Dear Friend,

March means Spring is almost here. Just don't tell the mountains. It's always magical when the wetlands are bursting with wildflowers and lush greenery while the mountains are white with snow. It's similar to the magic of the wetlands painted in the vibrant hues of Fall sunsets. Ah, the beauty of Bolsa Chica...

Back down to reality- the March e-newsletter. This is the last month for beach cleanup volunteering, we welcome new board members, and the other e-newsletter FYIs.

Ok, now to get outside and stop to smell those coastal bush sunflowers! Who's with me?

Till next month, I'll see you on the trails.

If you like our e-newsletters please consider sharing it with your friends and family. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to catch our weekly "Wildlife Wednesdays" and current events as we share with you what we see and find every week!

March is the LAST month of BCLT's seasonal beach cleanups! Running from November to March, these beach cleanups are an enjoyable and alternative way to help our local coastal community. It's fun, it's beautiful, it's great exercise, and it helps the environment. What better way to start your week by giving back!

• What: BCLT beach cleanups happen every Mon. morning until the end of March
• Why: Good for the environment and good for you
• Who: Everyone is welcome! Most of the supplies are provided, but if you want, please bring a reusable bucket or bag, and gloves
• When: Monday mornings 8:30am for an hour
• Where: At the beach stairs on PCH and 20th Street, Huntington Beach (look for our popup sign)

Contact: Jeff at Jeff@BCLandTrust.org for more information

📷s: Daughter-mother super duo Adilene and Agnes being environmental superheroes, Natalie and Jeff leading the beach cleanup with their mighty trash picker

The Bolsa Chica Land Trust is always looking to add committed individuals to our Board, to strengthen our capacity and deepen our mission. Within the last year we are fortunate to have welcomed two new board members to the Bolsa Chica Land Trust's Board of Directors: Jason Fike and Katy Leach.

Jason lives adjacent to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and is an avid visitor and hiker in the space. He began volunteering with the restoration team in 2021 and became a Steward before joining the board. 

Katy started off volunteering with the Stewards in the restoration committee in 2021 and has since continued and is also now a Steward. Katy is a local, born on base at Camp Pendleton where her father was stationed, and now living in Long Beach exploring California’s vast terrains. 

We are pleased that they accepted the challenge, joined our Board, and bring new energy and expertise to our leadership. Welcome, Jason and Katy!

Other Ways to Support BCLT

Did you know that you can donate in memory or tribute to a loved one? Donate in memory or tribute of someone who had a passion for the work of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust's efforts. Their memory and tribute will be preserved in the work we do.

You can also donate through planned giving/endowment! Including a planned gift to the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in your estate planning can provide many benefits. We invite you to invest in this opportunity to make your legacy part of Bolsa Chica’s enduring future.

Miracles of the Marsh Education Program Needs Your Help!

As the year begins so does BCLT’s Miracle of the Marsh program. Now in its 20th year our docent team is again ready to educate about 2,000 eager third grade students on wetlands biology, Bolsa Chica’s history, and the Reserve’s important role in our coastal environment. 

The Miracles program runs from January to June and is core to our mission. Each student receives a workbook that they use during their classroom lessons before their field trip to Bolsa Chica. 

Your donation will help us cover the printing costs, and the costs for the school buses for the field trips. Please help us share the knowledge and natural wonders of Bolsa Chica with these students, donate today!

Mar. Bird of the Month: Ring-necked Duck

This duck prefers freshwater, making it an uncommon visitor to Bolsa Chica. It is a happy surprise to see such a beautiful Ring-necked Duck when it does show up. While it nests in the northern latitudes of Alaska, Canada, and the northwest USA, it has a stable population all over North America. The distinctive field marks of the male include a peaked head, two white rings on its bill, and a rusty-colored ring around its neck. Its diet includes aquatic insects and snails.

17” long; 25” wingspan; 1.5 lbs.

photo: John Hannan

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.
• 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

Photo Credits:

banner- Luna Teege (Tammy), beach cleanup volunteers- Jeff Rokos, Ridgway Rail with chicks- Steve Smith, Miracles docent led session- Bequi Howarth, Stewards- James Huang, Bridge tour, Miracle docent with kids, kids with binoculars, Elegant Terns on beach- Marinka Horack, Ring-necked Duck- John Hannan, snowy bridge- Eric Benson