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Climate Action Program Spotlight highlights the incredible work our chapters are doing across the country to protect our coasts and communities. Whether by leading their own restoration and climate action efforts or supporting existing local projects, chapters are driving meaningful change on the ground. Each spotlight lifts up a chapter’s work to inspire others and celebrate the strength of our nationwide network.
Ventura Chapter Launches Hueneme Beach Dune Restoration
The Surfrider Ventura County Chapter has officially kicked off a new dune-restoration effort at Hueneme Beach Park! Our first two volunteer days hosted on Saturday, June 28, and Saturday, July 5 were a strong start, drawing neighbors, surfers, students, and local leaders eager to boost coastal resilience locally. In partnership with the City of Port Hueneme and through our national Climate Action Program, we’ll be restoring 2.5 acres of coastal dune habitat using nature-based solutions.
As part of the launch, we hosted an on-site project tour to introduce volunteers to the restoration effort and emphasize the importance of healthy dunes in building climate resilience. Participants learned about the site’s coastal ecosystem, the invasive species we’re working to remove, and the hands-on methods used to bring the dunes back to life. Afterward, we jumped into action removing invasives and becoming part of the restoration ourselves. We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Port Hueneme for their continued partnership and support, including providing dumpsters and volunteer parking during the events.
More than seventy volunteers helped remove roughly 4,000 pounds of invasive ice plant, sea rocket, tamarisk, and Bermuda grass, making space for native species to take hold! Clearing out invasives makes room for native plants to thrive, creating stronger, living dunes that can protect communities from increasingly intense storms. Restoring these living systems is exactly the kind of nature-based climate action promoted by Surfrider’s national Climate Action Program.
Mayor Martha McQueen Legohn, Councilmember Laura Hernandez, City Manager James Vega, and County Supervisor Vianey Lopez pitched in alongside residents, showing how the city and community can move a coastline forward together. A special shout-out goes to champion volunteer Joan Tharp, whose tireless organizing and on-the-sand leadership have made the project a reality.
What’s coming next? We’ll install sand fencing to let coastal winds rebuild natural dunes, and symbolic fencing to guide foot traffic safely around new plantings. This fall, we’ll return for a large seeding day just before the winter rains. Monthly workdays on the first Saturday of each month will keep the project on track and remove any invasive sprouts that reappear.
Thank you to everyone who joined us out on the sand to remove invasives and haul bags out. Your energy shows that when a community comes together, we can restore and protect our coastline. If you missed the launch, it’s not too late to join in. We’ll be out here the first Saturday of every month. Bring closed-toe shoes, a reusable water bottle, sun protection, and a friend to our next event. We’ll supply the tools, guidance, and plenty of good company.
See you on the beach!
Huge thanks to Coastal Restoration Consultants for helping design the restoration plan and guiding this effort with their expertise. We’re also deeply grateful to Patagonia, Yardi, and Coastal Quest for helping fund this community-led initiative.