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Dear Friend,
It's already half way through the year 2025! The Land Trust is celebrating 33 years of supporting the thriving Ecological Reserve and sacred cultural site at Bolsa Chica this month. BCLT was formed in 1992 by a small group of Californians who believed that one of the last standing wetland ecosystems in Southern California was worth preserving for future generations. Today, we continue to work diligently to protect, preserve, restore, educate, and advocate for Bolsa Chica’s future.
Read about our current support for Bolsa Chica in these uncertain times in our newest blog post. You can also read our full Spring newsletter online now to learn about our current projects and programs and some neat facts about owls. Finally, as the summer rolls on in signaling the end of the Bolsa Chica Stewards' planting season, two dedicated volunteers were honored at our Volunteer Appreciation party.
A big thank you to everyone who took a moment to answer our quick interest poll in last month's e-newsletter! Have a Happy Father's Day, Juneteenth, and the Summer Solstice this month! Ps. no tour on Father's Day.
Until next time, see you on the trails.
| | New Blog Post: Bolsa Chica In This Time of Turmoil | | |
By Kim Kolpin, Executive Director
The environmental slogan “Think globally, act locally” is quickly becoming a call to action in response to the federal administrations’ work negatively impacting conservation, climate change initiatives and our environment, the damaging consequences of which will be felt for decades. Many have asked me directly how this impacts Bolsa Chica. As a state owned and protected Ecological Reserve, Bolsa Chica has a level of safety in that it is not federal lands and waters which are now in jeopardy of losing their protections. However, as are all things in nature, Bolsa Chica is connected.
| | Spring 'Music from the Mesa' Newsletter Online | | |
Finally, the Spring 'Music from the Mesa' is available to read online! The 'Music from the Mesa' is the biannual printed Bolsa Chica Land Trust newsletter mailed directly to our members' mailboxes. Printed on FSC certified recycled paper right here in Orange County, the newsletters are filled with current news, updates on our programs and projects, full length educational articles, and more.
If you want to receive a printed copy of our newsletters mailed to your home, become a member by donating today!
| | Thank you Bolsa Chica Stewards! | |
On May 24th, 2025, the Bolsa Chica Stewards held a Volunteer Appreciation and End Of Planting Season party to celebrate their amazing work at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve this past year!! Two of our dedicated Stewards earned the Kennedy-Kolpin Conservation awards for their outstanding service towards the Stewards habitat restoration project and the Bolsa Chica Land Trust!
Congratulations Peter and Katy!
Do you want to learn how to become an official Bolsa Chica Steward yourself? Email our Director of Restoration and Stewardship Beverley at Beverley@BCLandTrust.org to find out more.
| | We are always interested in hearing from you dear readers. What content do you want to see, and how often and where (inboxes, social media, physical mailings) do you want us to reach out to you? Any other comments or suggestions? If you like our e-newsletters please consider sharing it with your friends and family. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to catch our weekly "Wildlife Wednesdays" and current events as we share with you what we see and find every week! | | | VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AND FREE TOURS | | |
BCLT Stewards Habitat Restoration Volunteering
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Dates
Sunday June 1st, 9am- 12
Saturday June 21st, 9am- 12
Pre-registration and sign up on our website is required. Capped at 50 volunteers for each event.
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Miracles of the Marsh Docent Volunteering
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“Miracles of the Marsh from Wetlands to Wildlife” is our elementary school education program which brings children to the Bolsa Chica. Our docent-led tour focuses on plant life, wildlife, and history. Join our dedicated and fun team as we educate our local 3rd graders to the wonders of Bolsa Chica.
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BCLT Outreach and Free Public Tour
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Dates
Sunday June 8th, 10am-12
Sunday June 15th, 10am- 12 (cancelled)
Monthly free guided walking tours of the Bolsa Chica wetlands and mesa. Learn about the history of Bolsa Chica, its wildlife, and plant life with a Bolsa Chica Land Trust docent.
Or, come hang out at our table and help spread the word about the cool and important elements of Bolsa Chica as an Outreach volunteer! Interested in becoming a docent volunteer? Shadow one of our docents to get started.
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*ON HIATUS*
Beach Clean Ups
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When: Every Monday at 8:30am from November to March
Where: 20th Street entrance to Huntington City Beach
Who: Everyone! Most of the supplies are provided, but if you want, please bring a reusable bucket or bag, and gloves.
*If you have a group that you want to bring, please email Info@BCLandTrust.org and we can work to accommodate your group.*
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June's Animal of the Month: Forster's Tern
In the summer this ethereal Forster’s Tern is seen flying above Bolsa Bay before plunge-diving for fish. Their breeding plumage includes a black cap and nape, gray back and white underparts with orange legs and an orange bill that has a black tip. In the winter it loses its black cap, and its head is white except for black shading around the eye, a dark bill and a pale back. These medium-sized terns have forked tails and are colonial nesters. Unlike other species of terns, they nest in the pickleweed instead of on sand. Parents can identify their own chicks from the many other chicks, and they feed only their own chicks. Forster’s Terns are loud and constant with their “Kyarr” and “Ket” contact calls.
13” long; 31” wingspan; 6 ounces
photo: Mike Zampelli
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Reminders When You Visit Bolsa Chica
Here are some things to remember during your visit:
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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.
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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! | |
The mission of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is the acquisition, preservation, and restoration of all of Bolsa Chica and the education of the public to its natural wonders and cultural significance.
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Photo Credits:
Ridgway's Rail with chicks- Steve Smith, Forster's Tern- MIke Zampelli, Burrowing Owl- Rachael Innes, Stewards party photos- Jeff Rokos and Bequi Howarth, Miracles docent with kids outreach table- Jeff Rokos, volunteers on beach- Mike McMahan, landscape-Eileen Rizzacasa
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