Crystal Cove Management Company Meeting

What It Takes to Save a Species: Cove Talk with Jason Bell

Join us for a compelling Cove Talk with Jason Bell, Executive Vice President – Strategy, Programs & Field Operations at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), whose work spans global efforts to protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on. Drawing from hi......More

Join us for a compelling Cove Talk with Jason Bell, Executive Vice President – Strategy, Programs & Field Operations at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), whose work spans global efforts to protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on. Drawing from his experience leading conservation initiatives around the world, Jason will explore the urgent challenges facing wildlife today, from habitat loss and climate change to human-wildlife conflict, and the innovative, collaborative solutions being developed to address them. With a focus on both global impact and local relevance, this conversation will highlight how science, policy, and community engagement intersect to protect biodiversity at scale. Grounded in real-world examples and forward-looking insights, this discussion invites us to consider our role in safeguarding the natural world—and how collective action can drive meaningful change for wildlife and people alike. Meet Jason: Jason Bell first joined IFAW in 1997 as the director of the Elephants Program. Within weeks of starting the job, he attended a meeting in Zimbabwe that changed everything—for him and the world. In the decade prior, poachers had reduced the global elephant population by half. Desperate to save the species, countries around the world agreed to outlaw the ivory trade. By 1997, elephant populations were slowly coming back, and governments holding tons of confiscated ivory saw an opportunity to cash in. When the meeting was over, the ivory ban was lifted. As a trained zoologist and ecologist, Jason understood that poachers would consider even one sale of ivory as Day One of open season. But for Jason, this wasn’t just bad policy, it was personal: Jason grew up in South Africa, where he and his family would often visit watering holes to watch the herds of elephants. Stopping the ivory trade was too big for anyone to tackle alone, so Jason started looking for partners. Under his leadership, IFAW worked with partners to secure critical habitats for elephants in Southern and East Africa, as well as India and China. Jason earned the support and buy-in of countless local communities to translocate elephants across the African continent, including moving an entire herd of 83 elephants from the Phirilongwe region of Malawi, where they had been in constant violent conflict with villagers. And collaborating with world-renowned scientists, Jason helped convince the South African government to update its approach to managing elephant populations, bringing national law into alignment with science. Today, Jason is IFAW’s Executive Vice President of Strategy, Programmes & Field Operations. Drawing on two decades of experience as the Regional Director of Southern Africa, Vice President for International Operations and then Vice President of Conservation & Animal Rescue, Jason guides IFAW’s global strategy as well as on-the-ground operations in more than 40 countries. Jason holds multiple degrees from the University of Pretoria.

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

2026 Grunion Run

Grunion Run Exploration Experience one of Southern California’s most fascinating natural phenomena during this special evening program with Crystal Cove Conservancy. Join Conservancy staff for a guided exploration of the grunion run, when small silver fish come ashore u......More

Grunion Run Exploration Experience one of Southern California’s most fascinating natural phenomena during this special evening program with Crystal Cove Conservancy. Join Conservancy staff for a guided exploration of the grunion run, when small silver fish come ashore under the cover of night to spawn on sandy beaches. Participants will learn about grunion behavior, coastal ecology, and the unique conditions that bring these fish onto shore. After a short introduction, the group will walk to the beach to observe the run and, with a bit of luck, witness this remarkable event firsthand. Meeting Location: Education Commons, Crystal Cove Historic District Parking: Please park at the Los Trancos parking lot on the inland side of PCH. From there, walk through the tunnel and follow the path to the Historic District (approximately a 10-minute walk). What to Bring: Warm layers, comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for getting wet, and a flashlight or headlamp with a red-light setting.              

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Executive Committee Meeting

2026 Discovery Series - Members Only Tidepooling 101

Members Only Event: Learn how to access exclusive member events and programs today! Continue our Discovery 101 series with a hands-on introduction to tidepooling at Crystal Cove State Park, led by a Conservancy conservationist. This small group experience begins with a ......More

Members Only Event: Learn how to access exclusive member events and programs today! Continue our Discovery 101 series with a hands-on introduction to tidepooling at Crystal Cove State Park, led by a Conservancy conservationist. This small group experience begins with a short presentation in the Education Commons, where we’ll explore the unique ecology of the intertidal zone and learn how to identify some of the species you’re likely to encounter. Timed with a very low negative tide, this program offers a rare opportunity to explore an expansive stretch of exposed intertidal habitat, revealing the rich diversity of marine life that calls it home. From there, we’ll head down to the tidepools just south of the Historic District to put our knowledge into practice. Together, we’ll search for sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, sea hares, and other fascinating marine life, while learning how to observe responsibly and help protect this sensitive ecosystem. Whether you’re new to tidepooling or looking to deepen your understanding, this is an immersive, hands-on way to connect with the coast through science, exploration, and stewardship.

Gyotaku Printing Workshop with Dwight Hwang

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Dwight Hwang will share the traditional Japanese method of fish printing, Gyotaku. This is a traditional Japanese printmaking practice that began as a way for fishermen to record their catch, dating b......More

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Dwight Hwang will share the traditional Japanese method of fish printing, Gyotaku. This is a traditional Japanese printmaking practice that began as a way for fishermen to record their catch, dating back to the mid-1800s. Traditional Gyotaku consists of swabbing the surface of a fish with calligraphy ink, called sumi, made from pine soot and water, then pressing a sheet of traditional Japanese paper made from mulberry bark, called washi, onto the inked surface to produce a print. In celebration of the Japanese American farming families who helped shape the region’s agricultural history, you will also create prints using fish and vegetables while exploring connections between art, culture, and Crystal Cove’s coastal history. Parking is available in the Los Trancos Parking Lot off Pacific Coast Highway.

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Members Only Paint the Park: May

Paint the Park: A Plein Air Experience SeriesJoin Crystal Cove Conservancy for Paint the Park, a rotating plein air series designed to help you slow down, look closely, and connect with the landscape through art. Inspired by our Great Plein Air experience, this series i......More

Paint the Park: A Plein Air Experience SeriesJoin Crystal Cove Conservancy for Paint the Park, a rotating plein air series designed to help you slow down, look closely, and connect with the landscape through art. Inspired by our Great Plein Air experience, this series invites participants to explore new locations across the park, each offering a fresh perspective and unique coastal setting. Designed with beginners in mind, this welcoming, hands-on experience offers light instruction and creative prompts, with plenty of time to paint and take it all in. All art supplies are provided. ——— Member Price: $50 Location : May 28 – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Los Trancos LotJuly 9 – Moro Canyon, a backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust 7 – Moro Cove Overlook (a Coastal Landscape): Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P-6 Lot (at Reef Point)What to Bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, sun protection (hat recommended), and an optional stool or portable chair.——— Come for one or join us for all three, each session offers a new way to experience the park through art. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected] or Membership at [email protected].

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike

DescriptionThis guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and bl......More

DescriptionThis guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, stopping to learn about native plant communities, intertidal habitats, coastal geology, and the dynamic forces shaping the shoreline.  The program highlights key conservation challenges such as sea-level rise, habitat loss, and the importance of Marine Protected Areas—focusing on the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Blending ecology with conservation storytelling, this hike fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Park’s coastal landscapes. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.  Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather. Distance: 1.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)Terrain: Mostly flat with one 900-foot climb ascending from the beach to the blufftopElevation Change: +130 ft.Difficulty: EasyDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours (recommended morning start for optimal conditions align with <3 ft. low tide for tidepool exploration)Suggested Age: Adults and youth ages 5+Meeting Point: Education CommonsWhat to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trailsParking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Route Overview:Education Commons → Cottage #13 (0.1 mi) → South along beach (0.5 mi) → Ascend ramp to blufftop (0.1 mi) → North to Shake Shack (0.5 mi) Maps & Resources:

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Japanese American Historic District Tour

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, join Crystal Cove Conservancy educators for a special Historic District tour featuring State Parks Historian Diana Chang. This guided experience will explore the stories of Japanese American families who lived and worked at Crystal......More

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, join Crystal Cove Conservancy educators for a special Historic District tour featuring State Parks Historian Diana Chang. This guided experience will explore the stories of Japanese American families who lived and worked at Crystal Cove as residents and tenant farmers from 1927 to 1942. Through themes of community, perseverance, displacement, and resilience, guests will gain a deeper understanding of an important chapter in Crystal Cove’s history and the people who shaped, and continue to shape, this coastal landscape. The tour will conclude with the story of Crystal Cove’s coastal beach community and the preservation of its beloved historic cottages. Meeting Location: Japanese American Language School House (Cottage #34) Parking: Los Trancos Parking Lot Program Schedule: 1:00–1:30 PM — 30-minute presentation with State Parks Historian 1:30–2:30 PM — 1-hour walking tour throughout the Historic District with a Conservancy educator

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Explore the Cove – Backcountry Ecology Hike

DescriptionSet in the heart of Crystal Cove’s rugged backcountry, this immersive hike ventures into Moro Canyon to explore some of Southern California’s most unique and threatened ecosystems. Participants will learn about coastal sage scrub, riparian corridors, and the ......More

DescriptionSet in the heart of Crystal Cove’s rugged backcountry, this immersive hike ventures into Moro Canyon to explore some of Southern California’s most unique and threatened ecosystems. Participants will learn about coastal sage scrub, riparian corridors, and the rare plant and animal species that make this region a biodiversity hotspot. Guided by Conservancy staff, the group will discuss fire ecology, restoration projects, land-use history, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore these fragile habitats. Along the way, guests will gain firsthand insight into how recreation and conservation coexist within the wildland–urban interface. Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather. Distance: 4.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)Terrain: Wide, hard-packed trail featuring a moderately steep ascent and descent along sections of eroded pathElevation Change: +585 ft (1.2 mi ascent via East Cut) / –675 ft (1.3 mi descent via B.F.I.)Difficulty: IntermediateDuration: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hoursSuggested Age: Adults and youth ages 8+What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, snacks, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on hard-packed hiking trailsMeeting Point: Berns AmphitheaterParking: Please park in the Moro Canyon Parking Lots. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Route Overview:Bern’s Amphitheater → Moro Canyon Trailhead (0.1 mi) → East Cut Across (1.0 mi) → Moro Ridge (1.2 mi) → B.F.I. Trail (1.5 mi) → Return to Trailhead (0.4 mi) Maps & Resources: AllTrails Website Activity LinkAllTrails Extensive Trail & Terrain Map Image  AllTrails Detailed Satellite Imagery Image

Berns Amphitheatre

Paint the Park Plein Air - June

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to de......More

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program invites you to slow down, observe, and create in the open air. Each month, we’ll gather in a new location, offering a fresh perspective on the Cove’s diverse coastal environments—from historic cottages to sweeping ocean views to the quiet beauty of the backcountry. The experience follows the same approachable, beginner-friendly format from last year’s Great Plein Air program: a short introduction, light instruction and prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own creative process. General Price: $110 Membership Price: $85 All supplies are provided. Just bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a sense of curiosity. Monthly Locations: June – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Trancos LotJuly – Moro Canyon, A backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust – Moro Cove Overlook, a Coastal Landscape: Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P6 LotJoin us for one session or all three to experience the full range of Crystal Cove’s beauty—one painting at a time. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected]

Cove Talk with Kate Huckelbridge: Celebrating 50 Years of the California Coastal Act

Join us for a special Cove Talk with Kate Huckelbridge, Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act—one of the most influential environmental laws in the nation. Since 1976, the Coastal Act ......More

Join us for a special Cove Talk with Kate Huckelbridge, Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act—one of the most influential environmental laws in the nation. Since 1976, the Coastal Act has helped protect public access, preserve coastal habitats, guide responsible development, and safeguard the character of California’s shoreline for future generations. In this timely conversation, Kate will reflect on the Act’s enduring legacy, the challenges facing our coast today, and the opportunities ahead as California responds to sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressure on coastal communities. Set against the backdrop of Crystal Cove’s protected shoreline, this discussion offers a meaningful opportunity to consider what it takes to steward one of California’s most treasured public resources—and how bold policy, science, and civic engagement continue to shape the future of our coast. Location: Special Event Deck at #34 Meet Kate:Dr. Kate Huckelbridge began serving as the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission in February of 2023.  Before this appointment, Dr. Huckelbridge served as the Commission’s Senior Deputy Director and has worked for the agency since 2009 in a number of different roles, including as a senior environmental scientist and as the Deputy Director over the Energy, Ocean Resources and Federal Consistency Unit, Transportation Unit, and the North Coast District. She also served as the Tribal Liaison for the Commission.  Born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Kate completed her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University with an environmental engineering degree. After working briefly as a consultant, she went on to earn a masters and a PhD in environmental engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focused on water quality dynamics and modeling in managed wetland systems.

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Paint the Park Plein Air - June 4

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to de......More

Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air ExperienceStep outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air experience set in some of Crystal Cove’s most inspiring locations. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program invites you to slow down, observe, and create in the open air. Each month, we’ll gather in a new location, offering a fresh perspective on the Cove’s diverse coastal environments—from historic cottages to sweeping ocean views to the quiet beauty of the backcountry. The experience follows the same approachable, beginner-friendly format from last year’s Great Plein Air program: a short introduction, light instruction and prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own creative process. General Price: $110 Membership Price: $85 All supplies are provided. Just bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a sense of curiosity. Monthly Locations: June – Historic District, Historic Cottage Scene (Cottage #46): Paint among the charm of Crystal Cove’s restored cottages, with ocean views and layered coastal textures.Parking: Trancos LotJuly – Moro Canyon, A backcountry landscape: Experience a quieter side of the park, surrounded by native plants and canyon landscapes.Parking: Moro Trailhead LotAugust – Moro Cove Overlook, a Coastal Landscape: Take in expansive ocean vistas and the rhythm of the shoreline from this scenic blufftop setting.Parking: P6 LotJoin us for one session or all three to experience the full range of Crystal Cove’s beauty—one painting at a time. For further questions, email Erin at [email protected].