Sat, Sep 19, 2015

Point Lobos Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

About this event

 

   

WHAT: Tour of Point Lobos Natural Reserve with noted naturalist and geologist Dr. Ed Clifton.

WHEN:  Saturday September 19th, 9:30 AM.

WHERE:  Point Lobos Natural Reserve

COST:  $15.00 plus park entrance fee of $10/car.

WHAT TO BRING:  Bring a picnic lunch and something to share if you like. 

                               For those coming down Highway 1 from Santa Cruz, Gayle's

                               Bakery in Capitola can provide box lunches to go.

                              Call them at 831.462.1200 to order.

 

Event requirements

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System". It continues to be a mecca for people interested in seeing beautiful vistas and magnificent animals, in nourishing their need for the kind of serenity that nature provides, and in pursuing their love of photography, painting, nature study, and poetry. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea.

 

Miraculously, Point Lobos escaped destruction as it passed from one owner to another.  Here was a whaling station and a granite quarry, a shipping point for a coal mine, and the site of an abalone cannery.  Cattle grazed these meadows before much of Point Lobos was proposed as a town site.  Finally, the land was acquired by an owner who appreciated its unique qualities.  When,, with the help of the Save-the-Redwoods League, it passed into the trusteeship of the State of California in 1933, Point Lobos still had much of its primitive, wild character.  And it is still unspoiled.  Roads through the reserve are kept to a minimum.  The most beautiful areas of the reserve can be seen only on foot over unobtrusive trails that lead through forest and meadow to wild headlands bordering the Pacific.

 

Join Dr. Ed Clifton who will provide a private geological tour of Point Lobos for our SFMBCA Club.  M. Edward Clifton, PhD, is a geologist with strong ties to the Reserve.  After receiving his doctorate, he joined the US Geological Survey where he served for 30 years, most of it with the branch of Pacific Marine Geology.  The first-ever geologist aquanaut, Dr. Clifton shares the world record for continuous underwater habitation (58 days) under saturated diving conditions.  A docent now at Point Lobos, he has been fascinated with the rocks there since he first saw them 50 years ago.

 

I (Dianne Busse) as a volunteer guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium since 1998 (where Ed and his wife also volunteer), can testify to the fantastic learning experiences Ed provides for us at Point Lobos.  I guarantee you will view and appreciate Point Lobos geological history from an informed perspective after participating in his tour and learning from Ed.

 

Plan to be at the entrance to Point Lobos State Reserve by 9:30 AM on Saturday, September 19.  The importance of starting early relates to the scarcity of parking spaces within the park.  It is important to arrive early to have availability to park your car.  Car pooling is advised if you are attending with friends.  Because the day’s tide is in a good position to view the Point Lobos geology at these hours, this is the best time of the day for the tour.

 

After paying the entrance fee, drive to the Weston Beach parking area to meet the group and begin the tour.  

 

Bring your picnic lunch and we will end our geology tour to enjoy lunch within Point. Lobos with a stop at the picnic area.  This will offer the unique opportunity to get to talk with Ed personally.

 

Your afternoon will be free to enjoy a drive down the Big Sur Coast Highway 1, stopping to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.  You may want to make this a longer adventure and stay overnight in this special area.

 

The cost for this unique tour is $15.00 which will include a contribution to the Point Lobos  Foundation.  This organization works cleverly and continuously to enhance the Point Lobos experience.  Let’s give back to them for their efforts on behalf of the Reserve.

Attendees (7)

MS
Mike Splivalo
RS
Robert St. John
DB
Doris Britschgi
JB
Jerry Bannan
DS
David Sears
HC
Herb Cygan
SD
Sandor Drobilisch

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Carmel , CA

Organizer

Festival/Social organized by

MBCA - San Francisco Bay Area

Event over!