Q: What is native habitat restoration? Why is it important?

A: Restoring our coastal landscape involves removing non-native invasive plants and weeds (i.e., ice plant, mustard, and oxtongue) to make way for planting coastal native plants (i.e., beach sage, seaside daisy, and strawberry) to maintain, increase, and sustain biodiversity. Coastal sand dunes are among the most dynamic and fragile natural formations relying on our commitment to protecting and preserving them. Native plants are believed to host up to 400% more insects by mass as a food source than non-native plants. Restoration is vital to a healthy ecosystem and protects the beach, shorebirds, and wildlife. In Pacifica, restoration is critical for supporting the wintering habitat of the threatened Western Snowy Plover population on the Pacific coast as well as the coastal bees.

Q: Are native habitat events educational? Will I learn about nature?

A: Yes! While our native habitat restoration events are part of our field programs, they are also an important component of our education programs. They provide a unique hands-on experiential learning experience for participants to gain a greater appreciation for nature and preserving habitat, wildlife, and the coastal environment.

Q: What is the Give Back Patch Fund?

A: The Fund is dedicated to receiving tax-deductible contributions directly supporting the purchase and growing of native coastal plants, hands-on education, plant transportation, coordination, pots, tools, gloves, water, volunteer provisions, and more. You can help fill the patches with native plants by making a contribution to the fund.

Q: Who can participate in habitat restoration? Can children participate?

A: Volunteers of all ages — young and old, experienced or inexperienced including children under the age of 14 (with guardian supervision) — are welcome to get their hands in the sand and join the learning experience alongside other stewards of our native habitat. In fact, joining a restoration event is a fun family-oriented way to take action and be an Earth Hero!

Q: When and where do habitat restorations take place?

A: We host three monthly habitat restorations every month. Check our online monthly calendar for exact dates.

• Thornton Vista Habitat Restoration: Every second Sunday of the month, 9AM-12PM
• Mussel Rock Habitat Restoration: Every fourth Saturday of the month, 9AM-11AM
• Linda Mar Habitat Restoration: Every fourth Sunday of the month, 10AM-12PM

An additional site, Calera Creek, hosts restoration events quarterly throughout the year including on Earth Day of Action and Coastal Cleanup Day.

Q: Do I need to register to attend native habitat restorations?

A: All volunteers are encouraged to pre-register by completing and submitting an online sign up and waiver form for the site of their choice. For logistical purposes, we notify our site captains of the number of volunteers expected to attend in advance. Pre-registration saves time, conserves paper, and allows participants to submit our waiver form required of all volunteers in advance. If you’re unable to pre-register online, you may register and sign the waiver during check in at the restoration site.

Q: What should I bring to a habitat restoration event? 

A: Each volunteer is encouraged to bring a planting tool, a shovel or hoe, and a pair of reusable cloth gloves to reduce waste and be more sustainable. We also provide tools and supplies at check-in. Bring snacks and plenty of water (preferably in a reusable bottle).

Q: What should I wear to a cleanup?

A: Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops please), layered clothing, weather-appropriate jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Q: Does rain cancel ag native habitat restoration event?

A: Generally speaking, restoration events are all-weather events and take place rain or shine. Light drizzle or fog does not cancel an event. Heavy rain or high winds might. In the event of a cancellation, we will notify you via email.