October 2026: A Message from the CEO
Dear Friends of Crystal Cove,
Fall is my favorite time of year at Crystal Cove. We’ve got school buses full of students pulling into our outdoor classrooms, the days are getting a bit shorter, and we’re reminded to slow down a little and learn something new about our coast.
Last school year, we welcomed more than 9,000 students from under-resourced schools to Crystal Cove. That’s 9,000 opportunities to make an impact. For some students, it’s their first time exploring a tidepool or seeing a dolphin or sea lion. For others, it may be the first time they start to think about science as a career. I’m so proud to share that we’re already on track to impact even more students’ lives this year.
We’re always learning at the Cove. On October 14, we’ll welcome Steven Swartz for our final Cove Talk of the year, where he’ll share what he’s learned from 50 years of studying gray whales in the lagoons of Baja California. Fifty years! Some of the whales he photographed in the 1970s are still returning to San Ignacio lagoon today. It will be a wonderful evening exploring the history of this very special place and the incredible animals that depend on it.
Caring for the coast also means preparing for its challenges. With a potentially significant El Niño season ahead, we’re working closely with California State Parks to prepare for changing conditions, making sure we protect our beloved Historic District and the natural resources we all treasure.
I hope you’ll keep exploring with us. Join us for our final Cove Talk. Introduce a young person to our tidepools, or look a little closer at the native plants that line our trails. Bring your curiosity. There’s always more to discover at Crystal Cove. I hope you’ll be part of it.
For our coast and ocean,
Hallie Jones
Chief Executive Officer