The Official Field Guide to the Pismo Preserve

Rolling across serene coastal hills, the PISMO PRESERVE is a magnificent jewel along the Central Coast.

This 880-acre natural wonderland is laced with eleven miles of extensive trails that are explored daily by hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and anyone who wants to enjoy some of California's most spectacular scenery.

THE OFFICIAL FIELD GUIDE TO THE PISMO PRESERVE is a portable and essential handbook to be used and savored by anyone who comes to this natural treasure. The book explores every trail and every corner of the Preserve in detail and identifies what you're looking at, so not only will you never get lost, you'll also understand and appreciate everything that's in view. It shows you the flora and fauna you'll encounter, tells you the long history of this beloved landmark, and gives you helpful tips to maximize your visit. The engaging text is accompanied by glorious color photos and helpful maps in a lively presentation the whole family can enjoy.

Published by The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

ABOUT THE CO-AUTHOR

This is Chris Strodder's sixteenth book. Much of his work has explored and celebrated popular culture, from Disneyland(c) history to classic movies. A longtime Pismo Beach resident, Chris can often be found at the Pismo Preserve serving as an

official volunteer.

ABOUT THE CO-AUTHOR

"Together we save special places."

The Land Conservancy is a local non-profit 501(c)3 accredited land trust that serves San Luis Obispo County. Its mission is to conserve and care for the diverse wildlands, farms, and ranches of the Central Coast, and to connect people to the land and to each other.

The organization has a large variety of projects and programs. LCSCLO is perhaps most well-known for restoring the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo and opening it as a community gathering space, and for the Pismo Preserve, a beloved nature preserve opened in 2020 and visited by 200,000 people per year.

Since its founding in 1984, LCSLO has protected over 67,000 acres of land through conservation easements and outright purchase, and it has restored sensitive habitats in local streams and coastal dunes ecosystems. The Learning Among the Oaks nature education program is embedded in our local public schools and focuses on kids to teach them about the wonders of nature through place-based learning at nearby trails. LCSLO also hosts docent-led hikes and activities on conserved land throughout the County-connecting people with nature for their own well-being and to cultivate a love of our local lands and wildlife.

LCSLO is funded through local, state, and federal grants, and donations from generous supporters.

The organization has an extremely dedicated staff and volunteer board, plus amazing

volunteers who help with everything from trail maintenance to fundraising.