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As summer reaches its peak, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy continues to inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and prepare for one of our most important events of the year. Throughout July, our dedicated staff and volunteers are hard at work getting ready for the 13th Annual Barefoot Ball on August 7 by securing auction items, welcoming sponsors, and building support to ensure a successful evening benefiting our education and conservation programs.
We’re also looking forward to the Paul “Guy” Bryant Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament on July 31, where we are honored to serve as the beneficiary charity—another meaningful opportunity to bring our community together in support of the wetlands.
Between these special events, our Interpretive Center remains busy with weekly summer camps, hands-on programs, and educational experiences that connect thousands of visitors with the incredible wildlife and habitats of Bolsa Chica.
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Celebrate (Responsibly) and Support the Wetlands!
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Stock up for your Independence Day BBQ with Beachwood Brewery’s Guardians of the Wetlands IPA. Every 4-pack purchased helps support the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting our education and conservation programs while supplies last. Cheers to protecting our wetlands!
 Beachwood Pizza & Beer is Located at 5205 Warner Ave HB
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Education Programs Happening in July:
- Every Saturday 11am – 2pm: Live Animal Showcase
- 11am – 12pm: Touch Tank and Pet-a-Reptile. Guests are welcome to safely engage with our touch tank animals and live snakes during this time with staff supervision. Touch Tank is also open 11am -12pm on Sundays!
- 1pm – 2pm: Animal Feeding Presentations. Guests can view the process of feeding our fish and reptiles, ask staff questions, and learn more about the biology of these animals.
- Saturday 7/4 @ 10am – 12pm: Public Birding Tour
- Break out your binoculars (or rent a pair) and take a guided tour to identify and learn about local and migratory birds. This program is FREE but registration is recommended.
- Register Today!
- Saturday 7/11 @ 10am – 12pm: Second Scout Saturday
- Scouts of all ages are invited to join a general scout tour to learn about wildlife in support of similar badge work. Scouts get to make a plaster paw print, receive a workbook, and earn a fun patch. Registration is required with a $10 donation that covers the cost of materials and the patch.
- Register Today!
- Saturday 7/25 @ 10am – 12pm: Public Tour
- Learn about the history and general ecology of The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve with an Expert Guide. This program is FREE but registration is recommended.
- Register Today!
- EVERY Wednesday @ 10am – 11am: Hatchlings
- Hatchlings is a program designed to engage you and your little one with nature. Enjoy a mini hike through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and participate in a nature-themed craft for ages 2-5.
- Register Today!
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Discover, Explore, Learn – All Summer Long!
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Summer Curiosity Camp is still going strong! Children explore the wetlands through hands-on science, nature hikes, wildlife encounters, and creative activities that inspire a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. There’s still time to join the fun!
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Join us to Create & Donate – July 19
Help us make one final push to support the 13th Annual Barefoot Ball Auction. Enjoy a guided 2-hour cyanotype craft class at the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center (3842 Warner Ave, HB), where you’ll create a fun greeting card project while enjoying snacks and refreshments (adults preferred). Cyanotype is a an antique camera-less photographic printing process that produces a monochromatic Prussian blue and white image.
Admission is $15 for materials and refreshments, plus one of the following:
- A new auction item valued at $50 or more (at the door), OR
- A $55 online donation
Contact Carissa Macias for questions – carissa@bolsachica.org 714-846-1114 x 316
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Habitat Programs Happening in July:
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The Eyes On Nest Sites (EONS) program has had great momentum this summer with volunteers monitoring and tracking a record 60 nests for the endangered California Least Tern at Nest Site 1 within the reserve. This milestone reflects the dedication of our volunteers and the thriving wildlife supported within the wetlands!
As summer continues, join us for other opportunities to get involved and make an impact for wildlife:
- Sunday, 7/12 @ 8:30 am – 10:30am: Sea Turtle Surveys
- Volunteer to make observations on sea turtles and collect valuable data to be used in protecting this important endangered species.
- Register Today
- Sunday, 7/19 @ 9am – 12pm: Beginning Birder Workshop
- Join our expert birding friends and staff to learn the basics of birding. Topics Covered include:
- Overview of the habitats of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
- Tips for bird ID and recognizing field marks
- Basic bird groups and common species of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
- How to use binoculars
- How to use field guides and bird I.D. apps Included Materials:
- Items Included:
- Binocular rental during the class
- Bird ID cheat sheets
- Mini field notebook
- Register Today
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Get Involved & Volunteer!
- Saturday 7/4 @ 9am – 12pm: Volunteer Training (Happy 4th of July!)
- Join us for a required orientation to begin volunteering at Bolsa Chica! This 3-hour session includes an introduction to our programs, a review of safety and expectations, and a guided hike to get familiar with the wetlands. Please wear closed-toed shoes, bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle. The hike includes uneven terrain and outdoor exposure, so come prepared. Open to all new volunteers—students, families, and community members welcome.
- Register Today!
- Saturday 7/25 @ 9am – 12pm: Public Service Day
- Hosted every last Saturday of the month, join us for our Public Service Day! Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, pick up trash, and support habitat restoration in the wetlands. No experience needed—just bring your energy and willingness to help! Volunteers under 14 must attend with an adult.
- Register Today!
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Bring your office for a team building experience like none other!
Contact Program Manager Kenneth Perez for corporate or group volunteering at ken@bolsachica.org
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The Bolsa Chica Conservancy has been honored as the benefiting charity of the Paul “Guy” Bryant Jr Memorial Golf Tournament.
Register to play and support BCC!
To Register Contact: Jeff Noble jeffreygnoble@gmail.com or Matthew Krcelic matthew.krcelic@gmail.com
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Get Ready for the 13th Annual Barefoot Ball — August 7, 2026
We are still collecting gift certificates or new items for the silent auction. Drop your donations at the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center by July 19.
Barefoot Ball Dinner & Auction
Sponsor a table or purchase tickets to attend on Friday, August 7, at 5:30 PM at the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort.
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Celebrate Summer at the
Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center
FREE and OPEN to the public Tues- Sun (9am – 4pm) and Mondays (9am-1pm). Located at 3842 Warner Ave. Trails and parking lots are open from sunrise to sunset (Parking is FREE)
*The Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and Restrooms will close at 1pm on Saturday July 4 in celebration of the Independence Day Holiday. Trails and parking lots remain open until sunset.
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Sponsor a Bench in the
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
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The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (BCER) Bench Replacement Project aims to replace 33 benches through community sponsorship. The Reserve originally had 48 benches, but several were removed due to safety concerns. The new benches will provide safe, durable, and comfortable seating for visitors.
Guided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this project is made possible through the leadership of our partner organizations — the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Bolsa Chica Land Trust, and Amigos de Bolsa Chica. The department (CDFW) will lead and manage the entire project, including coordination with each non-profit group, installation, documentation, and long‑term oversight. Bench sponsorships are $1,000 with each sponsorship lasting 10 years and offering a renewal option. Additional donations can be made to support education or habitat programs.
Email Carissa@BolsaChica.org for more information to sponsor a bench today.
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Critter Corner!
Learn more with activities and facts
at the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center
Burst in to learn all about July’s featured critter:
The Sunburst Anemone (Anthopleura sola)
- Found mostly in rocky intertidal but occasionally in mud and sandy habitats.
- Related to a sea jelly, anemones use stinging cells to paralyze prey and consume them whole.
- Also related to coral, anemones can be solitary (Sunburst Anemone) or colonial (Aggregating Anemones) – working together for food and resources.
- Sea Anemones often stick shells to the outside of their soft body as “sunscreen” when exposed to the elements during low tide events.
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