Restoration at Rio del Mar began in the winter of 2018/2019 with a pilot project where Groundswell engaged Soquel High School students in removing invasive species and planting native dune plants.
In 2022 heavy rains and large waves from storms scoured the beach sand. The beach and Esplanade parking area were littered with large driftwood logs and debris. This combined with a meandering Aptos Creek exposed the foundation of the State Parks restroom. State Parks used heavy equipment to bury large driftwood logs in effort to stabilize the sand. This nature-based solution held. In 2023 and 2024 Parks expanded the sand anchoring driftwood structure.
In Spring 2025, with support from the California Coastal Conservancy, Groundswell staff and volunteers partnered with California State Parks to plant the dunes once again. We have since maintained the growing dunes and will continue to grow and monitor the system to better understand how it responds to extreme events. We recognize that, while not a permanent solution, this low-cost nature-based solution has a role making Rio del Mar more resilient to large disturbances for period of time.
Support from the Coastal Conservancy and NOAA for the Monterey Bay Living Shoreline Program will help us to expand the dunes here and at other State Beaches in the coming years.
