HT4K Coastal Transit to Trails: Intertidal Zones, Thriving Between Land and Ocean at Abalone

To better prepare for our trip, please give yourself about  5-10 mins to read the following information.

Meet up location: Carson Community Center (grassy area) at 8:30am

• Upon arrival, CNC staff and HT4K staff will assist members to check-in and  fill out program waivers. Once everyone is signed in, we will shift into an opening circle and then dive into an ice breaker. We will then board a bus and make our way to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, which will take about 1.5 hours (depending on traffic). Please bring a mask to use during our bus ride to and from Carson Community Center.
• As soon as we arrive at Abalone Cove, we will provide time for a restroom break, for those who need it, then head towards our tabling area to start the day. CNC's Lead Naturalist, Bree Salzar will lead us into a Land Acknowledgement, review what the day will look like, and help us familiarize with the space. Program Coordinator Zee Zetino will then present the group with a team building activity where the group will get to practice moving along big rocky boulders similar to the ones we will navigate near the tide pools during low tide. After our community building activity, lunch will take place.
• Once lunch is over, Bree will lead a stroll on the trail that leads to the shore, but once we get to the entrance of this trail Bree will cover the various tidal zones and the Native Indigenous relationships to the coast, in addition to what organisms thrive in these various zones through adaptations. After Bree's interpretive program by the entrance, we will hike down to the tide pools; the hike will consist of approximately less than a mile with several declines, the trail is mostly a dirt path with some rocky terrain, eventually we will cross a short bridge and continue on the trail towards the tide pools. Before reaching the tide pool, the terrain changes into an extremely rocky shore, keep in mind when we navigate through this space you will need comfortable shoes to pass through the rocky shore.
• Once we get to the tide pools we will practice safety by not giving our backs to the ocean and carefully step around the tide pools. Please note rocks in the tidepool area will be slippery, so in order to have a joyful experience, we recommend bringing shoes that are comfortable and okay to get wet. Bree will guide us through the tide pools (subject to change if tides are too high) and we will get to observe all the cool creatures found in the space, while making sure we respect all life and leave any rocks and shells behind. After tide pooling, we will hike back to the tabling area where we initiated the program, please keep in mind the hike back will consist of a 144 ft elevation. We will wrap up our day and end with a closing circle and board the bus to head back to Carson Community Center.

Weather:

We expect Abalone Cove, Rancho Palos Verdes have to be mostly cloudy with a high of 71° and low temperatures at 56° as the day gets cooler (subject to change), so please layer up with thin layers that can easily be added or removed (think of layers like an onion)!!

What to Bring:

Comportable closed toe shoes, enough water (at least 20 oz), a backpack to carry your belongings, a change of clothes in case you get wet, a blanket/towel to sit on, and curiosity for the ocean.

Important Reminders:

• Please arrive at Carson Community Center on time (5-10 mins early) to ensure that you are able to board the bus and join us.
• When registering for this event, make sure to add your correct email and phone number, so that you can receive more details of what to expect on our trip and any recent program changes. Transit to Trails programming is FREE, so please remember to use the coupon code that was provided to register for our trip! The coupon code only works per person!
• We will be together from 8:30am-4:20pm (approximately 8+ hours)
• Wear comfortable/close-toed shoes (We will be strolling along a trail)
• Your shoes may get wet and sandy if we are able to explore the tide pools
• Bring proper layers for weather that can range from; sunny and warm to protect you from UV sun rays; to cloudy and chilly to keep you nice and warm
• CNC recommends entering the water only up to your ankles; to be safe and comfortable for the rest of the day
• CNC is not responsible if you choose to submerge yourself in the water. It is up to your own discretion and comfort
• There will be a lifeguard on duty in case of an emergency
• Be prepared to be/move around rocks and sand for most of our time at Abalone Cove

If you need any access needs (ways that we can help you have a safe and enjoyable experience) or need to communicate with CNC staff about our Transit to Trails, please reach out to our Program Coordinator, Zee Zetino zee@communitynatureconnection.org AND ttt@communitynatureconnection.org.

Please familiarize yourself with the following: 

Covid Guidelines 

Wavier & Photo Release Form