Explore the Cove Coastal Ecology Hike
2025-09-27 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States
Take a hike with a Conservancy educator to explore Crystal Cove State Park’s geological and ecological systems. Explore the impacts and challenges of climate change including fire ecology, ecological restoration, coastal engineering, and marine conservation, as well as native versus non-native species and their impact on natural communities and ecosystem functions.

When: 10:30AM – 12:00PM

Where to Meet: Education Commons in the Historic District

What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trails.
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass.

Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather. Before the event, please print and fill out the Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here.

Teacher’s Night Out
2025-10-16 16:00 - 19:00
Calling all K–12 educators!
Step outside the classroom and into inspiration at Teacher’s Night Out — a monthly professional learning series hosted by Crystal Cove Conservancy and the Environmental Nature Center.
Each month, connect with fellow educators, explore hands-on outdoor learning and STEM strategies, and discover meaningful ways to bring nature and place-based learning into your teaching practice. Sessions rotate between Crystal Cove State Park and the Environmental Nature Center.
This month’s theme: Gratitude & Indigenous Voices
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Location: Environmental Nature Center
Open to all K–12 educators
Grow your practice. Grow your community. Get inspired.
Learn more & register: https://events.encenter.org/events/teachers-night-out-nature-journaling-2/

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike
2025-10-25 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-24 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States
Description
This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, stopping to learn about native plant communities, intertidal habitats, coastal geology, and the dynamic forces shaping the shoreline.
The program highlights key conservation challenges such as sea-level rise, habitat loss, and the importance of Marine Protected Areas—focusing on the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Blending ecology with conservation storytelling, this hike fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Park’s coastal landscapes. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.
Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.

Distance: 1.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)
Terrain: Mostly flat with one 900-foot climb ascending from the beach to the blufftop
Elevation Change: +130 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (recommended morning start for optimal conditions; align with <3 ft. low tide for tidepool exploration)
Suggested Age: Adults and youth ages 5+
Meeting Point: Education Commons
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trails
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass
Route Overview:
Education Commons → Cottage #13 (0.1 mi) → South along beach (0.5 mi) → Ascend ramp to blufftop (0.1 mi) → North to Shake Shack (0.5 mi)
Maps & Resources:

AllTrails Website Activity Link
AllTrails Extensive Trail & Terrain Map Image

AllTrails Detailed Satellite Imagery Image

Historic District Walking Tour
2025-10-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Crystal Cove State Park Historic District
During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators and former cottage residents, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration.
When: 2:00-3:00 PM
Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and closed toed shoes
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass
Tour will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.

Legacy Planning at Crystal Cove: Legacy Circle Reception
2025-11-13 16:00 - 17:30
Join Crystal Cove Conservancy and Whittier Trust Wealth Management for an ocean view reception on our deck of Cottage #34. Learn how thoughtful planning can preserve the places you love and protect your legacy.

About Whittier Trust:
Whittier Trust has a proud heritage. Nearly a century ago, pioneering wealth in California real estate and petroleum, Max Whittier founded the firm as a family office. His acumen in the oil and gas business culminated in the 1979 sale of Belridge Oil Company to Shell Oil for a then record-setting sum of over $3.65 Billion. Since 1935, with steadfast guidance through multiple generations, Whittier Trust has built success in the business of wealth management and has grown into the preeminent multi-family office headquartered on the West Coast.

Teacher’s Night Out: Leading Learning Outside
2025-11-20 16:00 - 19:00
Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 4:00 – 7:00 PMEnvironmental Nature Center, Newport Beach
Register today! Click Here>

Workshop: Leading Learning Outside: Strategies for Equitable Classroom Management and Student-led Discussions
Outdoor learning has the power to transform student engagement and deepen understanding—but it also presents unique instructional challenges. In this interactive professional development workshop, K–12 educators will explore practical tools and strategies to design inclusive, engaging, and effective outdoor learning experiences.
Participants will:🌿 Learn best practices for equitable and accessible outdoor classroom management.🌿 Explore Talk Moves—a powerful set of discussion-based strategies that promote inquiry and student voice.🌿 Engage in hands-on, collaborative activities to adapt lessons for dynamic outdoor environments.
Leave with ready-to-use tools, shared insights, and renewed inspiration for integrating outdoor learning into your teaching practice.
Afterwards we’ll enjoy a light meal sponsored by Sustainable Parties and share some wine by the campfire before breaking out the marshmallows and skewers to make some s’mores!
This workshop is part of the Excellent Educator: Teacher’s Night Out series presented in partnership with Crystal Cove Conservancy and the Environmental Nature Center.

Holiday House
2025-11-24 08:00 - 2026-01-07 17:00
A charming, beachfront space filled with unexpected treasures at Cottage #46.

Seasonal Exclusive- Join us for our Holiday House November 14 – January 7
Art is at the heart of this year’s Holiday House, located in Cottage #46 (The Turquoise Cottage), which showcases artwork and artisan-made pieces inspired by Crystal Cove’s cultural and natural heritage. This seasonal gallery and retail space features hand-crafted ornaments, ocean- and park-themed gifts, and nature-inspired décor—all celebrating creativity, conservation, and the spirit of Crystal Cove.
Our beachfront shop features treasures from local artists, ocean-inspired jewelry, clothing, beach toys, gear, and souvenirs. Most importantly, every purchase at The Store directly supports Crystal Cove Conservancy, with all proceeds reinvested into the park’s preservation and The Conservancy’s education and conservation programs.

The Conservancy Store Hours: Currently open 9AM-5PM daily. Hours may change depending on conditions. Call to confirm.

Contact
949.376.6200 x 203

Explore the Cove – Backcountry Ecology Hike
2025-11-30 08:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-14 08:00 - 11:30
Description
Set in the heart of Crystal Cove’s rugged backcountry, this immersive hike ventures into Moro Canyon to explore some of Southern California’s most unique and threatened ecosystems. Participants will learn about coastal sage scrub, riparian corridors, and the rare plant and animal species that make this region a biodiversity hotspot.
Guided by Conservancy staff, the group will discuss fire ecology, restoration projects, land-use history, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore these fragile habitats. Along the way, guests will gain firsthand insight into how recreation and conservation coexist within the wildland–urban interface.
Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.
Distance: 4.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)
Terrain: Wide, hard-packed trail featuring a moderately steep ascent and descent along sections of eroded path
Elevation Change: +585 ft (1.2 mi ascent via East Cut) / –675 ft (1.3 mi descent via B.F.I.)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
Suggested Age: Adults and youth ages 8+
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, snacks, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on hard-packed hiking trails
Meeting Point: Berns Amphitheater
Parking: Please park in the Moro Canyon Parking Lots. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass
Route Overview:
Bern’s Amphitheater → Moro Canyon Trailhead (0.1 mi) → East Cut Across (1.0 mi) → Moro Ridge (1.2 mi) → B.F.I. Trail (1.5 mi) → Return to Trailhead (0.4 mi)
Maps & Resources:

AllTrails Website Activity Link
AllTrails Extensive Trail & Terrain Map Image

AllTrails Detailed Satellite Imagery Image

Member Holiday Preview Party
2025-12-04 16:00 - 18:30 | Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States
Celebrate the season at Crystal Cove!
Join Crystal Cove Conservancy for a festive evening by the sea featuring carolers, light bites, drinks, and the glow of our holiday tree. Conservancy members will be among the first to experience the holiday lights as they shimmer across the cottages—sharing in a joyful celebration of community, connection, and the spirit of the season.
This special gathering is our way of saying thank you to our members for helping protect and preserve Crystal Cove State Park. If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join the community that keeps this magical place thriving year-round.
Learn About Membership
Current members received an invitation link on 11/5. Please check your email for your RSVP link.
If you have any questions about Crystal Cove Conservancy’s membership program, reach out to us at membership@crystalcove.org.

2025 Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar
2025-12-06
Start the Holiday Season with Crystal Cove Conservancy at the 2025 Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar!
The holidays shine brighter by the sea! Join us on December 6th for Crystal Cove’s Tree Lighting and Holiday Art Bazaar, where ocean breezes meet sparkling lights and local artistry fills the Cove with holiday sprit. Experience the magic of the holidays at Crystal Cove! The 29th Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar brings together our community for a festive day of coastal tradition, local artisans, and holiday joy. Holiday Bazaar
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Education Commons
Santa Meet & Greet
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Tree Lighting Program:
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass.
Please note: Event schedule may change.

Members only Holiday Plein Air – Beginner
2025-12-11 09:00 - 13:00
Create, connect, and celebrate the season by the sea.
Join us at Cottage #46 for a special holiday plein air workshop designed for beginner-level artists. Paint Crystal Cove’s iconic holiday tree overlooking the sparkling Pacific while enjoying light refreshments and brunch bites. Guided by a local plein air instructor, this relaxed morning celebrates creativity, community, and the coastal beauty that inspires us all.
This member event is one of the many ways Conservancy members stay closely connected to the Cove. If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join the community that helps protect and preserve this extraordinary place.
Learn About Membership
Current members received an invitation link on 11/5. Please check your email for your RSVP link.
If you have any questions about Crystal Cove Conservancy’s membership program, reach out to us at membership@crystalcove.org.

Members only Holiday Plein Air – Intermediate
2025-12-12 09:00 - 13:00
Experience the beauty of the season at Cottage #46 during this special member event designed for intermediate-level artists. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific, participants will paint Crystal Cove’s iconic holiday tree overlooking the ocean. Guided by the Cove’s inspiring coastal landscape, artists will have the opportunity to refine their plein air techniques while capturing the sparkle and serenity of winter by the sea. Enjoy a relaxed morning filled with creativity, conversation, and community, complete with light refreshments and brunch bites to keep your inspiration flowing.
This member event is one of the many ways Conservancy members stay closely connected to the Cove. If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join the community that helps protect and preserve this extraordinary place.
Learn About Membership
Current members received an invitation link on 11/5. Please check your email for your RSVP link.
If you have any questions about Crystal Cove Conservancy’s membership program, reach out to us at membership@crystalcove.org.

Holiday Plein Air – Family Painting Workshop
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:30
Gather the family for a festive morning of creativity at Crystal Cove State Park! This special holiday plein air art class invites children and their parents to paint side-by-side, capturing Crystal Cove’s iconic holiday tree and ocean horizon from Cottage #46 in the Historic District.
No experience is necessary! Just bring your imagination and a love for the beach. All materials will be provided. A parent or guardian must accompany participating children; however, adults are not required to paint. Adults attending to support or accompany a child are welcome at no additional cost.
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructor: Debbie Morines
Location: Outside Cottage #46, Historic District, Crystal Cove State Park
What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, and layered clothing for comfort
Parking: Available in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass
Capacity: Limited to 12 painters
Price: $40 per person
Art Class Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation or transfer requests must be received by Crystal Cove Conservancy at least 72 hours before the start of the event. No refunds or transfers will be issued for no-shows or for change requests received after this time. You may request a cancellation by emailing Erin Andreatta at ErinA@crystalcove.org.
In the event of cancellation on behalf of Crystal Cove Conservancy due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, participants will be offered a refund or transfer to a comparable event, if available.

Family Art Day
2025-12-13 10:00 - 14:00
Celebrate the season with a day of art, nature, and discovery at Crystal Cove! Hosted by The Conservancy’s Programs team, this family-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to explore the magic of the holidays through hands-on, art-based activities inspired by the natural world. Enjoy creative crafts, mission-driven demonstrations, and playful puppet shows that bring science and storytelling together. This year’s theme highlights winter’s King Tides and the Cove’s vibrant tidepool ecosystem—a true “gift from Mother Nature.” Families can even join a guided tidepool exploration, discovering the wonders of coastal life while creating art inspired by the sea.
Family Art Activities: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Holiday Carolers: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
*Weather Permitting

First Day Hikes at Crystal Cove State Park – Backcountry Hike
2026-01-01 09:00 - 12:00
EVENT CANCELLED
First Day Hikes at Crystal Cove State Park
– Backcountry Hike –

⚠️ First Day Hike Cancelled for 1/1/2026
Due to the impending rain we must cancel the First Day Hike scheduled for Thursday, January 1.

Celebrate the beginning of 2026 with a First Day Hike at Crystal Cove State Park! Start your year outdoors and experience the beauty and diversity of the park while exploring with knowledgeable State Parks and Crystal Cove Conservancy guides. Choose from two guided experiences: an invigorating backcountry ridge hike that winds through canyon trails and offers sweeping coastal views, or a gentler coastal ecology hike along the beach and bluffs that highlights the dynamic connections between land and sea.
Both hikes offer a refreshing way to greet the New Year, enjoy the natural rhythms of our coastal environment, and learn more about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Crystal Cove such a special place. Begin 2026 with fresh air, beautiful scenery, and meaningful time in nature as we celebrate First Day Hikes at Crystal Cove State Park.
Register and learn more about each hike below:

Backcountry Hike (Intermediate to Hard)
Description: Start 2026 feeling healthy and fresh on a morning guided hike through the canyon and along the ridge at Crystal Cove State Park. Celebrate the New Year on a moderate to difficult 5-mile, 2+ hour “First Day Hike” in the backcountry wilderness. Watch for birds, smell the flowers, and scan the ocean for migrating gray whales.
When: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Where to Meet: Berns Amphitheater
What to Bring: Sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on hard-packed hiking trails. Dress in layers, the canyon can be cold in the morning.
Parking: Please park in the Moro Canyon Parking Lots (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park follow the signs to the Campground/Moro day use). There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass. Directions to the Moro Day Use Parking Lot can be found at this link.

Coastal Hike (Easy)
Description: Welcome the New Year with ocean views and fresh air on a guided Coastal Hike along the beach and bluffs at Crystal Cove State Park. Celebrate the start of 2026 on an easy 2-mile walk while watching for shorebirds, exploring tidepool life, and learning how geology, ecology, and climate shape this dynamic coastline.
When: 10:30AM – 12:00PM
Where to Meet: Education Commons in the Historic District. Directions to the Education Commons can be found at this link.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trail.
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass. Directions to the Los Trancos Parking Lot can be found at this link.

First Day Hikes at Crystal Cove State Park – Coastal Hike
2026-01-01 10:30 - 12:00
EVENT CANCELLED
First Day Hikes at Crystal Cove State Park
– Coastal Hike –

⚠️ First Day Hike Cancelled for 1/1/2026
Due to the impending rain we must cancel the First Day Hike scheduled for Thursday, January 1.

Celebrate the beginning of 2026 with a First Day Hike at Crystal Cove State Park! Start your year outdoors and experience the beauty and diversity of the park while exploring with knowledgeable State Parks and Crystal Cove Conservancy guides. Choose from two guided experiences: an invigorating backcountry ridge hike that winds through canyon trails and offers sweeping coastal views, or a gentler coastal ecology hike along the beach and bluffs that highlights the dynamic connections between land and sea.
Both hikes offer a refreshing way to greet the New Year, enjoy the natural rhythms of our coastal environment, and learn more about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Crystal Cove such a special place. Begin 2026 with fresh air, beautiful scenery, and meaningful time in nature as we celebrate First Day Hikes at Crystal Cove State Park.
Register and learn more about each hike below:

Backcountry Hike (Intermediate to Hard)
Description: Start 2026 feeling healthy and fresh on a morning guided hike through the canyon and along the ridge at Crystal Cove State Park. Celebrate the New Year on a moderate to difficult 5-mile, 2+ hour “First Day Hike” in the backcountry wilderness. Watch for birds, smell the flowers, and scan the ocean for migrating gray whales.
When: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Where to Meet: Berns Amphitheater
What to Bring: Sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on hard-packed hiking trails. Dress in layers, the canyon can be cold in the morning.
Parking: Please park in the Moro Canyon Parking Lots (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park follow the signs to the Campground/Moro day use). There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass. Directions to the Moro Day Use Parking Lot can be found at this link.

Coastal Hike (Easy)
Description: Welcome the New Year with ocean views and fresh air on a guided Coastal Hike along the beach and bluffs at Crystal Cove State Park. Celebrate the start of 2026 on an easy 2-mile walk while watching for shorebirds, exploring tidepool life, and learning how geology, ecology, and climate shape this dynamic coastline.
When: 10:30AM – 12:00PM
Where to Meet: Education Commons in the Historic District. Directions to the Education Commons can be found at this link.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trail.
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass. Directions to the Los Trancos Parking Lot can be found at this link.

Stewardship Saturday
2026-01-10 08:30 - 11:30
Welcome to Crystal Cove Conservancy’s and Crystal Cove State Park’s Stewardship Event!
Come help us on a habitat restoration project during Stewardship Saturday! This volunteer event is open to all and offers a hands-on way to connect with Crystal Cove’s natural beauty and history.
Participants will assist in activities to help advance ongoing restoration projects throughout the park. The day’s activities—such as site preparation, weeding, seeding, and planting—will depend on site needs and the time of year. No experience is required!
The event is free, and RSVPs are required. Register at the form below. Registrations close Friday at 12pm.
Event details:

Time: 8:30am-11:30am
Registration is capped at 20 participants per day.
Recommended for ages 16 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring:

sunscreen
a hat
sturdy closed-toed shoes
long pants
long sleeves (recommended)
gloves if you have them (gloves will also be provided)
snacks and water in a reusable bottle

Please contact Jen at jennifer@crystalcove.org for any questions.

Each event will take place at one of the two project sites below:
The Bowl:

Hike level: Medium
Be prepared to walk about 30 minutes to the project site (~1.5 miles one way; ~3.0 miles round trip) on slightly uneven, mostly flat terrain. However, there is some elevation gain as you approach the site.

Coastal Bluffs:

Hike level: Easy
This site is easily accessible from the parking lot and does not require any hiking.

The project site will be determined closer to the event date.

Looking to host a private event? Please contact Jen at jennifer@crystalcove.org for more information.

Historic District Walking Tour
2026-01-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Crystal Cove State Park Historic District
During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove State park and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. No registration required.
When: 1:00-2:00 PM
Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and comfortable footwear for walking on compact dirt paths
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass
Tour will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Explore the Cove – Backcountry Ecology Hike
2026-01-25 08:00 - 11:30 | Berns Amphitheatre

Stewardship Saturday
2026-02-14 08:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-14 08:00 - 11:30
Welcome to Crystal Cove Conservancy’s and Crystal Cove State Park’s Stewardship Event!
Come help us on a habitat restoration project during Stewardship Saturday! This volunteer event is open to all and offers a hands-on way to connect with Crystal Cove’s natural beauty and history.
Participants will assist in activities to help advance ongoing restoration projects throughout the park. The day’s activities—such as site preparation, weeding, seeding, and planting—will depend on site needs and the time of year. No experience is required!
The event is free, and RSVPs are required. Register at the form below.
Event details:

Time: 8:00am-11:30am
Registration is capped at 20 participants per day.
Recommended for ages 16 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring:

sunscreen
a hat
sturdy closed-toed shoes
long pants
long sleeves (recommended)
gloves if you have them (gloves will also be provided)
snacks and water in a reusable bottle

Please contact Jen at jennifer@crystalcove.org for any questions.

Each event will take place at one of the two project sites below:
The Bowl:

Hike level: Medium
Be prepared to walk about 30 minutes to the project site (~1.5 miles one way; ~3.0 miles round trip) on slightly uneven, mostly flat terrain. However, there is some elevation gain as you approach the site.

Coastal Bluffs:

Hike level: Easy
This site is easily accessible from the parking lot and does not require any hiking.

The project site will be determined closer to the event date.

Looking to host a private event? Please contact Jen at jennifer@crystalcove.org for more information.

Sharks, Science & Cinema
2026-02-28 18:30 - 21:30
The response to our Jaws Cove Talk and film screening has been incredible. Thank you for your enthusiasm. While advance tickets are currently sold out, we encourage you to continue checking the Rivian South Coast Theater website for any additional releases. Day-of standby seating may become available, so walk-ups are welcome to check with theater staff.
Registration: https://events.rivian.com/rivianpresentsjawswithguests
Dive into an unforgettable evening where cinema and marine science meet.
Crystal Cove Conservancy’s Cove Talk speaker series is proud to present Sharks, Science & Cinema in partnership with Rivian, CSU Long Beach, Laguna Playhouse, and Laguna Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA).
This free special community event features a screening of the iconic film Jaws, paired with a live pre-film conversation between Crystal Cove Conservancy President & CEO Kate Wheeler and Dr. James Anderson, white shark researcher and postdoctoral scholar at CSU Long Beach’s Shark Lab.
Hosted inside the Rivian South Coast theater, Sharks, Science & Cinema offers a rare opportunity to experience a classic film through the lens of cutting-edge research happening right off our coast.
James Anderson, PhD
Dr. Anderson’s research focuses on shark movement ecology and juvenile white sharks along the Southern California coast. Together, he and Kate Wheeler will explore the real science behind the species, offering conservation context and a counter-narrative to the film’s portrayal of sharks.
Prior to the evening’s festivities, the CSU Long Beach Shark Lab’s Shark Shack will be on site from 2:00–6:30 PM, offering interactive educational displays and hands-on activities focused on shark science, research, and conservation along the Southern California coast. Stop by before the film to meet researchers and explore the real-world science behind these remarkable marine predators.

Rivian South Coast theater
Don’t miss upcoming local events such as Laguna Playhouse’s The Shark is Broken running March 4th-22nd and LOCA Art Talk on March 19th featuring Bill Wallen, the creator of the iconic Jaws poster.

Crystal Cove Conservancy goes to Baja: Pacific Gray Whale Expedition
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-14
Crystal Cove Conservancy is organizing a five-day, low-impact eco-tour to Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, a UNESCO-designated sanctuary and one of the last remaining calving grounds for Pacific gray whales. Located within the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, the lagoon is a globally important habitat for whales and other marine life.
The trip offers guided whale encounters aboard small panga boats led by local experts, along with interpretive conversations with conservationists and marine scientists about current challenges facing gray whales and coastal ecosystems. Participants stay at an environmentally sensitive camp designed to minimize impact while providing an immersive wilderness experience.
The program is operated in partnership with conservation-focused outfitter Baja Discovery and is intentionally limited to a small group.
Trip details (tentative):
Price: $5,095 per person (double occupancy; single occupancy may incur an additional fee)Group size: LimitedIncludes: Chartered flight from Tijuana (departing San Diego), lodging, meals, local guides, and interpretive programming
For questions or additional details, please contact Nick Burciaga at info@crystalcove.org

Teachers Night Out: Earth Day Extensions
2026-03-19 16:00 - 19:00 | Environmental Nature Center, 1601 E 16th St, Newport Beach, CA, 92663, United States
Crystal Cove Conservancy and the Environmental Nature Center invite formal and informal educators to gather at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach for an evening of networking, inspiration, and fresh ideas for engaging students in environmental stewardship during Earth Month. We believe that every day is Earth Day! But we understand why teachers like to bring in more Earth science in the spring. The weather is gorgeous, the flowers are in bloom, and the pollinators are abundant! Join us for a workshop that helps you bring some conservation-oriented ideas to life both in and out of the classroom. We’ll start by modeling some of our favorite activities for getting younger students to think sustainably. Then we’ll showcase an innovative way of using a classic children’s book to engage in friendly classroom debate for older students. Finally, we’ll end with teachers pairing up to collaborate in the creation of brand new lesson ideas for Earth month. A light dinner and wine will be served after the workshop concludes.

Register: https://events.encenter.org/events/tno-earth-day-extensions/
ENC or Crystal Cove Conservancy Members: $14.00
Nonmembers: $21.00
Title I Teachers: $7.00
How and where should registrants direct questions?:
Email Lisa at Lisa@crystalcove.org Date:03/19/2026 Time:4 PM to 7 PM Location:Environmental Nature Center. 1601 E 16th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike
2026-03-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States
Description
This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, stopping to learn about native plant communities, intertidal habitats, coastal geology, and the dynamic forces shaping the shoreline.
The program highlights key conservation challenges such as sea-level rise, habitat loss, and the importance of Marine Protected Areas—focusing on the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Blending ecology with conservation storytelling, this hike fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Park’s coastal landscapes. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.
Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.

Distance: 1.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)
Terrain: Mostly flat with one 900-foot climb ascending from the beach to the blufftop
Elevation Change: +130 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (recommended morning start for optimal conditions; align with <3 ft. low tide for tidepool exploration)
Suggested Age: Adults and youth ages 5+
Meeting Point: Education Commons
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trails
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass
Route Overview:
Education Commons → Cottage #13 (0.1 mi) → South along beach (0.5 mi) → Ascend ramp to blufftop (0.1 mi) → North to Shake Shack (0.5 mi)
Maps & Resources:
