Half Moon Bay State Beach to Hold Educational Series in July

is offering a variety of free educational and interpretive programs next month for children, families and adults. Programs include campfire programs, beach walks, teen treks, and a junior lifeguard program.

"Our department’s mission has always emphasized educating the public, providing recreational opportunities and protecting the resources in the parks. Summer programs have always helped to accomplish those goals,” said Grant.

Educational and interpretive programs also teach the visitors the importance of the park, according to Supervising Ranger Michael Grant.

“If they understand how to protect the parks and why it is important to protect wildlife, plants and cultural resources, then they want to protect the parks,” Grant said.

Once home to the autonomous Ohlone and later to Spanish settlers, Half Moon Bay State Beach consists of Francis Beach, Venice Beach and Dunes Beach.

“Different parcels were acquired between 1955 and 1967,” said Grant.

Though altered by the introduction of non-native species by early settlers, the park is home to many species of plants both native and wild, including California poppies, beach primroses, sand verbena, lizardtail, wild radish, mustard, coyote bush and yellow bush lupines.

The park provides habitat for different coastal animal species such as , California and glaucous-winged , brown pelicans, sanderlings, migrating , California sea lions, harbor seals, , barn owls, redwinged Blackbirds, , , jackrabbits and brush rabbits. Currently, the park is participating in a program with the goal of removing .

The San Mateo Coast Natural History Association helps to fund the programs at the beach, as well as many others at state beaches throughout San Mateo County.

“Without their funding, we would not be able to do our summer programs in Half Moon Bay State Beach,” said Grant.

Founded by San Mateo County volunteers in 1990, the association has funded the seasonal interpretive position at Half Moon Bay State Beach for two years.

This summer, the seasonal interpreter is Kelly Newman. Newman is a marine biologist currently working on her Ph.D. Newman's research focuses on Alaskan Orca whales. Prior to starting with the California State Parks in May 2011, she worked in Bay Area non-profit marine education.

“I am dedicated to preserving the parks,” said Newman of her decision to spend the summer at Half Moon Bay State Beach.

Newman says that the programs will engage the public.

“These programs provide insight and information that you might not necessarily think of on your own," she said.

July Program Schedule

Campfire Programs in July at Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach
Every Saturday in July at 8:15 p.m.
This program will feature a different natural or cultural history talk each week, complimented by a slideshow, skits, songs, trivia and marshmallow roasting by the campfire. Meet at the amphitheater and bring a flashlight to participate in the program.

Junior Rangers 
Every Sunday in July at 10:00 a.m.
Children ages 7-12 years old can come to learn about animals, plants and culture of the area and earn stamps in their Junior Ranger booklets. They can win awards for participating in activities based on what they learned in the hour long program. Meet at the Visitor Center to join the program.

Beach Walk
Every Wednesday in July at 10:00 a.m.
This program is for the whole family and features a walk along the beach to explore the coast of Half Moon Bay. During this program, visitors will look for marine animals and learn about the culture and the animals, plants and geology of the area. Meet at the Visitor Center to participate in the beach walks.

Teen Trek
Wednesdays in July from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Though many summer programs and activities are not geared for teens, Half Moon Bay State Beach sets out to change that by creating a program just for teen visitors. In this program, teenagers will explore the beach by participating in walks on the beach and hikes on coastal trails. They will learn about cultural and natural history while working on environmental projects and creating art in the natural environment of the beach. Meet at the Visitors Center to participate in the Teen Trek.  

The Junior Lifeguard Program is also offered throughout the summer and designed to educate children about aquatic safety and issues.

The Visitors Center at Half Moon Bay State Beach is located at the foot of Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay at Francis Beach. The address for Half Moon Bay State Beach is 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.

For more information about Half Moon Bay State Beach, click here.