Coastal Corridor Alliance
PROGRAMS
Randall Preserve Planning
The Randall Preserve boasts important habitats of coastal sage scrub, historic and contemporary freshwater emergent wetlands, freshwater ponds, one of two federally-recognized vernal pool complexes in coastal Orange County, and more than 18 sensitive, rare, threatened or endangered species. The 387 acre property is near to many disadvantaged and socially vulnerable communities, Title 1 schools, local colleges, and communities of color. This property is also part of the ancestral homelands of several California Native American Tribes. There is an immediate need to advance planning for the management and stewardship of natural resources, to identify coastal resilience and restoration opportunities, and to plan for phased public access and Tribal use on the recently acquired Randall Preserve. Two plans are in the process of being completed: Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Coastal Resilience Strategy (CRS) (collectively “the Plans”) and both are replete with extensive and robust community engagement. Implementation comes next. The Plans have been drafted and public comments are being incorporated as it relates to public uses, ecological management, stewardship funding, and identified opportunities for restoration. The next phase of this planning effort will include additional studies for wetland restoration, public access, and a carrying capacity (how many people can be on the property before it impacts habitats and wildlife).
These plans will:
1. Support coastal resilience and adaptation, improve habitat for fish and wildlife, and reduce the anticipated climate-related burdens to nearby economic and socially disadvantaged communities by providing a coastal nature preserve.
2. Document species and habitats, understanding where sensitive locations exist to ensure proper conservation and management approaches, designate buffers from sensitive species, and reduce the potential impacts from any future use on the property, such as hiking or birdwatching, camping, or interpretation.
3. Utilize cutting edge, thoughtful, inclusive, and accessible tools and techniques to gain ideas on public access, ecological protection, and restoration.
Coastal Discovery Tours
CCA is thrilled to offer a monthly guided interpretive experience called the Coastal Discovery Tours on the Randall Preserve to nearby Disadvantaged Community members. These tours, held every 2nd Saturday for approximately two hours using thoughtful curriculum focused on biodiversity, native plants vs. invasive plants, wildlife, and public access.. Participants gain hands-on experiences during their exploration of diverse ecosystems while learning about the natural world. The events are culturally sensitive with improved accessibility provided to participants (via live Spanish language interpretation and bilingual materials). Our goal is to instill love for the land and a stewardship ethic, by connecting individuals with the Randall Preserve to promote both personal well-being and positive experiences in nature by slowly exploring coastal sage scrub, grassland, riparian, and wetland ecosystems.
The result of this program work includes:
1. Offering positive experiences in an outdoor setting, connecting participants to their natural environment.
2. Incorporating a safe learning environment for individuals, families, and Spanish speakers to learn about nature.
3. Providing hands-on experiences with wildlife, binoculars, and bird guides to help improve understanding of local ecology.
Habitat Restoration at Fairview Park
The lands and waters near the mouth of the Santa Ana River have a long list of native habitat restoration needs. Many organizations are already working there and CCA is adding a workforce and coordinating with stakeholders for more cohesive, inclusive, & effective restoration efforts along the Santa Ana River Coastal Corridor through its Habitat Restoration Program. Hosting monthly restoration, cleanup, and education days led by experienced restoration biologists, CCA seeks to develop a workforce skilled in native habitat restoration. CCA offers several work days each month for the community to get involved with restoration projects: 3rd Saturdays and every Thursday morning involve restoration work at Fairview Park.
We have three key outcomes with the Habitat Restoration Program:
1. Improved native habitat through restoration and conservation efforts, including the training of a volunteer workforce capable of larger scale restoration efforts.
2. Teach community members the benefits of the native plants and their relevance to the Coastal Corridor.
Beach and River Mouth Cleanups
The Santa Ana River watershed is the largest in Southern CA. It drains the water and waste of over six million people across three counties right to our cleanup site. Cleaning up our beach and river helps our local animal friends to survive, including endangered shorebirds such as California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover. This event is by far our most popular. We offer this program to corporate sponsors interested in a day at the beach doing good conservation work.
This work:
1. Creates a safer, more healthy, and cleaner environment for both beach goers, and also wildlife.
2. Allows participants to see on the ground results of their hard work within minutes of joining the cleanup.
3. Reminds participants that actions further up the watershed impact the downstream cities and coastal waters.
CONTACT
Coastal Corridor Alliance
P.O. Box 15333
Newport Beach, California 92659
Melanie Schlotterbeck
Phone: 714-501-3133