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Trip Number: 12339A
Price: $595
Deposit: $100
Capacity: 10
Staff: Dave Garcia
Highlights:
- Help restore the naturally significant landscape and structures of the light station
- Observe elephant seals, sea otters, and other endangered species
- Explore the spectacular Big Sur Coast on free days
Includes:
- Lodge in former U.S. Coast Guard duplex units at the lighthouse
- Home-cooked meals and comfortable beds
- All tools and safety instructions
The Trip
We will be staying at Piedras Blancas Light Station, located six miles north
of Hearst Castle off the California Coastal Highway and adjoining San Simeon
State Park. In 2008, Congress designated it an "Outstanding Natural Area" and
it is part of the Bureau of Land Management's Natural Landscape Conservation
System. This isolated promontory is surrounded by the largest mainland rookery
of northern elephant seals. Sea otters, California sea lions, harbor seals,
and peregrine falcons are common sightings here. The awe-inspiring seascape
is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the largest marine sanctuary
in the United States. Just to the north of the light station is the 90-mile
stretch of rugged California coastline between Carmel and San Simeon known as
the Big Sur Coast.
This eight-day service trip will include four work days and two free days, with
a travel day on either end. Destinations on free days will include exploring
the local beaches and their hidden caves, looking for sea otters and other wildlife.
One of the largest elephant seal rookeries on the mainland is just two miles
south of the lighthouse and is easily accessible for viewing.
The Project
Photo: Dave Garcia
The Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area is a spectacularly dynamic area rich in species diversity and cultural history. In the past several years volunteers have all but eliminated a virtual monoculture of invasive iceplant from the 19-acre station site, and are now working on the adjoining state park property. There are numerous projects in progress, from exotic invasive plant removal and nature trail work to structure maintenance, repair, and restoration.
Itinerary
The trip will start at Piedras Blancas Light Station, six miles north of Hearst
Castle, at 2 p.m., on Saturday, October 6. The four work days and two free days
will be scheduled based on weather and group preferences on activities. Participants
may choose to visit the nearby Hearst Castle ($25 tour), but those fees are
not included in the trip.
Getting There
The nearest airports are San Luis Obispo (55 miles away), Monterey (90 miles), Santa Barbara (130 miles), San Jose (160 miles), and San Francisco (200 miles). While transportation to Piedras Blancas is the responsibility of the participants, a roster will be provided in advance to facilitate carpooling. Maps and directions can be obtained on Mapquest or Google.
Accommodations and Food
We will have the rare opportunity to stay at Piedras Blancas Light Station.
This area has been off-limits to the public for over 130 years. We will be staying
in the former U.S. Coast Guard duplex housing units, which were built in 1960.
There is space for one or two tents, if you prefer the outdoors.
President Andrew Johnson approved the purchase of Piedras Blancas. The Light Station was completed in 1875 and operated by employees of the U.S. Lighthouse Service until 1939 when the U.S. Coast Guard assumed command. Sweeping vistas of the Big Sur Coast and pounding surf will encompass your daily backdrop.
Come with the attitude that food is part of the adventure. We provide delicious, healthy, balanced, and abundant meals that are either vegetarian or can be adjusted for vegetarians. We have a group commissary, with everyone taking turns helping with food preparation. Before applying for the trip, people with food allergies and/or strong food preferences are asked to contact the cook to see if accommodations are possible.
Trip Difficulty
Photo: Dave Garcia
We will probably be working a variety of projects from exotic invasive plant removal, to nature trail work, to structure maintenance, repair, and restoration. We will be doing moderate to hard physical labor. You will be expected to dig, bend, crawl, lift, saw, and hike in performing the projects. It is critical that you can follow leader and agency staff directions. You should be in good physical condition and have the ability to get along with a variety of personalities both while working and living in close quarters.
Equipment and Clothing
Tools will be furnished by the agency, but you will need to have sturdy boots,
long pants, and long-sleeved shirts due to the sun, insects, and poison oak.
You will need a day pack to carry your lunch, water bottles, raingear, sunscreen,
etc. We will provide food, but you need your own spoon, fork, knife, and bowl.
We will provide a first-aid kit, but you should bring moleskin, bandages, aspirin,
and any medications you require.
Piedras Blancas Light Station can be very windy. It is best to have layers
of comfortable clothing, as temperatures may range from 40 to 85 degrees. A
full list of equipment will be sent to approved participants. If you have questions,
please contact the trip leader.
References
Websites:
Books:
- Henson, Paul and Donald J. Usner, The Natural History of Big Sur, University of
Calif. Press.
- Lussier, Tommie K., Big Sur -- A Complete History and Guide, Big Sur Publications,
P.O. Box 340, Big Sur, CA, 93920.
- Alder, Peter and Fred Heath, National Audubon Society Field Guide to California,
Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
Gift Shop:
- There is a gift shop at the light station that sells books and souvenirs.
Conservation
Photo: Dave Garcia
The Big Sur Coast's natural resources were exploited and abused in the 19th
and 20th centuries. We'll take a look at the wildlife recovery programs that
have been implemented. We'll learn about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary,
the largest marine sanctuary in the United States, and the marine inhabitants
of this ecosystem.
Trip Price
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details
about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.
The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Staff
Leader:
Dave Garcia was a California State Park Ranger for 28 years. He has led Sierra Club kayak, mountain bike, and habitat restoration trips. Dave's trips are about the service commitment of working hard, playing hard, making new friends, and having fun!
E-mail: rangerdave@mynvw.com
Cook:
Francine Wai has been a lifetime Sierra Club member for over 30 years. She enjoys exploring the outdoors especially in the western U.S. while residing in Hawaii. She enjoys sharing her commitment to environmental protection with interests in food sustainability, locavore eating, and accessibility to the outdoors.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips