Irving and Jean Stone
SOUNDING SEAS DUNES RESERVE
In 2009, The Wildlands Conservancy purchased two-and-a-half miles of ocean frontage and sand dunes that are situated between the beaches at the Eel River Estuary Preserve. This was accomplished through a bequest from the Irving and Jean Stone Trust. Sounding Seas Beach appears to be endless as far as the eye can see. Here, one can imagine what explorers and Native Americans experienced in the early days of California. The solitary beach preserve includes important gravel bed habitat for the snowy plover, a federally endangered species with only 2,000 birds surviving. During Wildlands’ short tenure of this property, 25 percent of the dunes have eroded during king tides and storm water surges related to sea level rise.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
RESERVE HOURS
Dawn to Dusk
ADMISSION
FREE
CONTACT US
(707) 672-4725
northcoastpreserves@wildlandsconservancy.org
GETTING HERE
Sounding Seas beach and sand dunes may be reached by hiking north from Centerville Beach County Park at the end of Centerville Road west of Ferndale, California.
THINGS TO DO
AMENITIES
NO AMENITIES AT THIS TIME.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION.
PROHIBITIONS
SAFETY
LEAVE NO TRACE
Pack it in, Pack it out.
Take any trash you make with you.
Leave What You Find.
Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect Wildlife.
Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee.
Be Considerate of Others.
One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience.
Principles courtesy of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
RESOURCES
CONSERVATION OUTCOMES
Prior to The Wildlands Conservancy’s acquisition, the sand dune ecosystem on this property had been extensively damaged by off-road vehicle activities that destroyed habitat of the federally endangered beach layia, Layia carnosa. Researchers also documented a snowy plover fatality caused by off-road vehicles. Vigilant posting and patrolling by Wildlands rangers has stopped off-road activity in the dunes and the destruction of resources on this magnificent coastline.
