Adventure Meets Education on the River | | |
That’s a wrap on another great season for the Kids in Kayaks program! In May and June, students from Point Arena Elementary, Manchester Elementary School, and Pacific Community Charter School explored the Gualala River estuary by kayak.
In partnership with Efi Benjamin of River Bend Kayaks, local schools bring students to the Gualala River to enhance their science lessons and learn firsthand about our local ecosystem. With this ongoing program, a new generation is learning about the beauty of the Gualala River watershed and developing a deeper understanding of why it’s so important to protect it.
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A Vision for a Thriving Estuary | | |
Earlier this month, RCLC staff and technical partners met onsite to review the developing Gualala River Estuary Habitat Enhancement Plan. Funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this collaborative plan is supported by multiple state and federal agencies, as well as community organizations committed to the health of the watershed. The plan is targeted at improving habitats for steelhead trout and coho salmon—anadromous fish—which will also benefit the plants and animals that rely on the river estuary.
For more than a year, environmental science and design firm Prunuske Chatham, Inc. (PCI) has been gathering hydrologic data to inform the habitat enhancement plan. The findings have helped determine where best to target improvements—both at Mill Bend Preserve and on the Gualala Point Regional Park side of the river—which were discussed by the technical team and community stakeholders.
In addition to current data, historic photographs and even personal recollections figured into the discussions. Also important were the successes and lessons learned from similar (if larger) projects, like in the Garcia River. They all paint a picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Looking back, it's clear that past land use and infrastructure have dramatically changed the Gualala River estuary.
| | Mill Bend—the large floodplain on the northeast bank of the estuary—was the site of a large timber mill. This photo was taken in 1900, looking downstream at Mill Bend towards the ocean. An expanse of emergent wetland is present downstream of the mill, which provided feeding and shelter habitat for juvenile coho salmon and steelhead trout. | | |
Large, flat gravel bars now dominate much of the estuary and key wetland areas are gone. High levels of gravel and cobble continue to accumulate in the estuary, making it shallower and limiting the habitat that young salmon need to thrive before their journey to the ocean. PCI’s restoration plans will help restore these ecological conditions.
Protecting and improving habitat in the estuary has long been a top priority in the community, and it’s essential to the recovery of coho salmon and steelhead trout in the watershed. Through strong partnerships, science-based planning, and local support, we're working toward a healthier, more vibrant future for the Gualala River estuary. We're inspired by the promise of these habitat restoration efforts and look forward to sharing much more with you soon!
| | Cardboard Against Capeweed | | |
If you've walked the Gualala Bluff Trail lately, you may have noticed a change, especially in the stretch where invasive capeweed used to creep into the trail, despite multi-year efforts by volunteers to contain it. This spring, a dedicated group of volunteers took on the challenge in a new way. After extensive research and planning, they launched a project to suppress the capeweed by creating a natural, layered method involving cardboard and wood chips.
First, the capeweed area was mowed by employees from Bower Limited Partnership to reduce bulk and prepare the ground. Then came the cardboard, and lots of it. Volunteers collected boxes from Gualala Supermarket, Surf Market, the Post Office…anywhere they could get them!
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After the boxes were broken down, the amazing volunteer crew spent hours spreading cardboard, soaking it to keep it in place, and then shoveling and raking wood chips on top to smother the capeweed. They even brought their own wheelbarrows.
As they ran low on cardboard, Surf Market provided more boxes to cut up and use. Meanwhile, The Sea Ranch Association and Gonzalez Tree Service generously provided multiple loads of wood chips to help complete the effort.
So why does this method work? The cardboard acts as a natural weed barrier, blocking sunlight and creating a physical layer that kills the plants and prevents them from spreading. The wood chips on top hold the cardboard in place, block light, retain moisture, and support beneficial soil organisms that will improve the soil underneath. Best of all, this approach is low-impact, chemical-free, and works with the environment rather than against it.
This was truly a community effort—powered by volunteers, local businesses, and a shared love for this trail. We’re always looking for more helping hands! Visit the volunteer section of our website to find out how you can get involved.
| | RCLC continues to grow! To support our mission of preserving, restoring, and sharing the natural wonders of this region, we are excited to announce that Dylan Freebairn-Smith has joined the team as our new restoration technician. Dylan will collaborate closely with Sophia Pisciotta and Ethan Widner to implement restoration strategies. This includes invasive plant removal, fuel reduction, and wildfire resilience strategies, as well as assisting with maintenance and upkeep of RCLC properties. | | |
Dylan has lived in Gualala for most of his life and graduated from Point Arena High School. Inspired by countless days spent exploring the local waters and forests, he earned a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
With a deeper understanding of the uniqueness and importance of our local ecosystems, he has returned to Gualala to begin a career in ecosystem restoration.
In his time between pulling invasive broom and revegetating areas with natives, he enjoys surfing, fishing, backpacking, mushroom hunting, and everything else the redwood coast has to offer.
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