Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Aug 16

We have a guest leader for this outing. Barbara is enthusiastic and well-informed about the Marine Reserve.
I'll be coming from San Jose and would be willing to carpool with 2-3 others.
Hope to see you there.

Barbara's event description:
Easy loop trail from the parking area up along the bluff with a small cypress grove, total of 52 feet elevation gain. However, there are 97 steps down (and back up) to the tide pool area. The stairs are well-constructed, with a sturdy railing, and a landing part of the way down. The amount of walking to explore the tide pools is flexible. Total distance will probably be 1-2 miles.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve consists of a three-mile stretch of beach, tidepool habitat, marsh, erosive bluffs, clifftop trail and cypress and eucalyptus forests, and is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The tidepools are one of the best such habitats in northern California, and have been designated as having “Special Biological Significance”. It is within the traditional home territory of the Ohlone peoples. Initial settlement by Native Americans has been dated to 5,800 years ago. We can expect to see crabs, sponges, anemones, sea stars, mollusks, and fish in the tidepools; many shorebirds; and possibly harbor seals resting on the beach or sea otters foraging offshore. There are multiple ecosystems within the reserve. Also the Seal Cove Fault Line is visible along the reef.

I invite everyone to stay for a bring-your-own picnic lunch together, and some time relaxing in nature afterwards, perhaps writing a journal. We can also talk about wilderness survival if you are interested. Or, if you would enjoy a longer, more vigorous hike, you can continue on your own along the California Coastal Trail, or explore some of the multiple other trails and parks nearby.

Wear sturdy shoes (or sturdy sandals with ankle strap); bring water, sunscreen, and hat; wear layered clothing. Summer coastal weather is variable, with possibility of fog, wind, clouds, sun, heat or cold. Restrooms are available at the parking area.

Since this is a Sierra Club hike, you must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. It is recommended to carry a copy of the Local Outings Medical Form in your backpack, but it's not required for this event.

Directions: Moss Beach is along coastal Highway 1, north of Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, Daly City, and Pacifica. If you take 92 west from San Mateo, turn north on Hwy 1 at the coast. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is in Moss Beach, 3 blocks from Highway 1 – turn west at California Ave. The parking area is along North Lake St. (cross streets are Nevada Ave and California Ave).

Leader – Barbara Showalter (209) 628-2065. Please feel free to text or call with any questions. You do not have to pre-register.