without the satisfaction of following through on plans. That insight led her to focus more locally in her career and volunteerism. For almost ten years at the San Mateo Resource Conservation District, she did “boots on the ground” work on the Coastside, fixing erosion issues, restoring habitat and improving water quality in coastal creeks. 

Meanwhile, Sara joined the Coastside Land Trust board in 2011, drawn to the organization’s hands-on stewardship and tangible impact. Today, as COO, she helps guide everything from natural resource management and restoration projects to trail planning, grants, and programs like the Junior Land Stewards. “It’s work that leads to action on the land,” she explains. “You can actually see the difference.”

Sara leading one of her many habitat restoration projects.

Why Protected Spaces Matter
For Sara, coastal open space is both ecological refuge and community commons. These lands protect habitat for raptors, native plants, and fragile ecosystems. They also serve as gathering places for families, neighbors, and visitors - places that are accessible to everyone, regardless of income.

“Public coastal access is protected by law," she says. “Anyone can come here - to walk, play music, sit, watch the ocean, or dip their feet in the ocean.” She smiles thinking about the everyday scenes: volleyball games in the field, kids wandering trails, families escaping the heat inland for a foggy afternoon at the beach.

“It’s not always shiny and perfect,” she adds. “People can be hard on habitat. Part of my job is figuring out how we make human use and nature more compatible.” That balance, between welcoming people and protecting the land, guides her work on projects like the Wavecrest Coastal Trail Project.

The Magic in the Details
Ask Sara when she feels most connected to Wavecrest, and she talks about the small, unexpected moments: soap plant blossoms glowing at dusk, lying on the ground for a breather during a long day of work at the trail project and smelling the ocean air, a calm moment to sit under the stars listening to frog songs and trading stories with her colleagues on a recent night when the Land Trust hosted an astronomy event. “Those surprises in nature…” she says.

During the pandemic, when the world felt uncertain, open space became even more essential. She watched her seventh-grade child and neighborhood kids bike through the trails, build forts, invent games, and claim the fields as their own. “It was such a reminder,” she says. “Even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, the natural world keeps going. Kids still find freedom and silliness out there.” It reinforced something she already knew: these places aren’t luxuries. They’re lifelines.

Sara with fellow Wavecrest trail extension visionaries.

Looking Ahead
As the Land Trust grows, Sara sees a future with deeper stewardship - larger-scale restoration projects, stronger habitat support, and more education through programs like Junior Land Stewards, and partnerships with local schools. At the same time, the organization’s “bread and butter” remains the same: protecting open space as it becomes available and ensuring it stays accessible for generations. And the work can be slow. Environmental progress often is.

So how does she keep going? “With a sense of humor,” she laughs. “You can’t take everything too heavily. You have to find levity and give people the benefit of the doubt. Most folks are just out here because they want to enjoy being outside.”

Sara, we are all so grateful for you!

Full Circle
Recently, Sara brought her parents out to see the Wavecrest Coastal Trail in person. It was one of the first projects of hers they’ve ever been able to witness firsthand. And after her dad’s recent hip surgery they were able to take a comfortable walk together on this trail along the bluffs that she has been working so hard on for the past 11 years.

“At 51, I still want to make my parents proud,” she says, smiling. Sharing that walk - showing them the path she helped shape and the landscape she works to protect - it captures something essential about her work.

These trails aren’t just infrastructure. They’re invitations: to walk, to gather, to heal, to belong. And thanks to Sara’s steady, thoughtful leadership, Wavecrest - and all of the shared  Coastside open spaces - will keep offering that invitation to all of us.

Junior Land Stewards Planting Their Seedlings!

During the third Junior Land Stewards field trip of the year, each 4th grade class took part in its own hands-on habitat restoration experience, bringing months of classroom learning out into the field. Over the course of seven field trips, students planted California native plants they had grown from seed, finally returning them to the land where they belong. Additional native plants provided by California State Parks Nursery and Half Moon Bay High School AP Environmental Science students helped expand the impact of each outing.

When students added up their work across all seven trips, they estimated that they collectively planted nearly 1,000 native plants. Across each field trip, students weeded planting areas, carefully placed seedlings into the soil, watered them in, and documented their observations through nature journaling. Along the way, they discussed the challenges their plants may now face in open space, naming gophers, deer, rabbits, dogs, strong winds, heavy rain, drought, and human impacts. These conversations helped students understand that planting is just the beginning, and that healthy habitat requires ongoing care, protection, and stewardship. Students also reflected deeply on why this work matters. They talked about creating habitat and food sources for local wildlife, especially pollinators and birds, and about their responsibility to care for the places they live.

Participating classes from Hatch Elementary (three classes), El Granada Elementary (two classes), Farallone View, and King’s Mountain each contributed to this collective effort. By the end of their field trips, students could clearly see that their individual actions, thoughtful planting, careful observation, and teamwork, add up to something powerful: a healthier coastal prairie and a more hopeful future for the species that depend on it.

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.

Winter Art Show: “Natural Wonders,” Featuring Work by Half Moon Bay High School Art Students

"Pescadero" by Ezran Appel

"Great Horned Owl  " by Faith Elder 

"Mi Menley Alma" by Luisa Nah Balam 

The Coastside Land Trust is proud to partner with Half Moon Bay High School art instructors Claire Gould and Nina Andersen to present an exceptional showcase of artists from all grade levels. This vibrant collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works celebrates the beauty of our natural world. We invite you to enjoy these pieces, which pay tribute to local landscapes, beloved pets, wildlife, and whimsical, nature-inspired creativity.

Following the March 6 event, the show will remain on display at Coastside Land Trust through March 26. If you’re unable to attend on March 6, please reach out to info@coastsidelandtrust.org to schedule a time to view the exhibit.

Getting Down to Earth: Students Explore the Science of Soil

Things got a little muddy (in the best way!) as the Junior Land Stewards recently dove into the fascinating world beneath our feet — soil science.

Through hands-on demonstrations, students explored soil texture, drainage, and erosion, learning how different types of soil look, feel, and behave in the real world. After reviewing soil particle sizes, they made predictions: which soil would drain the fastest — gravelly, sandy, or clay-rich?

Then came the big test. Equal amounts of water were poured over each soil type, and students watched closely as the water moved through. The winner? Gravelly soil, with water racing through its larger spaces between particles.

Next, students turned their attention to their own habitat gardens. Using the soil jar test and a soil texture triangle, they calculated percentages of sand, silt, and clay to determine their garden’s soil type — a little math, a little science, and a lot of discovery.

To wrap up the day, the focus shifted to soil health and erosion prevention. Students simulated a rainstorm over three scenarios: bare soil, soil covered with mulch, and soil supported by plants and roots. The results were clear and powerful. Plant roots play a critical role in holding soil in place, while mulch acts as an important temporary shield against erosion.

By the end of the lab, students had a new appreciation for the ground beneath them. As one student put it, “I thought soil was cool before this lab, but now I think it’s even cooler!”

We couldn’t agree more. Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy habitats — and future stewards are learning just how important it is.

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 Update- Trash and recycling bins are now at our parking lots!

Good news for trail lovers (and trail tidiers)! We’re happy to share that new trash and recycling bins — along with bike rack structures — have been installed at both Redondo Beach Road parking lots. Hooray!

These additions make it easier than ever to pack out pet waste, dispose of used collection bags responsibly, and keep stray litter from making its way into this beautiful coastal habitat. Plus, the new bike racks give cyclists a simple spot to park and explore on foot.

We are excited for these upgrades that will hopefully help us keep this space clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy together!

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!

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.