A Hawk on the Hunt at Wavecrest

Photo credit: Tim Best

What a month it’s been at Coastside Land Trust! While we've been busy with exciting projects, we didn’t want this moment to go unnoticed. During a recent trail review at Wavecrest, CLT’s Sara Polgar and trail engineer Tim Best were lucky enough to witness this stunning hawk take flight from its perch on the bluff top- talons primed for the hunt. An awesome reminder of the wildlife that makes Wavecrest so special! Happy holidays everyone!

Donate to help preserve, protect, and care for our beautiful, shared open spaces.

First Nature Journaling Workshop for Junior Land Stewards Teachers

Last week the Coastside Land Trust kicked off its first Nature Journaling Teacher Workshop of the year for the fourth grade teachers in the Junior Land Stewards Program (JLS). This workshop marks the first in a series of professional development sessions for these Cabrillo fourth grade teachers, aimed at enriching their teaching practices and deepening students' connection to nature.

Guided by veteran JLS educators, the teachers explored how to incorporate nature journaling into their classrooms, focusing on using numbers and data to enhance the upcoming JLS lessons. The workshop also highlighted how the JLS curriculum naturally aligns with English and Math standards, reinforcing skills already being taught.

Beyond the hands-on activities, teachers had the chance to reflect on the power of nature journaling to spark curiosity and scientific inquiry in their students. As the day ended, they were treated to a stunning sunset—a beautiful reminder of the wonders they’ll be sharing with their students this year.

Donate to support the Junior Land Stewards program and the preservation, protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces.

Wavecrest Coastal Trail Expansion Starts This Summer...

Wavecrest Open Space is a gem on the San Mateo Coast, offering stunning views, wildlife watching, and coastal recreation, especially known for the Bird Trail, a beloved 1/3-mile stretch of the California Coastal Trail that provides a unique vantage point for viewing migrating whales, raptors, and shorebirds.  The Coastside Land Trust is working to make Wavecrest safer, greener, and more accessible for everyone with the Wavecrest Coastal Trail Project.

What’s Coming?

• Expanded Trails: 2.7 miles of new, compacted gravel trails connecting Poplar Beach to Redondo Beach, completing a vital section of the California Coastal Trail.

• Safe Beach Access Stairs: 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.

• Summer 2025: Planned construction start

Why It Matters?

• Preserving Wildlife: Wavecrest is the most important site on the San Mateo Coast for wintering raptors, as well as  a rich diversity of other shore bird species, including shorebirds, pelicans, and cormorants. This project will help protect their habitats while giving visitors better access to wildlife viewing.

• Sustainability: By consolidating public access onto well-designed, environmentally-friendly trails, this project will protect Wavecrest’s grasslands, wetlands, and roosting sites.

• Safety: Informal trails are not only unsafe for visitors but also accelerate erosion. The new trails will provide a safe, year-round experience for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

• Scenic Views: From the new trails and the Bird Trail, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, spot migrating whales, and watch raptors in flight—all while protecting this precious coastal ecosystem.

Project Features:

• 2.7 miles of compact gravel trails, with equestrian-friendly soft shoulders.

• Boardwalks through wet areas to protect habitats.

• Beach access stairs for safe, easy beach visits.

• New parking areas with 35-45 spaces, restrooms, drinking water, and trash bins.

• Preservation of Wavecrest’s wildlife habitat and native vegetation.

• Accessible trails and facilities for all users, including families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges.

Wavecrest Coastal Trail is ready to welcome you safely, while protecting the natural beauty and wildlife that make this space so special. Let’s work together to keep Wavecrest a place of joy for generations to come.

Dogs are always welcome on-leash at Wavecrest. Please remember to pick up after your pets and respect others.

New Nature Board On Main Street: Stop By For CLT Information And Seasonal Surprises

We’re excited to announce that a brand-new information board has been installed right outside our office on Main Street! After we give it a little weather test over the weekend, it’ll be ready to share all sorts of fun seasonal tidbits about the natural world and what we have to look forward to here on the coastside.

Designed and crafted from reclaimed redwood by the talented Ayad Al-Shaikh and Sara Polgar, this board is not just informative but a beautiful piece of art too. Stop by, check it out, and stay tuned for updates on local wildlife, upcoming events, and all things nature.

See you soon!

Caring For The Land; The Coastside Land Trust Monitors and Cares for its Open Space Properties- Presented by Barbara Dye

CArInG Over The Land;

The Coastside Land Trust Monitors and Cares for its Open Space Properties- Presented by Barbara Dye

San mateo county bird alliance - Free Community Webinar

December 12, 2024

7:00 PM

If you missed Barbara Dye's beautiful virtual tour of the Coastside Land Trust properties—including the trails, flowers, birds, and surprising discoveries within these open spaces—join the Sequoia Audubon Society this Thursday evening (12/12) at 7 p.m. for her encore presentation. Barbara will also explore how CLT cares for its open space properties and the challenges a small land trust faces in protecting the conservation values of these properties.

Check Out The 2023 Annual Report

The 2023 Annual report is ready to view. Check out all of the hard work being done and all of the wonderful things that we have been up to…

From Seed to Science: Junior Land Stewards Dig In

The Junior Land Stewards have planted their seeds!! As they planted, the lesson focused on general planting strategies, as well as the beginning of a fertilizer experiment. Each student planted two seeds—one in a fertilized pot and the other in an untreated pot. This experiment will allow students to compare how fertilizer affects plant growth. Students will document their findings in their nature journals, noting differences between the two plants over time.

Throughout the project, students will ask important questions to guide their learning:

• What do seeds need to germinate?
  What are the essential conditions for germination, including moisture, warmth, and air?

• What do plants need to grow into healthy plants?
  Including sunlight, nutrients, and space for healthy growth.

• How will we measure growth?
  Students will make plans for measuring their plants' height and tracking key growth indicators.

• What will happen with the fertilized vs. unfertilized plants?

Over the next few months, students will carefully track the progress of their plants in nature journals, noting observations, sketching their plants, and recording data. This process will give them a deeper understanding of plant biology, the role of nutrients, and the scientific method.

Though they faced some inclement weather during planting, the JLS team was able to adapt by using the science rooms at Farralone View and El Granada Elementary. Thank you to these flexible teachers and administrators!!

Donate to support the Junior Land Stewards program and the preservation, protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces.

These program also wouldn't be possible without the The California Coastal Commission's WHALE TAIL® Grant.

Honing Nature Journaling Skills: HMB High School Field Guides

The Half Moon Bay High School Environmental Science and Marine Ecology students spent time last week developing their nature journaling skills. as part of their ongoing training for the important role of Junior Land Stewards field guides. Under the direction of Elexis Padron, this session guided students in the practice of nature journaling. Students learned to observe closely and reflect deeply through the simple yet powerful prompts: "I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of." These prompts encourage students to slow down, pay attention to the details, and cultivate curiosity about the natural world around them.

Each student selected a "nature treasure" — a plant, rock, insect, or any other fascinating object from the local environment — and began documenting their observations. Using various journaling techniques, they sketched, labeled, and wrote about their findings, all while learning to record the nuanced characteristics of their chosen specimens. Through this process of observation and reflection, the students honed valuable tools that will serve them well in the field.

We are grateful for Elexis and her powerful nature journaling lessons, as well as all of these students who continue to take on the important task of educating our local fourth graders about the environment. They are all contributing to the preservation, protection, and stewardship of the land we all love.

Donate to support the Junior Land Stewards program and the preservation, protection and stewardship of our shared open spaces.

These program also wouldn't be possible without the The California Coastal Commission's WHALE TAIL® Grant.

Exploring the Skies: A Recap of Yesterday's Raptor Walk at Wavecrest Open Space

Saturday's Raptor Walk at Wavecrest was a picture-perfect day on the San Mateo Coast. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful—a crisp, clear sky, with just the right amount of warmth to make the day absolutely ideal for bird watching. Over 80 participants gathered for the event, split into nine groups, each led by an expert guide from the San Mateo County Bird Alliance (formerly the Sequoia Audubon Society).

An Extraordinary Day for Raptors

As the groups set off across Wavecrest's expansive grasslands, the skies didn’t disappoint. Participants were treated to an impressive variety of raptors, including a special sighting of an osprey—a rare treat for those of us lucky enough to catch a glimpse. The highlight for many was watching the nesting pairs of White-tailed Kites and Red-tailed Hawks, two species that rely on the wide-open spaces of Wavecrest for both nesting and hunting.

Other notable sightings included Red-shouldered Hawks, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels, all expertly pointed out by our knowledgeable guides. It was a raptor-lover's dream, with birds soaring above us, hunting in the fields, and taking advantage of the perfect conditions for a mid-winter meal.

Engaging Questions & Enthusiastic Participants

One of the best parts of the day was the lively, curious group of participants. People came from all over the Bay Area to take part in this special event, and the enthusiasm was contagious. Great questions were asked about everything from the hunting habits of Red-tailed Hawks to the migratory patterns of the Northern Harriers. Our guides did an excellent job of providing both expert insights and detailed explanations that kept everyone engaged and learning throughout the walk.

Wavecrest: A Critical Habitat for Raptors

The importance of Wavecrest as a raptor habitat can’t be overstated. This stunning open space preserve is the single most important site on the San Mateo Coast for wintering raptors. The vast fields, seasonal wetlands, and roosting sites provide the perfect environment for these birds of prey, which rely on the area for hunting and resting during the colder months.

Raptors such as the White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, and Red-tailed Hawk are regular visitors to Wavecrest, where they hunt small mammals and birds across the grasslands. The preserve is also home to a variety of other bird species, including Turkey Vultures, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and even the occasional Rough-legged Hawk or Falcon.

By protecting these critical habitats, we ensure that these majestic birds will continue to return to Wavecrest season after season, and that future generations can experience the wonder of raptors in their natural habitat.

Thanks to Our Guides and Participants

A huge thank you to the San Mateo County Bird Alliance guides who led each group with expertise and enthusiasm, making this walk both educational and enjoyable. And of course, we want to thank all the participants who joined us yesterday. Whether this was your first raptor walk or you’re a seasoned bird watcher, your enthusiasm and engagement helped make this event a success.

We look forward to seeing you at future Coastside Land Trust events and hope that you continue to explore the beauty and diversity of the San Mateo Coast!

For more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities with Coastside Land Trust, be sure to follow us on social media or visit OUR WEBSITE.

If you did attend this event please note that the slight fee goes directly to the payment of our guides. Please consider donating to protect the natural wonders of our coast and allow for us to continue these wonderful events.

Junior Land Stewards: A Fall Field Trip of Discovery and Action

Our Junior Land Stewards recently got out into the field - working hard to make a lasting impact on the land they’re helping to protect.

The students kicked off their trip by tackling one of the most important tasks in land management: invasive plant removal. Invasive species, such as non-native plants, can crowd out native vegetation, disrupting local ecosystems. By removing these plants, the students helped make room for native species that will better support local wildlife and foster healthier habitats.

Once the invasive plants were cleared, the students shifted to sheet mulching—a technique used to prepare garden plots for new plantings. The mulching process helps suppress weeds, enrich the soil, and retain moisture, all while preparing the ground for the native California plants the students will plant in February. Their efforts will pay off as they return to the site in the coming months to see the landscape transform with the planting of native species.

No JLS trip to the field would be complete without a little exploration, and the students took part in a naturalist scavenger hunt to document the wildlife and plant species around them. Armed with notebooks and keen observations, they recorded a variety of sightings, including:

• Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks

• Harriers and American Kestrels in flight

• Lizards basking in the sun

• Bunnies hopping through the brush

• Owl pellets left behind by nocturnal hunters

• Invasive and native plant species

• Signs of the changing fall season

By returning to the same site throughout the year, students will be able to see how the landscape changes with the seasons, observing how native plants grow, how wildlife behaves, and how restoration efforts make a tangible difference over time. The students’ hard work over the last two weeks is just the beginning of a long-term stewardship project. Their next visit will be in February, when they will return to plant the California native plants they’ve been preparing for. This will be a key moment in their journey as Junior Land Stewards—a chance to see how their efforts contribute to the restoration of vital ecosystems and to deepen their understanding of ecological sustainability.

These field trips wouldn't be possible without the The California Coastal Commission's WHALE TAIL® Grant.

We are also grateful for our many chaperones. Chaperones help keep students safe and engaged and make these trips happen. A big shout-out goes to all of you who have dedicated time and energy to supporting our program. Your presence makes a real difference, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment!

Stay tuned for more updates as our Junior Land Stewards continue their journey of discovery, action, and stewardship!

The Humble Bumblebee Webinar recording

The Humble Bumblebee

Presented by Sheena Sidhu

Today the Coastside Land Trust welcomed Dr. Sheena Sidhu, renowned biologist and stewardship scientist at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, who took us on a journey into the fascinating world of the "Humble Bumble Bee". She explored basic bee identification (including how to spot a queen bee) and how these remarkable pollinators are perfectly suited for our coastal climate and essential for our pumpkin fields. Dr. Sidhu also examined their annual cycle, nesting behaviors, and recent conservation efforts at both the state and federal levels. We hope you enjoy this recording, and the many resources she shared with us today.

Resources to learn more

Community Science

• Bumble Bee Watch

• Bumble Bee Atlas

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

• Species profiles

• Habitat guides - gardening, landscaping

• Educational material

• Seed directory

Bee Machine AI identification

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve 

Inspiring Educators: A CLT Nature Journaling Workshop

The Coastside Land Trust recently facilitated a successful workshop for the staff at El Granada Elementary (EGE) during their professional development day. With 21 enthusiastic participants, the day was a blend of learning, creativity, and connection to nature.

The workshop began with a presentation that highlighted the numerous benefits of outdoor education and nature journaling. Participants learned how these practices not only enhance students' understanding of the natural world but also promote mindfulness, observation skills, and creativity.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many staff members excited to integrate these practices into their classrooms. We’re grateful to EGE for the opportunity and look forward to seeing how they use these new ideas.

The Humble Bumblebee community webinar- This Saturday!

The Humble Bumblebee

Presented by Dr. Sheena Sidhu

THIS SATURDAY - October 26, 2024

10:00 am

Free community webinar

Don't forget to join the Coastside Land Trust this Saturday for a free, enlightening community webinar on October 26 at 10 a.m. Sheena Sidhu, renowned biologist and Stewardship Scientist at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, will take us on a journey into the fascinating world of the humble bumblebee. Discover how these remarkable pollinators are perfectly suited to our coastal climate and essential for our pumpkin fields. We’ll explore their annual cycle, nesting behaviors, and recent conservation efforts at both the state and federal levels. Plus, learn basic bee identification, including how to spot a queen bee. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand and appreciate these vital creatures! Join us and become a bee advocate for our coastal community!

Sequoia Audubon Society hosting Barbara Dye in December

CArInG Over The Land;

The Coastside Land Trust Monitors and Cares for its Open Space Properties- Presented by Barbara Dye

Sequoia Audubon Society - Free Community Webinar

December 12, 2024

7:00 PM

If you missed out on our last “Watching Over the Land” webinar with Barbara Dye - you are in luck! Barbara will be presenting again for the Sequoia Audubon Society.

Barbara Dye will speak about the monitoring areas preserved by Coastside Land Trust (CLT), show how much land has already been protected, discuss the challenges of each area, and share the results of the 2024 monitoring of birds, plants, and other wildlife. Barbara Dye is a member of the CLT Stewardship Committee and leads the effort to monitor all of CLT's properties. Before moving to the Coastside, she helped found and was Executive Director of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. There, she led a community effort to create a multi-species conservation plan focused on the California gnatcatcher, raise 5 million dollars to purchase open space, and develop a 2,000-acre nature preserve in Los Angeles County. She is on the Granada Community Services District board and a docent at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival Community Table

Please come by to see us in the Bank of America parking lot during this festival weekend. We will be providing information about programs, events, our land acquisitions, and the upcoming trail extension. We will also be selling yummy roasted pumpkin seeds and cookies. Hoping to say hello to our friends and supporters while we are out there.

Wavecrest Raptor Walk with San Mateo County Bird Alliance (formerly Sequoia Audubon Society)

Join us as we explore our local overwintering raptor population. Wavecrest Open Space 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, wetlands, and roosting sites. Wavecrest is the place to see many raptors, including White-tailed Kites, Northern Harriers, Owls, 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

Please watch Raptors of Wavecrest with Alvaro Jaramillo to prepare for this walk. It will provide a significant background and education on local raptors.

Photo Credit: Steve Maller and Alvaro Jaramillo

Quarry Park Fallfest

Fallfest at Quarry Park
This Saturday, October 12
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Join us tomorrow at Quarry Park for Fallfest, including craft activities, food trucks, and performances by Sonoma Bubbleman and Tatsumaki Taiko. This free event will be fun for the whole family! Stop by the Coastside Land Trust table- we would love to connect with you, our Coastside Land Trust friends and families.

QUARRY PARK INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS

Half Moon Bay High School Students Prepare For Their Upcoming Role As JLS Field Guides

The AP Environmental Science and Marine Ecology students from Half Moon Bay High School have been preparing for their roles as field guides for the Junior Land Stewards program. Over the last week they took their first field trips to Wavecrest Open Space, engaging with several experts who shared their knowledge on the area’s rich history, ecological challenges, geology, flora, and avian life. While in the field the students observed a remarkable diversity of bird species, spotting a total of 17 different birds, including stunning American Kestrels!

Through this experience the students not only deepened their understanding of Wavecrest , but are also building the confidence necessary to lead upcoming field trips for the 4th graders.

A heartfelt thank you to our guest speakers: Barbara Dye, who spoke on geology, history, and plant life; Malia DeFelice, who shared insights about local birds and wildlife; and Sara Polgar, who discussed CLT's restoration projects and trail building efforts.

Please donate to support the Junior Land Stewards Program:

Thank You for a Successful California Coastal Cleanup Day

On Saturday, our community came together for the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, and we were grateful for a great turnout of families and community members, from the coast and beyond! Together, we removed more than 105 pounds of debris, including handfuls of confetti found in small beach plants, bottle caps, wrappers, cans, cigarette butts, a disintegrating mattress, and a number of other items littering the beach, bluffs, and parking lots.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of our Coastside Land Trust board members, staff and volunteers who helped coordinate the day’s activities. A special shoutout goes to the Ritz Carlton, who consistently show up to support our efforts. Their generous contribution of dozens of fresh donuts brought smiles to our hardworking volunteers and fueled our cleanup efforts! Elexis Padron and the team at State Parks also offered support and encouragement. Additionally, it was heartwarming to see many families from the local Sea Crest school join us, showing the importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship from a young age.

Thank you to everyone who participated! Your commitment to keeping our coastline clean is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to work together to protect our beautiful natural spaces for generations to come. Stay tuned for our upcoming events and opportunities to get involved with Coastside Land Trust!

Join Us Tomorrow For The California Coastal Cleanup!

Join us tomorrow for the California Coastal Cleanup Day, from 9:00am- Noon at Venice Beach in Half Moon Bay! This is a meaningful coastal cleanup event shared by communities all along the California coast. Let’s unite here in Half Moon Bay to protect and preserve our beautiful coastline.

Meeting location: Venice Beach, Half Moon Bay

What to bring: Buckets and sun protection

Parking: Free parking permits will be provided at the event.