Wilder Ranch

GPS coordinates:
36° 57.353’ N, 122° 06.198’ W
LiMPETS monitoring site since:
2002
Directions:
This site, north of Santa Cruz, is just north of Wilder Ranch State Park’s main entrance. Park along Highway 1 at 2101 Coast Road, which is between the entrance to the Wilder Ranch State Park and Dimeo Lane. There is a small frontage road where you can park off the highway on the coast side. Be certain to park with enough room for any farm vehicles to still get by. Walk toward the ocean on the dirt road, crossing the railroad tracts and the fields until you reach the edge of the cliff. DO NOT drive on the dirt road; it is used by the farmers and is often muddy and easy to get mired down in. Once the edge of the cliff is reached, go to the right (west) along the dirt road until you come to the top of Strawberry Cove. Walk down a well-worn trail to Strawberry Cove Beach. Turn right, cross a large sand-scoured rock and a small sandy cove, and climb up on the narrow, sloping platform that is bare at the top. The platform has a large mussel bed in the middle and a small surfgrass bed near the bottom.
Restrooms:
There are no public restrooms near the site; the closest are at the Wilder Ranch State Park’s entrance gate.
Site description:
This is a flat area that can be difficult to get to, however it is an incredible site to monitor. Little to no foot traffic occurs here, other than the occasional surfer or beachcomber. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes to walk to the site depending upon the age and speed of your group.
LiMPETS methods:
  1. vertical transect
  2. total counts in a permanent area
Download site-specific protocols and datasheets used at this site.
Permit and visitor information:
The Wilder Ranch site is on the eastern side of Strawberry Cove in Wilder Ranch State Park. Before going to the site, be sure to contact the park rangers at (831) 423-9703.
Contact your LiMPETS site coordinator:
Lisa Emanuelson, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary • 299 Foam St. Monterey, CA 93940 • • (831) 521-9512