Our Story
The Bolsa Chica Wetlands, a vital remnant of a once expansive ecosystem, have a rich history dating back 9,000 years to Native American habitation. Over the centuries, this land has seen various transformations—from ownership by Manual Perez Nieto to its use as a gun club and oil drilling site. The post-war era left the beach littered with trash, earning it the unfortunate title of Tin Can Beach. However, the passage of the California Coastal Act in 1972 marked a turning point, establishing the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. In 1997, further efforts led to the acquisition of 880 acres, solidifying its status as a crucial ecological reserve. Today, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy operates from a modular facility within this 1,445-acre reserve, offering educational programs, guided tours, and restoration projects aimed at preserving this unique habitat.