Preserving the Coast: A Hike Through Pismo 🥾

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Preserving the Coast: A Hike Through Pismo 🥾

APA Central Coast's San Luis Obispo Subsection invites you to a nature hike and social event at Pismo Preserve, as part of the 2025 Planning Academy programming!

This guided hike is hosted in partnership with The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, a nonprofit that permanently protects and restores open space across the Central Coast. The Pismo Preserve is one of the Conservancy’s most significant conservation projects — a 900-acre coastal property with over 11 miles of multi-use trails. More than just a scenic hike, the preserve represents a major planning success involving land acquisition, public funding, regional trail planning, and inclusive access design.

Leading our hike will be CJ Silas, a passionate volunteer docent and community ranger who has been with the Land Conservancy since the early days of the Pismo Preserve’s public opening. She’s known for highlighting the preserve’s unique mix of coastal wildlife, native plant communities, and restoration efforts — while also emphasizing the importance of equitable access to open space. With a background in radio and public speaking, CJ combines storytelling, ecology, and advocacy to create an engaging hiking experience.

During the hike, Land Conservancy staff will share how partnerships with cities, counties, and the state helped turn this site into a permanent public space, and how tools like conservation easements, open space planning, and trail connectivity are shaping the future of the region. This discussion ties into this year’s Planning Academy theme by highlighting how planners, land trusts, and communities work together to deliver lasting environmental and public benefits.

🗓️ Event Details:

Date: Saturday May 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Hike) *please plan to arrive by 8:45 AM to allow time to park

11:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Social Hour)

Following the hike, attendees are invited to a casual social hour from 11:00 to 1:00 PM at Shell Beach Brewhouse, located just minutes drive from the trailhead.

Additional Information:

Trailhead Address: Pismo Preserve - 80 Mattie Rd, Pismo Beach, CA
Social Hour Address: Shell Beach Brewhouse - 1527 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, CA

Dogs: Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. All owners must follow posted rules and signage, and are required to clean up after their pets.

Parking: Parking at Pismo Preserve is limited and often fills up early. If the Preserve lot is full, overflow parking is available on Shell Beach Road across from Ventana Grill. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

RSVP REQUIRED | Free for All

For any questions, please contact Saba Asghary at sasghary@esassoc.com.

Email *

Are you enrolled in the Central Coast Section's 2025 Planning Academy?

Yes

Are you an APA member? If yes, please provide APA membership ID number.
*

How many people are signing up for the event? *

Other:

All participants must complete the event waiver before attending the hike. If you’re signing up for multiple people, each individual must complete their own waiver by May 30.

🔗 Please complete the waiver here: https://waiver.fr/p-gDqHR

This waiver is required to participate in the event. Registrations without a completed waiver will not be allowed to join the hike.

I confirm that I (and anyone I’m bringing) have complete the required event waiver.

Required

Will you/your group be attending the optional social hour* after the hike? Please enter number of attendees under Other.

*The social hour will take place from 11:00–1:00 PM at Shell Beach Brewhouse.

Yes

Other:

Are you planning on bringing a leashed dog? *

Yes

Maybe

Please acknowledge the following to ensure you are prepared for the nature hike:
(Checkboxes — all required to proceed)
*

The starting location for the hike will be the Pismo Preserve trailhead.

The hike will begin at 9:00 AM and is expected to last until approximately 11:00 AM.

Participants have filled out the required waiver.

Participants understand that leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the hike, and that dog owners are responsible for following posted rules and cleaning up after their pets.

Participants should be prepared to walk for up to 2 miles on natural trails with moderate incline.

Participants will bring their own sun protection, water, and snacks, if needed.

Required

Does your group have any accessibility needs or other details you'd like APA to be aware of?

Do you have any general comments or feedback about this event or future APA events?

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