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What an incredible summer it has been at The Bolsa Chica Conservancy! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Barefoot Ball was a wonderful success, raising critical funds to Educate youth, Restore habitat, and provide opportunities to Inspire our community to connect with the wetlands.
As we head into September, there is no slowing down! Coastal Cleanup Day is just around the corner, offering a chance to make a real difference for our coast and Bolsa Chica. Throughout the month, our public programs, guided tours, and volunteer opportunities continue to bring people closer to this special place—and there are plenty of ways for you to get involved, learn something new, and help protect the wetlands we all treasure.
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2026 Barefoot Ball – Thank You!
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The 2026 Barefoot Ball on August 7 was a huge success thanks to our amazing supporters and donors who participated both in person and online.
The Bolsa Chica Conservancy raised over $247,000 supporting the programs that Educate, Restore and Inspire our youth and the community over the next year.
Thank You to everyone who participated, to the volunteers and interns that helped behind the scenes, and to our community for coming together for our mission.
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Next Up: Coastal Cleanup Day on 9/19
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Join us at Bolsa Chica State Beach on Saturday, September 19 at 9am – 12pm for Coastal Cleanup Day! Be sure to register in advance for communication updates.
** Parking and Check-In will be in Lot 25 at Bolsa Chica State Beach NOT at the Interpretive Center! Parking is FREE during the event.
Questions? You can email Ken Perez at Ken@bolsachica.org or Jess Roberts at Jess@bolsachica.org
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Now Booking: Fall Field Trips & Tours
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Come take a group tour with us! School field trips are the most common group to tour with us, but we are happy to lead sports teams, church groups, volunteer organizations, office teams, and large families!
Reach out to plan your class field trip or group outing with us this fall! Free guided tours can be pre-arranged, or add extra field lab activities to make it a really special day for your class, group, family, or team.
Book your wetland experience with Jo Ann Canty at JoAnn@bolsachica.org
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Public Programs Happening in September:
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. The Touch Tank is also open 11am – 12pm on Sundays!
- 1pm – 2pm: Animal Feeding Presentations (Saturdays Only). Guests can view the process of feeding our fish and reptiles, ask staff questions, and learn more about the biology of these animals.
Saturday 9/5 @ 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 9/12 @ 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!
Sunday, 9/13 @ 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
Saturday 9/20 @ 9am – 12pm: Beginner Birder Workshop
- Join us for a 1-day workshop held on the third Sunday of the month to learn the basics of bird observation and identification!
Participants will attend a classroom training followed by in-the-field birding, lead by an expert birder. This program is designed for those with no birding experience to enter the world of birding in an accessible, easy-to-digest way. Registration is required with a $20 donation that covers the cost of materials
- Register Today!
Saturday 9/26 @ 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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Habitat Restoration Volunteer Days:
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Join our monthly volunteer days that run from September – February.
*These volunteer opportunities are only available outside of nesting season.
Wednesday, 9/23 Nest Site Work Day @ 8am – 11am
- Volunteers work with CDFW and BCC staff to restore critical nesting habitat for endangered birds by removing vegetation.
Saturday, 9/26 Public Service Day @ 9am – 12pm
- Volunteers help conserve the wetlands by removing trash from the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.
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Get Involved & Volunteer!
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Saturday 9/5 @ 9am – 12pm: Volunteer Training (1st Saturday)
- 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!
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Bring your office for a team building experience like none other!
Kayak Cleanups are available from September through February!
Contact Kenneth Perez for corporate or group volunteer opportunities at ken@bolsachica.org
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Thank You to the Paul “Guy” Bryant Jr Memorial Golf Tournament for honoring The Bolsa Chica Conservancy as your selected charity.
We were presented with a donation totaling $4,301 on August 20!
Thank You Paul and Family
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Take a Fall Stroll Into
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 be OPEN until 1pm on Monday 9/7 for Labor Day. 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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Ask a Staff Member
Do you need to reach out with an inquiry? Here are the main contacts:
For general questions about the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, you can email info@bolsachica.org or call 714-846-1114 X 310
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