Enjoying the Golden State

“I have a lot of favorite places in California, but a great place close by is Cache Creek. I enjoy learning about the plants and geology of the watershed as I raft down the creek or enjoy a day with my family beside the creek.”

–Garth Lindley, Associate Director of Development

“Whether watching the sun rise behind San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge above a fog inversion or the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands welcomed me to California when I moved here in 2019. Striking California poppies and silver lupine cover the hillsides as coyotes and bobcats roam. The rugged cliffs to the north are battered by strong waves as turkey vultures soar. So close, yet so far from city life, on bike or on foot, this place offers endless opportunity to explore nature at its best!”

–Jess Bolton, Events Associate

“Located in the wetlands that flood annually, the Staten Island Preserve is a true example of conservation and agriculture, blending modern farming technology with preservation of wildlife such as coyotes, migratory sandhill cranes and even bats! This past fall, the Loyal Giving team hosted TNC’s Legacy Club members and Loyal Donors to field trips at the Cosumnes River Preserve and Staten Island with our ecologists and farmers for an in-depth peek at the magic.

Nearby Staten Island Preserve is the Cosumnes River Preserve, where the peaceful energy and balance make it perfect for bird watchers and plant enthusiasts. Visitors who need extra help with accessibility can enjoy a stroll on the beautifully paved trails.”

–Linh Hoang Poe, Gift Planning Advisor

“The Miracle Mile in the Russian Wilderness, nestled in the Klamath National Forest, is my favorite public land in California because it packs an incredible mix of biodiversity, hydrology and stunning scenery into a single day hike. This spectacular trail winds through a rugged landscape of granite peaks and old-growth forest, showcasing the rare Brewer’s spruce—an iconic tree found almost nowhere else.”

–Molly Breitmun, Klamath Stewardship Project Associate

“At TNC’s Dye Creek Preserve, I love to take people down a trail that winds its way through the canyon, so I can describe the origins of the surrounding geologic formations, the plants and animals that have adapted to thrive here, and the culture of Native Americans who once called this place their home.”

–Scott Hardage, Dye Creek Preserve Project Coordinator

“If you’re looking for a great place to go hiking, I recommend Point Arena-Stornetta. It boasts amazing coastal views, a historic lighthouse and excellent coastal birdwatching. TNC protected what became the Stornetta Public Lands in 2004, working with the Bureau of Land Management, Wildlife Conservation Board and State Coastal Conservancy; and President Obama added those lands to the California Coastal National Monument in 2014. TNC is still involved in the area, kicking off a coastal wetland and salmon habitat restoration project in the Garcia River estuary.”

–Jen Carah, Senior Water Scientist

“It’s always a rush climbing down the cliffs to a dive site. Fort Ross is a National Historic Landmark with a protected cove that makes it perfect for divers and non-divers.”

–Frank Hurd, Coastal Fisheries Project Director

“Santa Ysabel East Preserve in San Diego County is my favorite of all the TNC properties in Southern California because of its incredible diversity. I like to take the 7-mile hike from east to west, which passes through oak woodland, conifer forests, chaparral and grassland—and provides a wonderful spot for lunch at a picnic table under a giant oak tree.”

–Laura Benedict, Associate Director of Development

“Yosemite’s Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park is one of my favorite places to skate, ski and hear only my breath and the rhythmic swish of my skis.”

–Liwen Mah, Senior Attorney

“My daughters, Maya and Sierra, love exploring tidepools at Salt Point State Park. The park is one of our favorite summer camping spots in Northern California.”

–Julie Zimmerman, California Water Program Science Director

“My girls love a good eclipse. Oakoasis County Preserve, near San Diego, has great views and it’s a perfect place to watch the moon pass in front of the sun.”

–Sylvia Busby, Senior Conservation Writer

“My friends and I love watching the sunset. You can catch amazing views on the Bluffs Trail at Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur.”

–Ana Nadal, Large-Scale Fisheries Project Director

“My family and I love any opportunity to let our kids go feral! Here we are at Baker Dam Loop in Joshua Tree National Park.”

–CJ Hudlow, Associate Director Marketing