Dear Friend,

Do you feel like you are going through a routine that's become boring and rather lackluster? If only you got the spark of inspiration back? Come watch some motivational environmental films at the Environmental Film Festival this month with us!

It's been a hot Spring and the wildlife are out and about. We have some helpful tips on wildlife safety below, as well as a plea to help us protect them! Be our eyes and report violations to CALTip. It really does make a difference in the long run.

Finally, we have a new blog post about our on-site native plant nursery. Read about some exciting updates at the Growing Space and why.

Happy Memorial Day and Mother's Day!

ps. our first Sunday outreach and free tour day is cancelled because of Mother's Day.

Until next time, see you on the trails.

Come to the Wild and Scenic Film Festival and get inspired! An afternoon of short films exploring timely environmental topics - designed to spark conversation, deepen our love for nature, and encourage meaningful environmental action through the power of film.

We will be having a tabling at this exciting event in Costa Mesa to spread the word and sign people up for our volunteering opportunities. We hope to see you there!

We need your help!

Bolsa Chica is a CA Ecological Reserve and the wildlife within are protected. That means it is illegal to harm, harass, remove, possess or kill the animals at Bolsa Chica. Every native species at Bolsa Chica is important for the health and sustainability of the ecosystem.

We are planting native plants and restoring the native habitats to ensure the native wildlife survive and thrive. All of the native wildlife. We are also committed to educating the public about the value and vital function these species perform at Bolsa Chica, as well as, how to safely and respectfully enjoy these vanishing natural open spaces.

Please help us and everyone who loves Bolsa Chica by reporting any violations to the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife CALTIP at 1-888-334-CALTIP(2258) or download the CALTIP app.

Thank you.

*There is one designated fishing area at Bolsa Chica and you must have all of the correct fishing permits and follow all fishing regulations while using it.

We are thrilled to share an update on the continuous growth and success of our Growing Space, the native plant nursery vital to our restoration efforts.

For the first 22 years of BCLT Stewards' restoration of the mesa’s coastal sage scrub and grassland habitats, we relied on native plants purchased from Tree of Life Nursery. The on-site Growing Space began on Feb. 7, 2018, when the first seeds were sown. Initially, the Growing Space was one 20-by-20-foot shade cover housing six 4-by-8-foot plant tables, two worktables, and a water tank. While small, the new on-site nursery immediately proved its worth, producing familiar plants and allowing us to experiment with new ones.

Continue reading on our blog post linked below.

Bolsa Chica has snakes, even rattlesnakes. 🐍 The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is our local one and are active when it gets hot. Now you know, but do you know what to do? Here are some guidelines from the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife on WHAT TO DO OR NOT DO if you encounter a rattlesnake (and any snake for that matter).

🚨 What hikers should do if they encounter a rattlesnake?

• Stay alert when outdoors.

• Stay away from snakes if you do encounter them.

• Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants. DO NOT wear sandals or flip-flops in brushy areas.

• Stay on well-used trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds, and heavy underbrush.

• Check rocks, stumps, or logs before sitting down.

• Shake out sleeping bag and tent before use.

• Let others know where you are going, when you plan to return, and carry a cell phone. Hike with a companion when possible.

o DO NOT grab “sticks” in water. Rattlesnakes can swim.

o DO NOT let dogs off leash. Dogs are at increased risk when sniffing the ground near brushy areas.

o DO NOT try to touch or handle a snake, dead or alive. Dead rattlers may still inject venom shortly after death.

⚕️ In the event of a snake bite:

• Stay calm - but act quickly!

• Remove items which may constrict swelling (e.g., watches, rings, shoes).

• Transport victim to the nearest medical facility.

o Do NOT apply a tourniquet.

o Do NOT pack the bite area in ice.

o Do NOT cut the wound with a knife or razor.

o Do NOT use your mouth to suck out the venom.

• If a pet is bitten - Speak to your veterinarian about canine rattlesnake vaccine options. (remember, pets are not allowed at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve) 

May's Animal of the Month: Canada Geese

The most common goose of North America, it is found everywhere from Alaska and Canada down into the USA. In the spring many migrate north to feeding and nesting grounds in Canada and Alaska, then in the fall they migrate to the USA. However, some stay in the USA year-round. They are found in large numbers everywhere and inhabit golf courses, parks, open fields, and even swimming pools. Some people consider them pests. Identifying marks include a white “chin strap” over a black head, a long black neck, a large bulky gray- brown body, and white underparts. Diet includes grass, grains, seeds, berries, and insects. They are common at Bolsa Chica and even nest next to the trails ignoring the hikers.

25” - 45” long; 43” - 60” wingspan; 3.5 - 9.8 pounds

photo: Alan Wendell

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

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Photo Credits:

belted kingfisher- Carlos Alcazar, king snake- UCI Fellow, nursery- E. Chin, rattlesnake- Beverley Hansen, Tabling and Stewards- Bequi Howarth, Miracles docent with kids outreach table- Jeff Rokos, volunteers on beach- Mike McMahan, landscape-Eileen Rizzacasa, Canada geese- Alan Wendell