Crystal Cove State Park

Practicing Park Friendly Behavior

We welcome you and your group to one of the most interesting and beautiful nature parks in California. We are here to help you teach your students about these sensitive ecosystems and how to protect and preserve this valuable natural resource. Biologists and naturalists often report that we are “loving our native environment and wilderness to death”.

We have established a few suggestions and rules that will help you to safely enjoy your fieldtrip and help to reduce the impact of groups exploring these sensitive ecosystems. We appreciate your cooperation in carefully reviewing these rules with your entire group before the day of the scheduled program.

1. Do not collect or remove anything, including shells, rocks, plants or animals, from Crystal Cove State Park.

2. Never pick up animals, chase animals or pry them from the rocks. If they are disturbed, they may harm you, and it will make a difference in their struggle for survival in this harsh environment.

3. Avoid moving or disturbing rocks and plants. There is usually some animal relying on each rock or plant for food, shelter and protection.

4. Walk slowly and carefully. Do not run or jump in the tidepools or in the woodlands. For your own safety and to avoid injuring plants and animals, stay on designated trails.

5. To avoid injury, always wear shoes with a firm sole, even if they get wet.

6. Avoid turning your back to the ocean waves and keep a watchful eye for the occasional extra large wave.

7. Carry extra drinking water when on hiking fieldtrips.

8. Please do not feed the wild animals because they will become dependent on human foods and human contact. They will lose their natural ability to forage in the wild and may develop hazardous behavior towards humans and other animals.

9. After enjoying your picnic in the Park, make sure all food and waste items are removed. Human food products are detrimental to the health and habits of wild animals and birds.

10. After arriving in the correct, pre-assigned meeting area for your scheduled fieldtrip, wait for the naturalist. Do not proceed on the fieldtrip without the naturalist.