The mission of the Amigos de Bolsa Chica is to advocate for the full protection of the Bolsa Chica and educate the community about its ecological value.
Amigos de Bolsa Chica is a non-profit volunteer organization formed in 1976 by a group of Huntington Beach residents to protect the Bolsa Chica wetlands from development. Located in Huntington Beach in northwest Orange County, the Bolsa Chica wetlands had once been part of thousands of acres of coastal wetland that had been filled for urban development in the 20th Century. Concerned about the statewide loss of coastal wetlands, the Amigos de Bolsa Chica pledged to protect, preserve, and acquire the Bolsa Chica and surrounding open space.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS, EDUCATION & FUN
FLOW (Follow and Learn about the Ocean and Wetlands)
FLOW is a Community Science program that invites members of the community to learn more about coastal ecology; participate in the collection of scientific data; get involved in water quality monitoring efforts and research; and guide students through FLOW Field Trips. Training is ongoing every Friday at Bolsa Chica State Beach Visitor Center, at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm, depending on the tides.
PRIVATE SCHEDULED WETLAND TOURS
Led by our trained Naturalists, schools, scouts and various groups reserve a specific day and time for an in‐depth wetland tour that is adapted for time, length and subject for the age group. Subject matter is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, and addresses environmental issues including community action, wetland ecology, endangered species, and climate. An Amigos tour integrates classroom learning with an outdoor experience. Bus transportation cost assistance is available for Title I schools.
NATURALIST TRAINING
Love the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, want to learn more and share your knowledge? Sign up for our in‐depth, 8‐week Naturalist training course and learn more about the history of the BCER, ecology, birds, restoration and climate change. Naturalists are needed to host Saturday public tours, private scheduled tours, and various offsite presentations. $100 registration fee (includes training manual and photo binder). Next Training TBD 2025.
FREE PUBLIC WETLAND TOURS – JOIN US ON A SATURDAY
The first Saturday of the Month tour of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve led by Amigos Naturalists, 9:00 ‐ 10:30 am, starts at the south parking lot, PCH between Warner Ave. and Seapoint St.
The second Saturday of the Month Bolsa Chica Nature hike with Amigos Naturalists, 8:00 am, starts at the Brightwater Trailhead, end of Bolsa Chica St.
The last Saturday of the Month Bird Walk led by an expert birder, 8:30 am, starts at the south parking lot, PCH between Warner Ave. and Seapoint St.
SEASONAL HABITAT RESTORATION
Nest site habitat restoration events are conducted October through March as directed by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Non‐native and overgrown plants are removed to create sand dune nesting habitat preferred by the endangered California Least Tern and the threatened Western Snowy Plover.
RUNNING IS FOR THE BIRDS
5K/10K Run & Walk, 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, 5K/10K Plogging (picking up trash while jogging), and Beach Cleanup. Bolsa Chica State Beach, April 6, 2024, 8:00 am. Help raise funds and awareness for the Amigos de Bolsa Chica’s mission. Volunteers and Sponsors needed.
Reach out to find the best opportunity for you!