Dear Friend,

Did we meet our match during our spring fundraiser? Need a gift for Father's Day? It's finally the summer and you want to hit the trails. But you ask yourself, "What do I need to know before I go?"

We've got answers PLUS volunteering dates and a free tour this month!

Bonus, some of the bigger bird babies are flying the coop as they say. Look out for the juvenile Great Blue Herons pestering mom and dad for a free meal, and even a young osprey learning how to dive for fish from its parents!

Until next month, see you on the trails.

Thank you to everyone who donated during BCLT's spring fundraiser. Together we met and exceeded our match of $15,000! In 2024 we have much to do, and this special spring fundraising is crucial to the success for the rest of the year.

It takes a lot of support to keep our programs and projects running at full capacity. Your donation goes a long way in making all of this happen. We know there are many causes asking for contributions right now, and we deeply appreciate your decision to join our efforts. Thank you for sharing our vision, thank you for your support, and thank you for being an important part in caring for our coastal wildlife.

June 16th is Father's Day and dads can be tough to find gifts for. I mean, how many ties does he really need? How about a large mug that is not only great for his cup of joe in the morning, but also helps us keep Bolsa Chica awesome for those daddy-kid hikes? Sounds like a win-win to me 😉

Summer is around the corner, June 21st to be exact, and summer means longer days for exploring outside! Here are some tips to keep safe and comfortable while exploring Bolsa Chica.

• Bring water in a reuseable water bottle. Sorry no drinking fountains here.
• Bring a hat and/or wear sunscreen. There is very little shade.
• Bring a light sweater or jacket. Even though you will be out in the sun, it can get rather windy.
• Wear closed-toed shoes, sneakers or hiking boots are best. The trails are not paved.
• Bring a map! Don't have one? Get one www.BCLandTrust.org/trailmap
• Stay on trail. One word. Snakes. Including rattlesnakes. Plus, it's just the right thing to do.
• Keep Fido, drones, and bikes at home. It's an ecological reserve designed to safeguard native wildlife and their habitats. And again, snakes.
• Don't feed the wildlife. They are very capable of finding their own healthier food.
• Don't touch the wildlife. Enough said.
• Take home memories, leave only footprints. Pack it out, please don't litter!
• Go to the bathroom before coming. The only place with a public restroom is at the Interpretive Center and it's not open 24/7.
• Bring cameras, binoculars, nature ID books or apps, and play our free I Spy Game (www.bclandtrust.org/free-downloads). It's seasonal and in comes in different languages.
• Bring a friend and don't forget to have fun!

June's Bird of the Month: Osprey

Ospreys can be seen often at Bolsa Chica flying high above Bolsa Bay searching for fish. When they spot one, they make a dramatic dive, talons first, into the water. They often emerge with a fish secure in their talons and fly off to enjoy their catch. Osprey nest mostly in Canada, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest, but also at Bolsa Chica. They spend winters along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts, but can be seen year-round in SoCal, Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean. 23” long; 63” wingspan; 3.5 lbs

photo: Brian Goebel

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:

American Kestrel- Steve Smith, trail- Roy Holden, Stewards in volunteer, sunset- Bequi Howarth, Miracles docent with kids, outreach table- Jeff Rokos, volunteers on beach- Mike McMahan, Osprey- Brian Goebel