Join BLM for National Public Lands Day at Cotoni-Coast Dairies

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office, the California Coastal National Monument, and the Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship are inviting the public to roll up their sleeves and come out on Sat., Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help with trail grooming and parking lot cleanup at Cotoni-Coast Dairies for National Public Lands Day.

Participants will meet at Cotoni-Coast Dairies, 1 Cement Plant Road, Davenport. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, hats, sunscreen, and sturdy work boots. Participants will be provided with coffee and pastries in the morning and sack lunches at the conclusion of workday activities.

Volunteers are needed to clear brush, repair tread and improve drainage to the three trail routes accessed from the northern parking lot trailhead. No experience necessary; all tools, gloves, and instruction provided. In addition, participants will be weeding, repairing signage, and helping with general tidying in the parking area of the trailhead.

As part of the day, participants will be treated to two BLM guided hikes. "Hike with the Scientist!" is a scientist-led exploration of coastal grasslands, oak woodlands, and redwood-lined creeks, with a chance to spot red-tailed hawks, quail, deer, and more. The "Snap, Identify, Explore!" hike allows participants to learn to use iNaturalist to document plants, wildlife, and other finds, while contributing to real community science. No experience needed, just bring a smartphone.

For more information about National Public Lands Day, visit the National Environmental Education Foundation website at NEEF USA. Advance registration is encouraged. To register, visit C-CD National Public Lands Day 2026, or reach out to BLM California Coastal National Monument Manager Leisyka Parrott at (707) 513-3891, [email protected], or the Central Coast Field Office at (831) 582-2200, [email protected], for more information. The first 100 registrants get a fee-free pass and NPLD tee shirt.

The scenic Cotoni-Coast Dairies is an onshore unit of the California Coastal National Monument. Near Davenport in Santa Cruz County, Cotoni-Coast Dairies extends from the steep slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the marine coastal terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Vibrant riparian areas follow along stream corridors, with red alder and arroyo willow forests dominating the vegetative community. Beyond supporting riparian and wetland communities, Cotoni-Coast Dairies' waterways provide important habitat for anadromous and freshwater fish as well as water for the city of Santa Cruz and surrounding communities.