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.

WEBINAR RECORDING - Challenge at the Edge: Sea Level Rise, Extreme Events and California's Coast with Dr. Gary Griggs

Challenge at the Edge: Sea Level Rise, Extreme Events and California's Coast

with Dr. Gary griggs

free community webinar

Please enjoy this free community webinar recording as we welcome Dr. Gary Griggs for an engaging webinar exploring coastal erosion and timely geology insights affecting the San Mateo Coast. Dr. Griggs will share current science, local observations, and what changing coastal conditions mean for our shoreline communities and habitats. This talk offers a valuable opportunity to better understand the forces shaping our coast and the future of this dynamic landscape.

Dr. Gary Griggs is a distinguished professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he has taught and conducted research on coastal processes, hazards, and sea-level rise for more than five decades. He has authored numerous books and scientific articles, and is widely recognized for his expertise in coastal geology, shoreline erosion, and the impacts of climate change. If you are interested in Dr. Griggs’ work, check out some of his books, interviews and links to his work here…

You can also check out The Geological Evolution of the Santa Cruz / San Mateo Coast - Webinar Recording with Gary Griggs from our 2021 series.

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If you’re able, we invite you to support Coastside Land Trust and help make this work possible. Your donation directly supports these free webinars and community events that connect people to the coast, deepen understanding of the environmental challenges we face, and inspire stewardship for the landscapes we all share.

A Seasonal Glimpse of Wavecrest Open Space... Come Take a Walk and Slow Down

Right now at Wavecrest Open Space it is a pretty magical time to come take a walk and slow down! Spring is shifting toward early summer along the coast, so the landscape is especially alive with color, birds, and coastal movement.

You’re likely to see:

• Coastal wildflowers still hanging on in the grasslands and bluff edges — especially California poppies, seaside daisies, Douglas iris, buttercups, vetch, and patches of lupine in protected spots.

• Thick green coastal grasses beginning to turn golden in sunnier areas.

• Pollinators everywhere right now: native bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and hummingbirds moving through flowering patches.

• Raptors actively hunting over the open fields — red-tailed hawks, white-tailed kites, and kestrels are commonly spotted soaring or hovering above the grasslands. Wavecrest is right along the Pacific Flyway, so bird activity stays high through spring migration.

• Foggy mornings followed by brighter afternoons have been creating that classic dramatic Coastside contrast: silver marine layer, sparkling ocean, and intensely green hillsides.

• Velella velella (“by-the-wind sailors”) washing up recently along the San Mateo coast just below the bluffs.

The cypress “tree tunnel” area is especially lush right now too — very wind-shaped, fragrant, and moody with the marine air. A lot of locals say this is one of the best times of year to walk it before the drier summer browns arrive.

If you go in the next couple of weeks:

• Early morning = best bird activity and softer light

• Late afternoon = clearer ocean views once the marine layer burns back

• Weekdays are still much quieter than weekends

You can come take a walk on the Wavecrest California Coastal trail extension that now offers:

• Expanded Trails: 2.5 miles of new, compacted gravel trails that complete a vital section of the California Coastal Trail, from the Seymour Bridge to Redondo Beach Road.

• Safe Beach Access Stairs and Path: From the blufftops down to Redondo Beach.

• Improved Parking: Gravel parking with restrooms/ drinking water/bike racks/trash

• Wildlife Protection: Reducing erosion and restoring habitats 

• Universal Access: Trails and facilities designed for accessibility year-round, making it safer for families, seniors, and people with mobility challenges.

Coastal Erosion and Geology Talk with Dr. Gary Griggs- Free Community Webinar

Credit: courtesy of Gary Griggs

COastAl Erosion and Geology Talk with Dr. Gary griggs

free community webinar

MAy 16, 2026

10-11am PST

Join the Coastside Land Trust as we welcome Dr. Gary Griggs for an engaging webinar exploring coastal erosion and timely geology insights affecting the San Mateo Coast. Dr. Griggs will share current science, local observations, and what changing coastal conditions mean for our shoreline communities and habitats. This talk offers a valuable opportunity to better understand the forces shaping our coast and the future of this dynamic landscape.

Dr. Gary Griggs is a distinguished professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he has taught and conducted research on coastal processes, hazards, and sea-level rise for more than five decades. He has authored numerous books and scientific articles, and is widely recognized for his expertise in coastal geology, shoreline erosion, and the impacts of climate change. Dr. Griggs also writes the popular “Our Ocean Backyard” column and has been honored as one of California’s Coastal Heroes for his contributions to science and public outreach.

Thank you from the Junior Land Stewards!

Thank you to everyone who donated to support the Junior Land Stewards Program during Coastside Gives. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise $40,592 to support this program—thanks to 116 of you!

Please enjoy this video of a few Junior Land Stewards sharing their thanks and why they love the program.

The Junior Land Stewards wrap up another great year!

The Junior Land Stewards Program has wrapped up another fantastic school year, working with all of the fourth-grade students from the Cabrillo Unified School District. 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.

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 Half Moon Bay High School 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 and going deeper! Please consider making a donation during Coastside Gives to double your impact!!

Growing Future Stewards of Our Coast

From restoring native habitats to connecting local youth with nearby open spaces, this work is possible because of people like you.

Your support fuels our Junior Land Stewards Program, where students build real scientific skills while developing a lasting connection to the landscapes around them—bringing environmental science to life for our local Cabrillo Unified students.

Together, we can reach more classrooms, inspire more young scientists, and grow the next generation of land stewards who will care for this coast we all share.

Wonders of Wavecrest: Thank You

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at Wavecrest Open Space. Your curiosity, energy, and thoughtful engagement made it a truly meaningful morning!

Together, we explored the coastal prairie through a scientific and historical lens—looking closely at native plant communities, seasonal blooms, and the birds that rely on this habitat. From raptors and pelicans and songbirds overhead to small details captured in your journals, it was a great reminder that careful observation deepens our understanding of these landscapes. Thank you to our fantastic facilitators!

There are few better ways to bring people together than through a shared interest in the natural world, and yesterday reflected that in the best way!! We’re grateful to be part of such a great community that values both learning and stewardship.

If you feel as grateful for these open spaces that make events like this, and such time in nature possible please consider donating to support the preservation and protection of our shared open space land.

Dear Friends,

Spring is here on the coast, and we have two wonderful ways for you to connect with nature, community, and the beauty of the season this weekend with us.

Wonders of Wavecrest: A Guided Tour
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – Noon

Join Coastside Land Trust for an immersive journey through the breathtaking Wavecrest Open Space. Led by our expert team, this guided tour explores the rich history of the landscape 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 chance to take part in a guided nature journaling session to deepen your connection to this remarkable place.

What to expect:

• A welcome and overview of Wavecrest’s history and current projects

• A guided plant exploration, highlighting native species and ecosystems

• Wildlife observation, with opportunities to spot a variety of raptors, songbirds, and shore birds.

• A hands-on nature journaling activity to reflect and engage your senses

Tickets sell out incredibly fast, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Wavecrest in a meaningful and memorable way.

Coastal Wildflower Day Festival
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2 PM

Stop by the Coastal Wildflower Day Festival hosted by California State Parks.

This joyful free community event celebrates spring, local wildflowers, and the restoration efforts that support thriving coastal ecosystems. Coastside Land Trust will be there hosting a table with activities, materials, and inspiration for all ages. Come say hello and celebrate the season with us.

We hope you’ll join us for one—or both—of these special opportunities to explore, learn, and celebrate the coast we all love.

Warmly,
Coastside Land Trust