by Donna Specht

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is the largest saltwater marsh between Monterey Bay and the Tijuana River, covering about 1,300 acres of wetland and upland habitat adjacent to the Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach.  Saltwater marshes are a critical part of our environment, providing vital nurseries for fish, producing oxygen, purifying water, and providing homes for endangered species.  In addition, Bolsa Chica is an important link in the Pacific Flyway and protects the safety of all who live nearby—including humans—by providing natural flood control.  To appreciate its full significance, however,  we must understand that it was once part of a chain of similar wetlands extending the length of California’s Pacific coast.  More than 95 % of these wetlands have been destroyed; Bolsa Chica is a part of what’s left.

The Orange County Sierrans Section (formerly Orange County Sierra Singles) has been leading monthly newcomer hikes in the Reserve for about 30 years. Given Bolsa Chica’s ecological importance, these are not merely casual walks in an attractive location.  We present a strong conservation and environmental theme on every hike.  Our leaders are knowledgeable about plants and birds, and one is a professional geologist.  On our hikes we emphasize the importance of the wetlands alongside current issues of urban runoff, water conservation, and development.  And we address the rich history of the area, from the early Indigenous Peoples, through the 1592 explorations of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the establishment of the California Missions, which decimated  the Indigenous population, and the Rancho Period, up to the Gun Club, Oil Boom and Military Reservation of more recent times.

We also talk about the Sierra Club’s activities to protect the area, such as our 20-year battle to defeat the Poseidon Desalination Project, which we won.  We were likewise instrumental in saving Banning Ranch, another 20-year fight.  With bequests and government grants the area was set aside, and its name is now the Randall Preserve.  More recently, 6.2 acres were transferred to the stewardship of Acjachemen and Tongva leaders and is a step towards protecting their heritage.  Our Indigenous people are still here.

Because the Bolsa Chica Newcomer Hike is the only one of its kind in the Angeles Chapter, it draws people from all over Los Angeles and Orange Counties.  These regularly scheduled hikes are on the third Sunday of each month.  You can sign up for the hikes on the Sierra Club’s calendar.  Come join us!