Located in between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the Point Mugu Beach is located alongside the coast near the Santa Monica Mountains inside the Point Mugu Naval Base. I decided to visit this beach and write about it as my second blog since we had the unique opportunity to spend the night on the base Read More
Tag: biodiversity
Recreation in harmony with wildlife
Driving down a winding road through the mountains, we pop out of the Malibu hills to witness a 180-degree view of the coastline, aka the picturesque idea of paradise, laid right before of our eyes. Nestled between some shopping plazas and gated beach front homes, was Malibu Lagoon State Beach, also known as Surfrider Beach. As we walked down the lagoons dirt path through the spiraling pathways that were flanked with wildflowers popping out on both sides, we decide to enjoy one of the many scenic outlooks that were provided in the lagoon area. With the restoration efforts that have been taking place in the watershed, came the return of several species that created a little biodiverse haven full of various bird species and fishes that haven’t been seen in this location in decades, including snowy plovers, steel head trout, and goby’s.
I noticed that not only was there a lot diversity among the type of species found in the lagoon, but also a large diversity in people that came to enjoy this beach in their own unique way. We walked pass several people decked out with camera lens that were larger than my neck, snapping what seemed like a million clicks per minute of the birds, as they sat on egg shaped seats or camouflaged in the caged bird blinds to avoid disturbing the wildlife. There were clusters of guys lugging their surfboards straight down the path towards the beach to enjoy the surprisingly clear water and roaring waves.
Alongside, there were families with children running and screaming towards the beach in excitement to play in the sand and stick their feet in the water. There were multiple plaques along the trail where many could learn about the wildlife and restoration work that has taken place. There were also benches and wooden lounge chairs filled with people taking a nap or just posting up to take in the scenery.
As I continued to walk through the pathway, there were tiles that lined the end of the path that led to a spiraled path that was half sunken under the waterline, which seemed a bit odd at first. The tiles were labeled with different feet measurements that signaled how high the tide was and tuned the experiencer into the natural cycles and environment with showing how high the water levels reached during different times of the year as they walked down the pathway. Visiting this beach for the first time, made me think of the how protecting and preserving these these kinds of areas can in turn create a multitude of additional benefits to everyone through its natural beauty, resourceful ecosystem, and multitude of recreational activities generated.
Zuma Lagoon
This is a photo of Zuma Lagoon located along Westward Beach. Lagoons are shallow bodies of water separated from a larger body of water by different means of topography. Coastal lagoons are protected from the ocean by sandbars or beaches. In the case of Zuma Lagoon, the beach separates the two bodies of water. This Read More
Laguna Beach
Picnic Beach at Heisler Park is one of the many beaches that make up Laguna Beach. The coast of Laguna Beach is composed of over 7 miles of shoreline, all of which is a state marine reserve or state conservation area. Many aspects of the community are influenced by their miles of sandy and rocky Read More
A Quiet Beach Along the PCH
There is a beach along the PCH heading towards Malibu that I frequently visit, but do not know the name of. It can be easy to miss, even if you know what to look for.
Lechuza ecosystem
I learned a great deal of knowledge about the rocky intertidal zone ecosystems last semester when I took a Principals of Ecology and went on my first trip to Santa Rosa island. I never knew these ecosystems existed before I took the class and I have been going to the beach for most of my Read More