Tag Archives: Point Arena – Stornetta Lands

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Mel Smith took visiting family members to the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands. He hoped to be able to show them the waterfall, but it is still falling into a crack in the bluff. Nonetheless, this spot is perfect for a photo with the Lighthouse in the distance.

the-waterfall-is-hidden-at-the-point-arena-stornetta-lands-by-mel-smithThe waterfall appears on the right side. Perhaps with all the rain in our forecast the waterfall will again cascade off the bluff. This is what it looks like when it does - beautiful, don't you think? I took this photo a few years ago.

stornetta-lands-waterfall-by-jeanne-jacksonThanks to Mel for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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There is a creek that can be found about a 1/4 or so of the way in from Lighthouse Road. Some years it cascades over the bluff edge creating a beautiful waterfall. Right now it is flowing into a crack in the bluff. The edge creates a nice little pond for Western gulls to take a bath.

Western gulls bathing in a creek at the Lands by Jeanne Jackson

Here is a short clip of the wave action.

Rocks and waves off the Lands by Jeanne Jackson

A strange-looking twisty flower caught my eye. It's not the best photo, but it is Lady's Tresses, Spiranthes romanzoffiana, one of our native orchids. There are several others coming up to join this bluff orchid.

Lady's Tresses by Jeanne JacksonAnd a view of some of the dramatic rocks and bluffs at the Lands, with the Point Arena Lighthouse in the background.

Point Arena-Stornetta Lands by Jeanne JacksonThe Point Arena-Stornetta Lands are a Mendonoma Coast treasure!

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Margaret Lindgren, who owns Unbeaten Path Tours, recently led a tour out on the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands at low tide. Here are three photos of the beautiful scenery, and the Point Arena Lighthouse in the distance.

Low tide at the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands by Margaret LindgrenThe bluffs at the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands by Margaret LindgrenThe arched rocks at the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands by Margaret LindgrenThis Saturday, August 6th, there is a special event at the Lands:

3rd Annual Discover the Coast

The Friends of Point Arena-Stornetta Lands, the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers and the Bureau of Land Management invites you to the 3rd Annual Discover the Coast, on Saturday August 6, from 10am to 2pm at Point Arena City Hall, from 10am to 4pm at the Point Arena Lighthouse, and a screening of the documentary “Dancing Salmon Home” at 6pm at the Coast Community Library.

Enjoy a day of discovery at the Point Arena - Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument, the Mendocino College Field Station and the Point Arena Lighthouse. Explore the Discovery Trail, exhibits and food booths.   Free admission, parking and shuttle.

To learn more about Saturday's event, here's the Friends of the Lands website: http://pointarenastornetta.org/

Thanks to Margaret for allowing me to share her photos with you here. To visit her website, here is the link: http://www.unbeatenpathtours.com/index.html

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Peter Baye wrote, “I found a new rare plant at the Stornetta Lands along the P’da Hau [Garcia] River estuary last week, Humboldt Bay owl’s clover, Castilleja ambigua, subspecies humboldtiensis.”

Humboldt Bay owl's-clover, Castilleja ambigua humboldtiensis, by Peter Baye

This plant is found in tidal marsh locations and was originally thought to be endemic to Humboldt Bay, hence its common name. But it’s been found in Mendocino County at Big River. And now it’s been found at the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands.

Peter wrote further, “The surprises of the Stornetta Land’s varied habitats have only been open to botanical exploration for a few years. Perhaps more botanical gems await discovery!”

Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photo with you here. I look forward to new discoveries in the special Stornetta-Point Arena Lands.

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I'll let Beth Kattleman tell the story as she explored the southern entrance to the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands.

“I snapped this photo while walking along a bluff trail. It was the first time I had accessed this trail. Absolutely gorgeous. To the south is the Point Arena Pier, and northward leads to the Lighthouse.

View from the southern end of the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands by Beth Kattleman

“As I was walking I was watching a surfer try to catch some waves. He was unsuccessful and I moved along. THIS view stopped me dead in my tracks!  My husband and I often comment that everywhere you turn, prepared to be dazzled. Even views from the trails we frequently visit seem different from the day before, whether it’s the lighting, the changing sky, the wildness of the waves, the progression of seasons – it never gets old. I love it so much here.”

The southern entrance to the Lands is found behind Point Arena City Hall.

Thanks to Beth for allowing me to share her photo with you here.