Public access is an invaluable tool in conservation and one close to my heart. I grew up mostly devoid of nature with my typical day being behind a video game controller or out wandering a labyrinth of asphalt roads within a concrete jungle. However, a summer road trip in 2015 along the west coast of the United States changed my life forever. I hiked to the tops of wondrous mountains with tear jerking views, floated down ice cold rivers, and camped amongst totemic redwood trees. Access to these magnificent places was an important milestone in my life and how I viewed the world around me.

The Land Trust believes in creating similar experiences for everyone. Some of this work can be seen at our new all access, ADA trail upgrade at Antonelli Pond. We recently created smooth, hard surfaced trails and installed ADA picnic benches for wheelchair access. We also restored native habitat for pollinators and all wildlife with over 200 native plants. Our new interpretive signs along the trails are designed to help visitors learn about the habitat at Antonelli and the flora and fauna that can be found there. Finally, we did some bank restoration by constructing a magnificent retaining wall near the west entrance of the pond that also doubles as seating for picnics or teaching. This work was funded in partnership with the California State Coastal Conservancy and the Regional Parks Program.

So come check out our new trail and other features at Antonelli Pond—I bet you’ll feel the same spark I did in 2015! We’ll see you at the pond!