Nature Notes - Summer 2023

nature notes

CENTRAL COAST STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION

Summer is already here! And, I already have a list of bucket items for family adventures to fulfill. At the very least, I am looking forward to some camping trips in our local State Parks and family days on our beaches. Nothing to complain about there!

Most of us have lasting memories of summer trips taken with our families. Packing the car and driving to that highly anticipated destination. It is not nostalgic but foundational to how we spend our leisure time. My family loaded up the car and headed to the local campgrounds. To this day the smell of dry summer, the sound of quails and doves calling brings me right back to my childhood. I value the simplicity of camping and the complexity of nature and the ecosystems within the spaces we share. I hope to instill this value of life in not only my two mini-mes but hopefully our larger community as well.

CCSPA is gearing up for a busy summer season and we are thrilled to be back in action! We will return to the Live Oak Music Festival for a second year. We anticipate another very successful community outreach and retail experience! We will host our first Morro Bay chamber mixer at the Museum of Natural History in July. As we approach the fall we are busy preparing for our first annual Mariposa Festival on September 14th, a monarch inspired art show at the Bunker the month of September and the 4th Annual Butterfly Ball on October 14th. So many things …

We are terribly saddened by the loss of a beautiful soul, Mary Kay Eltzroth. In her honor, her family and CCSPA have established the Mary Kay Eltzroth Internship Fund to provide career development opportunities and hands-on experiences in areas such as curation, interpretation, environmental education, recreation management, communications and community engagement.

Whatever you may have planned this summer, I hope you get out and enjoy local State Parks! We encourage you to share your fond memories and adventures with us. We would love to hear how you enjoy our parks!

Happy sunsets and s’mores!

STAFF DIreCTory

Kristin Howland Executive Director ed@centralcoastparks.org (805) 548-0391

Sheri Robesky Development Director development@centralcoastparks.org (805) 548-0384

Monica Rutherford Community Outreach Manager programs@centralcoastparks.org (805) 548-0385

Julie Lewis Retail Operations Manager store@centralcoastparks.org (805) 548-0384

Beca Martin Operations and Events Manager events@centralcoastparks.org (805) 548-0393

Angelena Masicampo Retail Operations Manager retail@centralcoastparks.org (805) 548-0390

BOARD MEMBERS

Valerie Glahn - Board Chair

Robert Priola - Treasurer

Marylou Gooden - Acting Secretary

Victor Herrera - Director

Alexis Peterson - Director

Jerry Stanley - Director

Laurel Cadena - Director

John Barbieri - Director

STATE PARKS LIASONS

Danielle Bronson State Park Interpreter III Oceano Dunes District

Robyn Chase State Park Interpreter III

San Luis Obispo Coast District

QUICK FACT

CCSPA is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit. We are one of 89 similar cooperating associations across the state who work in partnership with State Parks. Tax ID #: 51-0198869.

Cover photo: Raccoon kitten by Gary Bendig | Unsplash.com

Newsletter design: Brady Teufel

Executive director Kristin Howland

Number of raccoons admitted to Pacific Wildlife Care in 2022.

‘Money cannot buy happiness but it can buy a tent and that’s kinda the same thing’

- Anonymous

MUSeUM GrAnT enhAnCeS ACCeSS AnD e xhIbITS

CCSPA and the California State Parks Morro Bay Museum of Natural History are honored to be the recipients of a $335,800 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to support much-needed museum projects and programs. Of the 63 projects from San Diego to Shasta counties supported by this grant, the museum was the only site in San Luis Obispo County to receive funding.

The grant will fund the installation of a digital touch screen exhibit featuring the museum’s collection, an interactive topography table exhibit, and the replacement of the exterior doors, which will improve accessibility. These new features will allow us to reach new audiences, increase access to the museum collection, and foster a sense of community through experiential learning.

Upon its establishment, the museum was designed to serve as an exhibit space, curatorial collection, and a research center. It contains 25 permanent exhibits, rotating exhibits, hosts over 6,000 objects in its collection, and interprets many topics including the estuary, plants, wildlife, Native American cultures, human impacts on the area, and more. The exhibits are over 20 years old; many need modernization and some do not meet current accessibility standards. In addition, as the museum is currently situated, the public has little to no access to explore the resources in the collection.

The grant will allow for a state of the art digital touch

screen exhibit for visitors to interact with and explore some of these never before seen items in the collection. State Park staff will host a workshop at the museum for high schoolers to learn about the educational requirements and career path to become a curator or museum manager. During the workshop, students will be introduced to the museum’s collection management system and will be taught how to use a 3D scanner to upload the items into an online public database.

This project also includes the replacement of the topography table exhibit, which provides a bird’s eye view of the park and surrounding area. It will include updated, relevant wayfinding information and will help introduce the importance of safe and responsible recreation practices for all park users and experience levels by interpreting tips for aquatic safety, trail etiquette, navigational strategies, and more.

The final aspect of the project will include the replacement of the front glass-leaf doors and the all-metal side doors to allow for improved accessibility. Four power-assist mechanisms will be installed in each entry point to allow for better access for our staff, volunteers, and the public. State Parks Maintenance staff will complete the installation of the doors and add the ADA access mechanisms.

We are looking forward to implementing this project over the next few years. By early 2026, all of these dynamic exhibits and improvements will be complete!

Graphic by Derek Schultz

The ChAllenGeS AnD joyS oF rACC oon

rehAbIlITATIon

Three juvenile northern raccoons scampered up limbs and the trunk of a fallen tree – their first exploration of the wild to which they were being returned.

Almost six months earlier, the first of them had arrived at Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC). Tiny, orphaned, with eyes not yet open, this newborn male (21-531) was examined, then sent home with experienced volunteer Laurie Edwards, who would become his foster mother for several months. She would provide the labor-intensive, time-consuming

care that was not possible at the PWC clinic.

Much like other mammal babies, this newborn raccoon was helpless. He required six daily feedings for the first two weeks (five thereafter for two more weeks), followed by burping and manual stimulation, to encourage him to eliminate – a ritual repeated even at night, allowing a possible break for the caregiver only between midnight and 6:00.

Because a newborn can’t regulate temperature, there must

be a heating pad in part of the “nest,” with an area to which which he can crawl if he gets too warm. Small stuffed items are added as substitutes for mom and littermates.

A month after the arrival of 21-531, two other orphans arrived (21-985 and 21-1003), both female, one of them emaciated and severely dehydrated. And so the little male gained two foster sisters. When Edwards brought them home, she initially quarantined them in separate crates from which the three could still vocalize with one another. From there, they graduated to a larger common area to get acquainted “face to face.” This introduction, she says, “always works out well.”

As they grew, the three progressed from hand-feeding to self-feeding. From formula, to a sort of gruel and then to a variety of foods: dog kibble, fruits, vegetables, peanuts, hard-boiled eggs, fish, and small thawed mice.

In time, Edwards moved all three to a horse stall that she had converted to “raccoon habitat,” leaving a crate with bedding as a sort of raccoon den – until they figured out how to climb the tree limbs up to the nesting spot.

Stuffed toys were replaced with behavioral enrichment items to keep them occupied: blocks to push and pull, bath toys that float (because, she says, “everything will end up in their water at some point”), and peanuts or eggs hidden in branches or logs.

Edwards has a great fondness for baby raccoons, who “make

a delicious purring sound” when content and “reach up to touch you . . . with those amazing paws.”

Perhaps for this reason, it’s a tricky but necessary endeavor to tread the line between giving them the attention and physical affection they need, especially before weaning, and keeping them wild. Distrust of humans, after all, is important to their ability to survive when released. They must be “wilded up.”

Encouraging their wildness is less of a challenge when young are raised together than for singletons, who “definitely bond to caregivers.” Luckily, each of these three had two foster siblings. All eventually became “growly” with Edwards – a healthy sign.

When she acquired five more younger raccoons, it was time to move these first three to a large raccoon enclosure at the PWC clinic for the final stage in wilding them up, the last step before release.

At PWC, their contact with a very limited number of humans was restricted to basic, essential care – cleaning of the enclosure and feeding – done in silence and with no signs of affection, so that in the wild, they would naturally avoid humans. And the young raccoons honed survival skills by hunting for fish in their pool and other food hidden in logs.

When all were released for the season, it was time for Edwards “to clean out the barn and get ready” for the next year’s babies.

CArInG For rACC oonS

If a baby raccoon has been seen alone for more than a few hours, it is probably an orphan. Put an inverted laundry basket over the baby and monitor until into the night (raccoons are nocturnal, so mom should come out at night to reclaim her baby). You can also put the cub in a pet carrier and close the door. Prop it closed with an angled stick. When mom returns, she’ll run in front of the carrier, push over the stick, and the door will pop open. If the mother does not return, contact

Pacific Wildlife Care

In spring and summer, people often set traps in a misguided effort to resolve garbage and other “nuisance” issues. Unfortunately, this approach leads to trapped and killed mothers who leave their starving young behind. If anyone in your neighborhood is setting traps, persuade them to use more humane and effective methods instead. For more on how to coexist with raccoons visit pacificwildlifecare.com

- Pam Hartmann, PWC Volunteer

Laurel Rodger -

InTerACTIve ProGrAMS AnD FAMIly FUn In Slo CoUnTy

with the park logo to find face painting, games, a whale blubber demo, ocean safety information and so much more!

Mark your calendars for July 8 and August 12 as the SLO Coast District is teaming up with Central Coast Snake Services to bring a family snake education program to Montaña de Oro and Morro Bay, featuring live snakes.

CCSPA, CA State Parks, and NOAA staff from the Coastal Discovery Center in Simeon will also be hosting a Get Into Your Sanctuary Day on July 29. This family event will feature hands-on activities with skulls and skins and offer fishing for kids.

Summer is here, and that means there will be several engaging, interpretive, and interactive events happening in our Central Coast State Parks! We look forward to bringing campfire programs, Junior Ranger programs, family events, and more to several State Park sites in San Luis Obispo County.

Join the Oceano Dunes District for Summer Fun Day at the Beach on Tuesday, July 4th from 11am to 1pm, held on the beach at the end of Grand Avenue. Look for their blue tents

The final Oceano Dunes District event will be Summer Fun Day at the Lagoon on Saturday, August 12th from 10am to noon. Come out to the Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center and Guiton Trail area located at 555 Pier Avenue in Oceano to learn more about the Oceano Lagoon habitat, explore the Guiton Trail for amazing wildlife viewing, and enjoy some craft time.

Stay up to date on summer programming and view details about the listed programs by following us and our State Park partners on Instagram and Facebook and checking out our online event calendar.

ChooSe yoUr own ADvenTUre AT oCe Ano CAMPGroUnD

As part of Oceano Dunes District’s Interpretive staff, my office is just a stone’s throw away from Oceano Campground. When you work at a campground, “You must love your job” is a phrase you hear often, and for good reason.

When I get to work in the morning the campground is waking up, and the campers are preparing to seize the day. Wafting in the breeze is the smell of campfire smoke, potatoes, onions, and bacon sizzling away. Campers come and go. They arrive and set up a temporary home away from home. They make friends with their neighbors, kids play, everyone is happy to be right where they are, they explore, they sleep beneath the stars (or coastal fog as the case may be), and they breathe a bit deeper. Eventually, they pack up, and if they are like me, they leave with a slightly heavy heart, because even though it was just for a couple of days, that campsite became home.

Camping setups vary greatly. Some folks are glamping in well-appointed RVs with all the bells and whistles, while others take a more spartan approach with a simple tent setup. Everybody is on an adventure, and I get to be a part of it. I enjoy helping people take advantage of all the amazing things that campgrounds in the Oceano Dunes District have to offer, whether it is recommending an amazing trail,

a spot for birding, helping to identify local wildlife, or handing out Junior Ranger badges at the end of a Junior Ranger program. We love meeting our visitors and are looking forward to a busy summer season. If it’s been too long since you went camping, here’s a short course on camping at Pismo State Beach.

the Oceano Lagoon. Take a walk along the 1.2-mile accessible Guiton Trail, which borders the lagoon, and enjoy an abundance of native plants and wildlife. The Beach Access trailhead can be found down the road from the front kiosk. It is a short but pretty hike that connects the campground to the beach. During the summer months, Junior Ranger and campfire programs are offered at the campfire center. So don’t forget to ask staff about these fun educational programs and bring your Junior Ranger logbooks!

The North Beach Campground is located at 399 S. Dolliver Street in Pismo Beach. This campground offers over 100 sites without hookups. The campground is well situated with great access to the beach, the boardwalk trail (a half-mile trail through the foredunes between the campground and Grand Avenue), and the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, which is an important overwintering site for monarch butterflies. During the summer months, Junior Ranger and campfire programs are also offered at the campfire center.

There are two campgrounds to choose from, and they are not far apart. The Oceano campground is located at 555 Pier Avenue in Oceano. This campground has sites with and without RV hookups. The Oceano campground’s location is incredible. Running along the eastern side of the campground is

Reservations for both campgrounds can be made up to 6 months in advance at https://reservecalifornia.com/. Because of the popularity of these campgrounds, it is not recommended to arrive without a reservation. Happy camping!

- Laurel Rodger, State Park Interpreter

STAFF SPoTlIGhT: STATe PArK rAnGer KAlIn Moore

Kalin Moore is a State Parks ranger (peace officer) for the northern sector of the San Luis Obispo Coast District.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Ventura, CA with my mom and two younger sisters. I attended California Lutheran University to earn my bachelors of science in criminal justice and criminology and was part of the Air Force ROTC program at UCLA during my first two years in college. I grew up around animals since my mom is a veterinarian, and playing outside was one of my favorite memories growing up. I enjoy hiking, playing the guitar, hanging out with my friends, exercising, and visiting my family back home if I get the chance to.

What brought you to California State Parks and how long have you been working for Parks?

After college, I had the idea of wanting to be a park ranger, but I also wanted to know if working out in the parks was something I actually wanted to do. After I finished college, I saw a job posting at my Alma Mater for “park aide” at Point Mugu State Park and thought it would be the best way to test out if I could work in the same environment as rangers. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed being a park aide, and later was a senior park aide for about three years. While not every day or moment

was glamorous, my co-workers made all the difference in the world working in such a chaotic and crowded park. I was fortunate to get a spot in the academy about two years ago and successfully passed through the academy and field training. I’ve been in the field as a ranger for about a year now.

What does a typical day look like?

Every day when I gear up and go on-duty, I like to check in with my partners to get an idea of how the day has gone so far. Depending on the day of the week and if there’s a holiday, I can usually gauge how busy the park will be. I’ll check in with park aides at the campground and patrol through a couple of times throughout my shift to ensure everyone is being safe and following the rules. I’ll then patrol up the coast to San Carpoforo then down south to Cambria, since the majority of the coastline is part of State Parks. The calls we get can range anywhere from noise complaints in the campground to assisting sheriffs as backup. Honestly, everyday is a new day because every contact you make is a new contact.

What is your favorite aspect of being a park ranger?

My favorite part about being a ranger is having the ability to be outside and be a law enforcement officer. There’s this beautiful blend you get from being a ranger for State Parks, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be in a district that embraces sharing interpretive education with the public. I truly enjoy getting to know and work with so many different people who work in different departments in this district. I try to make it a point to get out and talk with visitors, campers, and employees every shift because I’ve found that the more you interact with peo-

ple, the more you can get to know the area and who you’re working with. I will also add that one of my favorite parts about being a ranger is the ability to explore the trails and beaches.

What is the most unexpected or unique circumstance you have experienced while working?

The most unique circumstance I’ve experienced while working here would have to be a vehicle fire incident. It was my second week after field training was completed, and I was closing the day use gates with another ranger one evening when we ended up responding to a vehicle that was on fire. By the time we got on scene, the whole vehicle was engulfed in flames. Luckily, no one was injured. Funny enough, now every time I drive past the burn spot on the highway, I always think of that contact.

Do you have any advice for anyone who is thinking about becoming a State Park ranger?

My advice for anyone wanting to be a State Parks ranger would be to talk to your local rangers. Rangers truly enjoy knowing that people are interested in this career, and I believe it’s incredibly beneficial to get their perspectives. I recommend doing a few ridealongs to get a taste of what it’s like in the field. Also, I always advise those who are starting or going through the application process to be patient. The hiring process takes about a year from the time you put in your application to the time it takes to go through the physical test, written test, background checks, and psych evaluation. However, if you jump all the hurdles and get accepted into the academy, the payoff will be worth the wait.

- Interview by Monica Rutherford

STAFF PICKS: FAvorITe SUMMer ACTIvITIeS

Monica • Community Outreach Manager

“For me, summer is the ideal time for camping. Even though the weather is hotter and parks are busier, I love the energy of a full campground. I enjoy exploring during the day then coming back to the campsite to cook dinner and make s’mores! My favorite place to camp is in Big Sur, but I have several more local sites on my camping bucket list.”

be AChInG

Beca

• Operations & Events Manager

“To me, the best thing to do in summer is just be at the beach. I love relaxing to the sound of the water, walking along the sand, and swimming until the sun goes down. Growing up on an island has made the beach a place of comfort and familiarity for me. My favorite beach on the Central Coast is Cayucos State Beach; there’s plenty of space to enjoy the day with friends and family!”

bACKPACKInG

Sheri

• Development Director

“Some of my favorite times to enjoy the beach are during summer when the days are long and warm. We love lounging in the sand in the early evenings, listening to the ocean, exploring the seashore, and finding treasures. We hunt for sea glass, search for sea creatures, spot birds, and fill our souls with breathtaking Central Coast sunsets. I find that summer is a time to decompress, re-engage with nature, and spend quality time with friends and family.”

Pl AyInG

Angelena • Retail Operations

Manager

“My boys and I cannot wait to play at Spooner’s Cove this summer (down from Spooner Ranch House in Montaña de Oro). It’s one of those magical places that seems secret–a place you cannot believe you stumbled upon if you’re camping just up the way. When the sun’s out and the tide is low, it’s like your own oasis.”

Kristin • Executive

Director

“Hands down, my favorite summer activity is backpacking! There is something about the whole experience that speaks to my soul…the complete disconnect from screens and the hustle and bustle of daily life allows me a level of peace that is rejuvenating. The Sierras are my second home. But when on the Central Coast, beach days and camping with family is a close second!”

KAyAKInG

Julie

• Retail Operations Manager

“My favorite summer activity is kayaking. There is nothing like a cool, foggy morning in Morro Bay. At high tide when the water is calm, there is so much to see. From the kelp below to the brown pelicans above, there is no other experience as immersive. When I want more of a thrill, I head south to Pismo Beach. While it’s not as serene as Morro Bay, the crash of the surf and the warmer beach makes for a classic summer experience!”

CAMPInG

exPlorInG