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Dear Friend,
November, that month that seems to be forgotten between October with Halloween and the December Holidays. But, it's the month we vote, gain an hour of sleep and honor our veterans. A month when we sit down to share a feast among family and friends before the long winter months arrive. November is a wonderful month to plant native plants, sow native wildflower seeds and if you like bulbs like tulips and hyacinths, that need cold temperatures to burst forth with color in the Spring, don't forget to refrigerate them now.
There's something for everybody this month from learning cool nature facts to volunteering and gift ideas. Get your calendars before the holiday rush, learn about the terrific Turkey Vulture and pitch in during our winter beach clean ups starting this month!
Until next time, see you on the trails.
| | All About Turkey Vultures | |
Thanksgiving conjures up images of cornucopias, turkeys and pumpkin pie. Wild Turkeys are not native to California (although, there are now 2 wild turkey sub-species established in the state), and you can't find them at Bolsa Chica. So, instead, each year we inevitably bring up the bird that does reside at Bolsa Chica that has the word 'turkey' in its name: the humble Turkey Vulture.
A few years ago, we had a guest blog post all about this often overlooked bird called "Vulture Culture: The Ups and Downs of the Turkey Vulture." Deep dive into the quiet world of this common carrion eater and appreciate the useful, graceful, and interesting Turkey Vulture.
| 'Wings Over Bolsa' 2026 Calendar & Other Gifts | | |
The 2026 'Wings Over Bolsa' calendar is now available on our website!
*all photos were taken right here at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
*13-month format
*major holidays and moon phases each month
*educational captions
*printed with soy inks on recycled paper right here in OC
only $20 donation per calendar, or order 4 get 1 free deal!
Calendars aren't your jam? We've also got t-shirts, mugs, coasters and more in our gifts section.
| | The Winter Beach Clean Ups are Back! | |
Come hang out with us at our Monday morning beach clean ups! Our winter beach clean ups run every Monday between November to March. The first one starts on November 3rd at Huntington City Beach at 8:30am for about an hour.
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.
Big shout out to Jeff Rokos and Mike McMahan for hosting these events!
| | 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 Nov. 2nd, 9am- 12
Saturday Nov. 15th, 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 Nov. 9th, 10am-12
Sunday Nov. 16th, 10am- 12
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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November - March
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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November's Animal of the Month: Western Grebe
This grebe and its almost twin look alike the Clark’s Grebe, which is marginally smaller, are the largest North American grebes. They both have long necks and are black above and white below. A Western Grebe has a yellow-green bill and a black cap that extends below the eye and a Clark’s Grebe has yellow-orange bill and a black cap that does not extend below the eye. By diving underwater, a Grebe hunts for fish, frogs and small aquatic animals which they swallow whole and crush the bones in its gizzard. It is thought that feathers are swallowed to protect its stomach from sharp bone fragments. Elaborate mating displays include the “weed dance” where two grebes face each other in the water while holding an aquatic weed in their bills. Though we don’t see this often at Bolsa Chica, newly hatched chicks ride piggyback on their parent’s back.
25” long; 24” wingspan; 3.3 pounds
photo: John Hannan
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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:
Peregrines- Steve Smith, calendar- Brian Goebel, Turkey vulture- John Hannan, beach clean up, Tabling and Stewards- Bequi Howarth, Miracles docent with kids outreach table- Jeff Rokos, volunteers on beach- Mike McMahan, landscape-Eileen Rizzacasa, Western Grebe- John Hannan
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