Dear Friend,

The weather is *finally* sunny and warm as we enter into July! Even though the water at the Reserve looks inviting to splish-splash in like this exuberant Snowy Egret, the waters are off limits to us mere humans. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy watching the birds, fish, and if you're super lucky a turtle or sea lion taking full advantage of the rich waters of Bolsa Chica.

Speaking about sea lions, there is a terrible algae bloom happening off our coastline that is making a lot of marine mammals sick with domoic acid poisoning. Learn what you can do and who to call for help if you see a stranded mammal on the shore. We often see more fun and exciting things though during our free tours or volunteer days. Find our full schedule for the rest of 2023 in a handy event calendar flier to help you know when to join us on these adventures. As more people venture out to Bolsa Chica to enjoy this summer season, we want to take a moment to thank you for all your support. Bolsa Chica wouldn't be here today without people like you supporting us in saving, and now preserving, this wonderful place through our pivotal projects and programs.

Happy 4th of July!

If you like our e-newsletters please consider sharing it with your friends and family. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to catch our weekly "Wildlife Wednesdays" and current events as we share with you what we see and find every week!

You can make a difference in the future of Bolsa Chica: you can truly make a positive, long-lasting impact. Together, we will continue to protect and care for a Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve that both humans and wildlife can enjoy together for generations to come.

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is home to 23 listed or endangered species. Once slated for a 5,000-home development, Bolsa Chica is now protected and home to 23 special plants, birds, and reptiles because there is a sustainable habitat. This habitat is helping their populations grow so that one day, hopefully, they can be taken off those special designation lists and no longer be considered endangered or threatened. 

Bolsa Chica is not just a vital place for the 900 species that rely on it to survive, but also a space for people to find a reprieve from the stressors of everyday life. 100,000 people visit Bolsa Chica annually to walk, bird watch, photograph and just enjoy the natural world. People of all ages, walks of life, and viewpoints can find simple relaxation amongst the chorus of terns and fragrant sages. 

Thanks to you and others like you, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust (BCLT) is able to educate thousands of students through our Miracles of the Marsh program, restore acres of habitat with the Bolsa Chica Stewards, collaborate with local universities on significant scientific research, and work behind the scenes on large long-term projects that will support and sustain the Reserve’s ability to be a safe harbor for the hundreds of species that rely on it for their survival. We are a proud member of the California Council of Land Trusts, with our Executive Director on its Board. BCLT is working hard to bring significant State funding support for larger projects for Bolsa Chica, to ensure its health and sustainability into the future.

We could not do any of this without your support. State funding does not cover all the work that needs to be done here. Our small staff and teams of volunteers rely on people like you for the funds it takes to run our projects and programs and advocate for long-term sustainable solutions with the State.

Thank you for your generosity – it means that we can continue to care for this wonderful place we all love. We hope you, your friends, and family will join us for one of our free Sunday tours or Stewardship days to engage with our ongoing work.

Need all the dates for the Bolsa Chica Steward volunteering days or the BCLT free monthly tours all in one place?! Now you have it! Just download our Event Calendar for the rest of 2023 right onto your phone or computer and never miss a Bolsa Chica Land Trust event for the rest of the year!

The 'Red Tide' algae bloom is back and hitting Southern California beaches harder than ever. Many marine mammals like sea lions and even dolphins are getting extremely sick with domoic acid poisoning, a naturally occurring neurotoxin made by algae. Fish and other smaller animals eat the algae and then the contaminated fish are consumed in large quantities by these large animals. The toxin subsequently builds up to dangerous levels putting the animal in grave danger. If left untreated, domoic acid toxicity can cause permeant neurological damage and even death.

What to do:

Give the stranded animals lots of space, at least 100 yards.

Follow NOAA's West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network Guidelines and report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal to 1-866-767-6114.

If you see a stranded marine mammal in Los Angeles County, call 800-399-4253; in Orange County, call 949-494-3050. The two closest marine mammal rescue centers to Bolsa Chica are the Marine Mammal Care Center in LA and the Pacific Marine Mammal Care Center in Laguna Beach.

Learn more about this emergency and how to help from the OC Register article.

July Bird of the Month: Horned Lark

This spotty-looking Horned Lark juvenile is an unexpected success story. The numbers of Horned Larks have undergone a sharp decline in the last half century due to loss of habitat. One of the habitats at Bolsa Chica that was developed for the endangered Least Terns works for Horned Larks too. The female looks for bare ground with little depressions for her nest and uses her bill to flip the soil out or her feet to kick it out. She collects grasses to weave a basket shaped nest in the depression with no help from her mate. Her nest site needs sparse vegetation with seeds and lots of insects to feed herself and her chicks.

7.25” long; 12’ wingspan; 1.1 oz

photo: John Hannan

Reminders When You Visit Bolsa Chica

Here are some things to remember during your visit:

• Please stay on the trails. Not only could you disturb nesting birds, but snakes are often not far off the trails.
• Enjoy the flowers, but please do not pick them.
• Do not feed the animals.
• Do not litter. Please pack out your trash, including food scraps.
• No bikes or ebikes.
• No dogs.
• No drones.
• Enjoy being with nature!
• If you see any BCLT Stewards working along the trail, say hi! We are happy to answer any questions.

Support Bolsa Chica Today!

Questions? Email us at Info@BCLandTrust.org or call (714) 846-1001

Photo Credits:

snowy egret banner- Steve Smith, elegant terns- Brian Knott, sea lion- Cindy Tiehen, sage- Jane Lazarz, Stewards- James Huang, Miracles docent with kids- Bequi Howarth, Bridge tour, Elegant Terns on beach- Marinka Horack, Horned Lark- John Hannan, snowy bridge- Eric Benson