Bolsa Chica Wetlands A Safe Haven

Migrating Birds Flock to Sacred Site

In Huntington Beach

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The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach – designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a protected coastal wetland – is a local treasure.

More than a place of natural beauty, Bolsa Chica, which means “little pocket” in Spanish, is a sanctuary for migrating birds and provides a tranquil habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife.

In the wetlands birds can rest on their long journeys and also have a safe place to breed, nest, and rear their young.

Wthout these pit stops along the way, migrating birds become exhausted and disoriented, unable to reach their destinations and even dying for lack of food, water and shelter.  
 

An oasis of primitive beauty in an urban setting, the 1,700-acre Bolsa Chica preserve wouldn’t exist today if it weren’t for the efforts of community volunteers and environmental groups, none more supportive than the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. 

For over 20 years the Bolsa Chica Land Trust has been working to protect all of Bolsa Chica’s mesas and wetlands.

“Our mission is the preservation of the entire eco-system,” Kim Kolpin, Executive Director of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, told SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel. 

In 1997 the Land Trust was instrumental in saving 921 acres of wetlands.

Since 2004 the Land Trust has been involved in the ongoing process of restoring the wetlands.

Huntington Beach City Councilman Joe Shaw, President of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, explained to SurfWriter Girls, “We are doing probably the most important work now…fighting for the last two jewels of undeveloped land at Bolsa Chica.” 

Through its Bolsa Chica Legacy Campaign, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is working to save from development the wetlands’ Sacred Cogged Stone Site, an area that was once a village and a cemetery of an ancient civilization dating back 8,000 years. 

Important for more than its ecological aspects, Bolsa Chica is thought to have major archaeological significance. Its cogged stones – over 500 of them – are a mystery that could be linked to similar sites discovered in Chile over 9,000 years ago.

Researchers are eager to discover the true meaning of these cogged stones and what they represented to the early cultures that created them. Some researchers have speculated that the stones served a utilitarian purpose, while others think that they probably were used in religious ceremonies. 

By saving the undeveloped parcels in Bolsa Chica, we and future generations will be able to learn more about the stones and to preserve this connection with our past. 

To understand what makes these wetlands so special, you really have to see them for yourself.

For an even closer view, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust installed a Nest Cam that provides a 24/7 live stream video of the remote nesting areas of the California Least Tern and the Western Snowy Plover – two endangered bird species that are on site. 

To the casual observer Bolsa Chica’s raw landscape, dotted with scrub brush and wildflowers, might not seem important, especially when compared to million dollar homes and luxury resorts. But, to migrating birds it’s a lifeline on their journeys home.  

Through the Land Trust’s Bolsa Chica Stewards and Junior Stewards programs volunteers can get involved in helping to educate the public about the need to protect this vital coastal land.

On a recent Saturday morning SurfWriter Girls Sunny and Patti talked to volunteers who were working to restore the wetlands – removing invasive plants and planting drought-tolerant, native vegetation.

Stewards Coordinator Erin Chin and Junior Stewards Coordinator Mark Hay told us that some of the volunteers have been helping to maintain the site for years.

Volunteers Jeff Rokos and Roberta Armstrong enjoy preserving this untouched landscape. Rokos, who has been a Steward for 15 years, said, “The Stewards is a chance for me to get my hands in the dirt and help out.” 

Everyone was excited about being able to safeguard this unspoiled stretch of land and maintain a key link in the birds’ migration route.

A long-time sponsor of the non-profit Surfrider Foundation, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust shares its mission of protecting our oceans, waves and beaches – whether it’s a top surfing spot…or a “little pocket” where birds can rest.   

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