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Protecting Beaches

Expanding California native plant communities to enhance coastal resilience and revitalize coastal biodiversity on Southern California sandy beaches.

Beaches as Living Shorelines

Los Angeles’ beaches aren’t entirely natural; heavy machinery, sea walls, and the addition of sand from other places have altered them. Beach raking typically involves tractors pulling machinery and rakes to clean trash from the beach. This activity flattens the beach and prevents plants from growing. Beaches with plants aren’t flat, as they trap and hold the sand with their branches and roots.

Can you imagine LA without beaches? The U.S. Geological Survey warns that California could lose up to 75% of its beaches in the next 75 years due to rising sea levels, with Southern California facing significant losses by 2100. LA’s beaches are impacted by erosion and coastal flooding. By growing plants and dunes on our beaches, we can reduce these impacts. This nature-based solution benefits all beach visitors, including rare and endangered birds and butterflies.

The Bay Foundation’s (TBF’s) Coastal Adaptation Program is growing sand dunes by stopping beach raking and planting native California beach plants. The dunes can grow up to three feet tall in about four years, increasing beach elevation that resists erosion from rising sea levels and intense storms.  Over the years, hundreds of volunteers have contributed to this effort, helping to grow and maintain these living coastal spaces. This is at the core of our success.  TBF also emphasizes education to connect the public with these vital dune communities. Please join us at an upcoming volunteer event to get involved and make a difference!

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