Fall 2011

POST Transfers Pillar Point Bluff to San Mateo County

Habitat-rich Bluff-top Joins Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Pillar Point Bluff coastline© 2011 Lizzie Thomas

The land drains directly into Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, where seals and pelicans populate the shoreline, while farther out the Pacific churns over the outer reaches of the reef. To the east, wetlands and marsh areas provide habitat for at-risk species such as the California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake and several types of birds. Across Highway 1, the tilled farm fields and bulky shoulders of Montara Mountain on POST-protected Rancho Corral de Tierra create a panoramic backdrop to the whole scene.

"We are very grateful for POST’s ability to preserve open space land adjacent to the reserve," says Sarah Lenz, a ranger with San Mateo County Division of Parks."Trails like those at Pillar Point Bluff allow people to see the reef without putting too much pressure on its delicate inhabitants, and give visitors a way of observing seal colonies without disturbing them, especially during pupping season. Plus, the beautiful views remain open."

Hikers on Pillar Point Bluff Trail© 2011 Michael Powers

Originally, Pillar Point Bluff was part of the historic Rancho Corral de Tierra land grant. Remnants of a dairy that operated during the early 1900s can still be found in the tall grass on the flats near Airport Boulevard. By 1980, the land had attracted investors eager to build a bed-and-breakfast and a business park, but the projects failed to get the necessary approvals. At that point ownerships began to change, and POST was able to work out purchase agreements.

Generous donors have helped make each step from acquisition to stewardship to public enjoyment possible. A memorial fund established by Kathy and Al Lauer of Portola Valley was a major source of funding toward the purchase of the land and installation of the Jean Lauer Trail, an important link in the California Coastal Trail named for the Lauers' daughter, Jean, a former POST land manager who passed away in 2005. POST also received major support for Pillar Point Bluff from public funding agencies, including $1 million from the California Coastal Conservancy.


MapWhat You’ll See
• Soaring pelicans, cormorants, gulls and hawks
• Seasonal wetlands
• Coastal waters protected by the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve


Driving Directions
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Access: Cyclists, hikers, equestrians, dogs on leash
Services: Parking lot and staging area

 

 

 

 

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