Public Access Programs
Public Access Programs
We offer enriching public programming on the Dangermond Preserve that welcomes all to experience this last-of-its-kind coastal wilderness. Through expert-led tours, volunteer days, local partnerships, and environmental education, we strive to connect people with nature, share TNC's vision for a protected wild coast, and inspire community-led conservation.
Tour Details And Sign Ups
Upcoming
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9am-1pm
Join us for a walk along the beautiful Preserve bluffs to look for whales and other marine mammals. During their annual migrations, Gray whales, Humpback whales, Fin whales, and Blue whales like to rest around Point Conception to recharge and feed on the plentiful food sources. The Preserve bluffs are an ideal place to witness these magnificent beings in their natural habitat. While whales are usually abundant this time of year and easily seen from the bluffs, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a whale sighting. The walk along the bluffs is about 1 mile and categorized as an easy hike with no elevation changes.
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9am - 1pm
Join local naturalists for an enriching walk on the Dangermond Preserve. Learn about the plants and animals around you, stop to observe birds flying overhead or insects crawling across the path, and immerse your senses in the old growth oak woodlands. You never know what exciting experiences will emerge during a naturalist walk! This opportunity is open to all ages and consists of walking along a flat 4-mile out and back trail, adjacent to a creek. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations about the event.
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9am - 1pm
Join local naturalists for an enriching walk along Jalachichi Ridge, overlooking the rolling hills, woodlands, and scenice views of the preserve. Learn about the plants and animals around you, stop to observe birds flying overhead or insects crawling across the path, and immerse your senses in the great outdoors. You never know what exciting experiences will emerge during a naturalist walk! This opportunity is open to all ages and consists of walking along a flat 2-mile out and back trail. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations about the event.
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9am - 1pm
Join local birding experts for a fun and educational morning at the Dangermond Preserve observing and identifying birds in their natural environment. This activity is open to all ages and birding experience levels.
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9am - 1pm
Join us at the Dangermond Preserve for a special sunset walk along the coastal bluffs. Dusk and sunset are the most magical time of day on the preserve when the land, sea, and wildlife transition into the night. This is an opportunity to experience unique wildlife sightings and behaviors, and of course take in the sweeping ocean views. This tour consists of walking a flat, 1-mile coastal trail with adjacent high bluffs. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations about the event.
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Community Events
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Join us for a special community day at the Dangermond Preserve as we come together to care for the coast. Participants will walk along the beautiful coastal bluffs to the beach where we will all help remove trash and debris from the shoreline, protecting marine life and preserving this special place for future generations. This is a great opportunity to give back, connect with the community, and enjoy a meaningful day outdoors. All are welcome—no prior experience required.
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During California’s Biodiversity Week, volunteers will join The Nature Conservancy staff at the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve for a community bioblitz celebrating the richness of the Central Coast’s wild landscapes. Using iNaturalist, participants will work alongside ecologists to photograph and document plants, wildlife, and fungi across the preserve’s diverse habitats—from coastal bluffs and oak woodlands to chaparral and seasonal wetlands. Participants will contribute valuable observations to community science platforms, helping to expand the understanding of species distribution and seasonal patterns across California and advancing biodiversity knowledge and stewardship at one of the state’s most ecologically significant places. The experience will be immersive, hands-on, and fun! All ages and abilities welcome.
SIGN UP
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Join us for a special community day at the Dangermond Preserve as we come together to care for the coast. Participants will walk along the beautiful coastal bluffs to the beach where we will all help remove trash and debris from the shoreline, protecting marine life and preserving this special place for future generations. This is a great opportunity to give back, connect with the community, and enjoy a meaningful day outdoors. All are welcome—no prior experience required.
SIGN UP
Become a Wild Coast Steward
Stewards are volunteer leaders on the preserve, guiding naturalist walks and volunteer days, supporting community events, or helping students learn in the field. This is an opportunity to deepen your own connection to the preserve and central coast wilderness while welcoming and inspiring all visitors. This volunteer opportunity involves extensive training and a commitment of time.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Dune Headland Restoration
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Support one of the most extensive and exciting restoration projects on the preserve - removing over 1,000 acres of ice plant and restoring the vital dune headland ecosystem! This volunteer day will focus on removing ice plant, maintaining plots where ice plant has already been removed, promoting native plant health and dune habitat recovery. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations for the day.
SIGN UP
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Support one of the most extensive and exciting restoration projects on the preserve - removing over 1,000 acres of ice plant and restoring the vital dune headland ecosystem! This volunteer day will focus on removing ice plant, maintaining plots where ice plant has already been removed, promoting native plant health and dune habitat recovery. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations for the day.
SIGN UP
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Support one of the most extensive and exciting restoration projects on the preserve - removing over 1,000 acres of ice plant and restoring the vital dune headland ecosystem! This volunteer day will focus on removing ice plant, maintaining plots where ice plant has already been removed, promoting native plant health and dune habitat recovery. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations for the day.
SIGN UP
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Support one of the most extensive and exciting restoration projects on the preserve - removing over 1,000 acres of ice plant and restoring the vital dune headland ecosystem! This volunteer day will focus on removing ice plant, maintaining plots where ice plant has already been removed, promoting native plant health and dune habitat recovery. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations for the day.
SIGN UP
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Support one of the most extensive and exciting restoration projects on the preserve - removing over 1,000 acres of ice plant and restoring the vital dune headland ecosystem! This volunteer day will focus on removing ice plant, maintaining plots where ice plant has already been removed, promoting native plant health and dune habitat recovery. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations for the day.
SIGN UP
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Support one of the most extensive and exciting restoration projects on the preserve - removing over 1,000 acres of ice plant and restoring the vital dune headland ecosystem! This volunteer day will focus on removing ice plant, maintaining plots where ice plant has already been removed, promoting native plant health and dune habitat recovery. Upon registering, you will receive additional details and expectations for the day.
SIGN UP
Coastal Access
The public can access the coast via Jalama Road, which passes through the middle of the Preserve, and visit the beach at the Jalama County Beach Park for surfing, fishing, beach walks, and camping.
During the acquisition of the property in 2017, The Nature Conservancy transferred 36 acres to the county park, doubling the size of the park and increasing coastal public access.
Point Conception Lighthouse
The Point Conception Lighthouse is owned by the U.S. military, and only authorized personnel are permitted—despite what you might see on hiking trail apps. We ask the public to please respect all posted signs and not trespass.