Field Trip: Sunset State Beach Nov 1, 2026 3:30-5:30 PM

Date and time: Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 3:30PM-5:30PM (Sunset trip!)

Leaders: Moss Phipps, CNPS Santa Cruz Chapter Intern and Botany Student

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Sunset State Beach is a wonderful example of what California’s coastal dunes should look like. Thanks to incredible efforts made by our local CNPS chapter, invasive species like European dune grass (Ammophila sp.) have been almost completely removed from parts of Sunset State Beach. These dunes act as nesting sites for the endangered Snowy Plover from March through late October, making this a prime time to visit (a time when we don’t disturb them!). On the foredunes, you can expect to see plants including seaside woolly sunflower (Eriophyllum staechadifolium), coastal sand verbena (Abronia latifolia), pink sand verbena (Abronia umbellata), and Monterey paintbrush (Castilleja latifolia) in bloom. Closer to the marshy area, we can find hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) (one of the only occurrences of this species in SC County!) and spot the bright yellow blooms of bur-marigold (Bidens laevis) from afar!

This hike is short and sweet. A roughly 1-mile round trip; it should take around 2 hours (botanist pace!). We will be hiking through an unmaintained trail, going up and down unstable sands. We plan to hike from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. 

This hike is an opportunity to see some yellow fall blooms (+ other awesome plants), a beautiful sunset, and chat with planty people!

There will be opportunities to carpool with state park pass holders, which is highly recommended to avoid having to pay for parking. 

Directions: We will be meeting at the south end of the main parking area at Sunset State Beach. Note that admission to the park is $10, or free with State Parks pass. 

Carpool: There will be a carpool meeting at 3:00 at Resurrection Church Park and Ride. Please indicate you want to carpool on the registration form and bring a State Parks pass if you have one!

Bring: Bring: water, lunch (or snacks), sunscreen, a hat, hiking poles if desired to navigate unstable ground and possibly rain gear depending on weather conditions, and a smile!

***Space is limited*** 

Heavy rain cancels. An email will be sent by 7 p.m. the evening prior if the trip is canceled.

Waiver: You will be asked to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the field trip. You can review it ahead of time here but will sign in person at the field trip. 

Email Dan with any questions: daniel.antonaccio@gmail.com
Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 2018746997