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04.23.09

Greener Pastures

Some folks are working hard to keep your spaces open and your pastures green. Continue the Earth Day celebration by enjoying the fruit of recent labors from three organizations making a difference.  

Wavecrest Half Moon Bay

Nice Save

Raptors, pelicans, and northbound gray whales are all part of the action at Half Moon Bay's newest 206-acre playground, Wavecrest. Thanks to quick-moving Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), this windswept coastal bluff was rescued from condominium development. Make your way through Wavecrest's meadows and coniferous trees en route to spectacular cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. To the south is the Ritz Carlton, to the north is a public beach. And sandwiched in between is Wavecrest's little-known beach. Head down below or stay up on the cliffs, watching for grays offshore. Oceanfront property for all.

TIP: Fire pits, frothy pints, and legit fish and chips have been drawing people into quirky Cameron's Restaurant & Inn for years. Just look for the London-style double-decker bus on the west side of Highway 1.

Heading south on Hwy. 1 in Half Moon Bay, take a right on Wavecrest Rd. in front of Cameron's Restaurant & Inn. Drive to the end of Wavecrest Rd. and park near Smith's Ballpark. A trailhead sign marks the Wavecrest property, but you can also work your way down to the beach on a mixed-surface path by way of the adjoining property to the south. Dog-friendly! Cameron's Restaurant & Inn, 1410 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay; 650-726-5705.

Activity
Hike, Relax, Dog-friendly
Region
Peninsula & South Bay
Marshall Beach Batteries to Bluffs Trail

New Marshall in Town

One of the best-kept secrets in San Francisco was once accessed only by brave souls willing to scramble down bluffs through poison oak and pricklers. Today, Marshall's Beach is easily reached by the eco-friendly Batteries to Bluffs Trail courtesy of Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Wooden stairs and dirt paths wind down to the most private beach in town. Bring a picnic and dine on views spanning the Golden Gate, from Land's End in San Francisco to Marin's Point Bonita Lighthouse. The views are so good you might just be inspired to strip down to your knickers. Yep, like many secret beaches, Marshall's Beach is favored by the clothing-optional crowd. Enjoy the sunset (or full moon).

Park at one of two entrances on Lincoln Blvd. in the Presidio. One is just south of Fort Scott, on the west side of the road near the "Coyote Crossing" sign, and the other is about .5 mile south down Lincoln Blvd. with a small "Batteries to Bluffs" sign on the west side of the road (map). At either entrance, follow the Batteries to Bluffs Trail toward Marshall's Beach. It's .3 mile (one-way) to the beach. You can also make a loop (approximately 1.2 miles) by using the California Coastal Trail to bring you back to your starting point. No dogs.

Activity
Hike, Relax
Region
San Francisco
Richmond Greenway

Project Greenway

Meet the future of urban green space by making tracks to the East Bay's Richmond Greenway. Just a stone's throw from the charming Point Richmond town, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy—with a little help from local organizations—has transformed an abandoned rail corridor into a flat and pristinely paved walking, skating, and biking trail for young and old alike. The 1.5-mile (one-way) out-and-back path offers a unique blend of natural and man-made compliments and contrasts; pockets along the trail are sprinkled with fresh wildflowers that match colorful graffiti on adjacent fences and walls, while busy birds harmonize with the sounds of nearby urbanity. Keep an eye out for an eco-highlight—the Lincoln Elementary School Farm—an edible garden maintained by some of the city's littlest green thumbs. On your way back, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tam are the backdrop scenery.

From westbound I-580 in Richmond, take the Canal Blvd. exit toward Garrard Blvd. Turn left on Canal Blvd. Turn right at W. Cutting Blvd. Turn left on S. Garrard Blvd. Turn right on Richmond Ave.Park at Point Richmond's old Santa Fe Train Master's Station, now a Mechanics Bank. Walk .6 mile up S. Garard Blvd. and take a right onto W. Ohio Ave. To your left you'll see an abandoned rail corridor: ride east on this undeveloped portion of the Richmond Greenway—shortly thereafter you'll hit the developed, paved section which runs just over 1 mile each way.

Activity
Hike, Bike
Region
East Bay
Odwalla

Odwalla's Roots

Odwalla's roots may be in the Bay Area but they're branching out all over California to nourish state parks. In fact, the company's Plant a Tree Program is out to nourish the entire nation. Did you know that just one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year, and trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rainwater? That's soil to soul. And Odwalla has donated more than 60,000 trees to participating state parks around the nation. How do they do it? Well, you're a big part of the change. Each tree gets donated by people like you; and 2008's program was such a success that Odwalla's been very busy in 2009. Not only have they rolled out a delicious new Superfood—the Odwalla Red Rhapsody—loaded with heart-healthy Potassium, kick-butt antioxidant vitamins, and delicious power fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranates, they're also gearing up for their 2009 Tree Planting Program. It's all part of Odwalla's commitment to keep the world healthy. Because when Mother Earth is nourished, so are you.

BONUS: Click here for more details and to find out how you can get involved in the 2009 Tree Planting Program.

Odwalla's Red Rhapsody is artfully packaged in recyclable plastic bottles.

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