Join us for a casual 1-2 mile walk in the community and practice your Orientation and Mobility skills! Enjoy the sounds of nature as you learn pointers and tips of safe travelling. Location of O&M walk varies each month, see below for details.
When: April 9th, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST
Where: Struve Slough trail in Watsonville, 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville. We will meet at the end of Westridge Drive. Look for the County of Santa Cruz building (the large office building formerly occupied by West Marine). Note: Drive all the way to the end of the parking lot. Pickup time should be 12:15 or later. RAIN WILL CANCEL WALK.
Description: This April, our Walk in the Park series heads south to Watsonville to explore one of the Central Coast’s most vibrant freshwater wetlands: Struve Slough. While many pass over these waters on Highway 1, the trails below offer a peaceful escape into a thriving ecosystem.
As described by Watsonville Wetlands Watch, “these sloughs tell a complex story driven by the power of water and tides,” offering a rare glimpse into one of the largest remaining freshwater marshlands in our region. In spring, the landscape comes alive with the subtle splendor of nesting swallows, quiet bobcats, and migratory birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway”.
The slough is currently in its seasonal prime. Thickets of willow and tall tules (reeds) are a deep, vibrant green, and the air is filled with the activity of nesting birds. As we move away from the trailhead near Highway 1, the sound of passing cars fades, replaced by the rhythmic, natural sounds of the marsh.
Details: Our walk begins at the Westridge Drive trailhead, adjacent to the County of Santa Cruz building. From there, we’ll follow a paved path along the middle section of the slough. The trail is flat and wide, making it an excellent choice for an accessible, low-impact stroll.
We’ll head east along the water’s edge, where open views of the slough and surrounding tules gradually give way to more sheltered stretches of trail.
As we journey along the trail keep your ears open for a sharp, repetitive “yip-yip-yip!”—the call of the Black-necked Stilt. This striking shorebird is often seen wading in the shallows, with its long, bubblegum-pink legs and sleek black-and-white body.
Fun Fact: Gram for gram, they have the longest legs of any bird in the world relative to their body size!
When we pass beneath the Harkins Slough Road bridge, you’ll notice a distinct shift in the environment, a drop in temperature, a change in air pressure, and a transition into a cool, shaded corridor.
The Acoustic Landscape: This natural “sound tunnel” creates a unique sensory experience, where the calls of nesting swallows and the rustling reeds take on a rich, echoing quality.
We’ll continue to Main Street, where we’ll pause for a brief rest and take in the marsh views before retracing our steps back to Westridge.
Join us as we experience the “subtle splendor” of the wetlands together.
Know Before You Go:
Bring Your Own Water: There are no drinking fountains along this section of the trail. Please bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Restroom Facilities: Public restrooms are not available along this route. Please plan accordingly before arriving at the Westridge trailhead.
Please RSVP below if you plan to attend.