Members of all six Bay Area garden clubs are invited to join the Bay Visions Committee for a field trip to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay.

Pillar Point Harbor exemplifies the challenges of designing a restoration plan that balances the perspectives of many interest groups–environmentalists, fishermen, birders, Harbor Master, recreationalists and residents. Everyone agrees harbor health is important, but they don’t agree on the best measures to protect beaches, cliffs, water health, and the livelihood of long-time residents who rely on the harbor.

Conservationists increasingly recognize the need to consider socio-ecological issues as they strive to manage and protect the environment.

Our lunch-time speaker, Dr. James Cloern, will provide a big-picture look at factors affecting San Francisco Bay: the Delta, Pacific currents and upwelling cycles, and run-off from multiple sources. He’ll discuss the challenges of restoration efforts and the critical importance of tracking the long-term effects and progress of these projects.

This day will be a treat in so many ways – a gorgeous setting, stimulating talks, and a chance to hang out with our fellow GCA members!

Last day for lunch reservations is April 4th.

Questions?  Contact Linda Millard at linda.millard@gmail.com or Lori Adams lgadamsfamily@gmail.com

Schedule

9:30                 Meet in Pillar Point Harbor parking lot for coffee tailgate, restrooms. (1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay).

10:00               Cary Smith, Harbor District, will describe Pillar Point Trail restoration work and living shoreline, as well as how sedimentation affects the Harbor

10:30               Bayside walk/educational talk with Save the Bay representatives (0.3 mile)

11:00               Arrive at Old Princeton Landing Public House and Grill patio (460 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay) for program and lunch; Owner Brian Overfelt will share his perspective as a surfer and long-time resident

11:30               Featured speaker Dr. James Cloern, U.S. Geological Survey emeritus scientist, on health of San Francisco Bay

12:30               Lunch on patio

1:30                 Optional docent-led walks. Please sign up HERE by April 8th for your choice of one hour post-lunch docent tours (limit 20 per tour). First come, first served!

1. Jean Lauer Trail, just north of Mavericks, is a 1.5 mile hike short hike of Pillar Point Bluffs, overlooking the spectacular Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Our POST docent, Karen Madsen, will share information about POST, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the natural history of the area.  Most of the hike is categorized as an “easy” walk on a flat but occasionally uneven dirt trail (including beautiful ocean views!) but the first and final section involves a fairly steep hill. This hill is an approximately 200′ elevation change and the steepest section is a 20% grade. 

Meet after lunch at Pillar Point Bluff /Jean Lauer trail head parking lot near Airport Road.  Click HERE to see location.

1. Pillar Point Trail and marsh with photographer Dan Quinn