Chinatown Branch Library Coastal Transit to Trails: Intertidal Zones, Thriving Between Land and Ocean at Abalone Cove

To better prepare for our trip, we are asking participants to allocate 5-10 mins to read the following information.

Meet up location: Corner of Ord St. & N. Hill St. near Chinatown Branch Library at 8:30am

Upon arrival, CNC staff will assist Chinatown community members to check-in and  fill out program waivers. Once everyone is signed in, we will shift into an opening circle and then dive into an ice breaker. We will then board a bus and make our way to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, which will take about 1-2 hours (depending on traffic). Please bring a mask to use during our bus ride to and from Chinatown Branch Library.

As soon as we arrive at Abalone Cove, we will provide time for a restroom break, for those who need it, then head towards our tabling area to start the day. CNC's Lead Naturalist, Bree Salzar will lead us into a Land Acknowledgement, review what the day will look like, and help us familiarize with the space. Program Coordinator, Zee Zetino will then present the group with a team building activity where the group will get to practice moving along big rocky boulders similar to the ones we will navaigate near the tide pools during low tide. After our community building activity, lunch will take place.

Once lunch is over, Bree will lead a stroll on the trail that leads to the shore, but once we get to the entrance of this trail Bree will cover the various tidal zones and the Native Indigenous relationships to the coast, in addition to what organisims thrive in these various zones through adaptations. After Bree's interpretive program by the entrance, we will hike down to the tide pools; the hike will consist of approximately less then a mile with several declines, the trail is mostly a dirt path with some rocky terain, eventually we will cross a short bridge and continue on the trail towards the tide pools. Before reaching the tide pool, the terain changes into an extremely rocky shore, keep in mind when we navagite through this space you will need comfortable shoes to pass through the rocky shore. Once we get the the tide pools we will practices safety by not giving our backs to the ocean and carefully step around the tide pools. Please note rocks in the tidepool area will be slippery, so in order to have a joyful experience, we recommend bringing shoes that are comfortable and okay to get wet. Bree will guide us through the tide pools and we will get to observe all the cool creatures found in the space, while making sure we respect all life and leave any rocks and shells behind. After tide pooling, we will hike back to the tabling area where we initiated the program, please keep in mind the hike back will consist of a 144ft elevation. We will wrap up our day and end with a closing circle and board the bus to head back to Chinatown Branch Library. 

We expect the weather at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park to be cloudy with 60° during the day, 52° at sunset, and wind SSW 2 mph (subject to change), so layer up with thin breathable layers that can easily be removed or added (think  layers like in onions!). We will spend 8:30am- 5:30pm (about 9 hours) together, so make sure to bring enough water, a nice filling lunch, backpack to carry your belongings, a sweater to use once temperatures lower, and curiosity for the ocean. Please make sure to arrive at corner of Ord and Hill St. near Chinatown Branch Library on time (5-10 mins early) because the bus will not wait; and in honor of people's time, we would love to follow our schedule accordingly.

When registering for this event, make sure to add your correct email and phone number, so that you can receive more details of what to expect on our trip and any recent program changes. Transit to Trails programming is FREE, so please remember to use the coupon code: ABALONEchinatown that was provided to register for our trip!

Reminders: We will be strolling through Abalone Cove, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. If the tide pools are low, keep in mind that your shoes might get wet and sandy. We are expecting the day to be cloudy, but still bring proper attire and/or products to protect your skin from the UV lights the sun gives off. Although we are visiting the beach, we will not be swimming in the water. There will be a lifeguard on duty, so you can access the water/swim at your own discretion and comfortability, preferable up to your ankles. We suggest only getting your feet wet if you feel comfortable. Be prepared to be stroll through a rocky shore for most of our time at Abalone Cove tide pools.

If you need any access needs (ways that we can help you have a safe and enjoyable experience) or need to communicate with CNC staff about our Transit to Trails, please reach out to our Program Coordinator, Zee Zetino zee@communitynatureconnection.org AND ttt@communitynatureconnection.org.

Please familiarize yourself with the following: 

Covid Guidelines 

Wavier & Photo Release Form