Drive north on Highway 1, round Estero point, and there lies Cayucos nestled between the curve of Estero Bay and grass-covered hills. Preserving this historic and beautiful open space is the main goal of the Cayucos Land Conservancy (CLC). Established in 1999, CLC is committed to the enduring preservation of that rural setting with its many natural and scenic resources so that this and other generations can enjoy its beauty. Our interests include:
- the Estero Bluffs, four miles of coastal terrace north of Cayucos and its overlooking hillsides
- the San Geronimo Ranch which is a dominant piece of the Cayucos view shed and overlooks the Estero Bluffs.
- hillside lots in the two antiquated subdivisions overlooking Cayucos
- the coastal terrace and hillsides south of Cayucos.
In addition, CLC is piecing together the open spaces surrounding Cayucos by working with willing landowners to create voluntary conservation agreements.
CLC is continuing to help State Parks overcome the hurdles which have kept Harmony Headlands State Park closed to the public for more than five years. Thanks to the generosity of the Hind Foundation, John and Anna Negranti of Negranti Construction, and the efforts of the State Parks staff, great progress has been made. Efforts necessary for the opening of the park (access road, fencing, power, telephone, mowing the trail, signage, and installing a port-a-potty) have largely been completed. The remaining issue is the State budget and we are hopeful that the Park will be open when the budget passes. In order to prepare for the opening, CLC is organizing a group of volunteers to serve as Ambassadors at the park.
As the opening date for Harmony Headlands State Park nears, CLC is proud to announce the new Harmony Headlands Ambassador Program. CLC and State Parks are working together to offer a program in which volunteer Ambassadors will be present on the property on a regular basis. CLC will recruit and sign up these Ambassadors, coordinate trainings with State Parks, and manage the schedule. Here's what being an Ambassador will entail. Volunteers would commit to a minimum of one four-hour shift per month and walk a circuit of the three-mile trail. All volunteers would work in pairs, with critical times being weekends and holidays when there will be one shift in the morning and one in the afternoon. Shifts will be available on other days as well. Volunteer Ambassadors will complete a State Parks application ("Volunteer Service Agreement") which can be emailed or mail delivered on request or downloaded here. State Parks staff and CLC will provide a short training program to familiarize Ambassadors with their duties and with the Park. If you are interested in helping, please contact Steven Slezak (995-1353), or Mary Bettencourt (235-4543) as soon as possible. We guarantee that you will enjoy spending time out on the Harmony Headlands.
The Cayucos Land Conservancy is a member of the national Land Trust Alliance and subscribes to its Standards and Practices.
