McGrath

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=607 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McGrath_State_Beach McGrath State Beach is a protected beach park located on the south bank of the mouth of Santa Clara River in the city of Oxnard, California. McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. A nature trail leads to the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. Camping sites are available. Two miles of beach provide surfing and fishing opportunities. Just south of the station is the undeveloped Mandalay Beach Park which is about a mile downcoast beach walk from the park or a bike ride along Harbor Blvd. Located south of Ventura on Harbor Boulevard, the beach is on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route and the California Coastal Trail.

McGrath State Beach Our Mission The mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Hundreds of wildlife species live and raise their young in the nine separate ecosystems found at California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park’s district office at (805) 968-1033. This publication is available in alternate formats by contacting: CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P. O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Discover the many states of California.TM McGrath State Beach 2211 North Harbor Blvd. Oxnard, CA 93035 (805) 968-1033 © 2008 California State Parks Printed on Recycled Paper McGrath State Beach. M cGrath State Beach’s lush streamside woodlands, coastal dunes, wide beach and marshlands protect a surprising diversity of plants and animals, including more than 245 bird species. The mouth of the Santa Clara River—one of Southern California’s last undammed rivers—has been designated as the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve, the highest level of protection within the State Park system. Located between Ventura and Oxnard, the park enjoys cool summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and fall bring crisp, often windy days. Dense fog rolls in, even in summer, so wise visitors dress in layers. PARK HISTORY Native People For thousands of years, native people, primarily the Chumash, lived in this area. In summer and fall, when the Santa Clara River slowed, the Chumash set up temporary camps and harvested the area’s bounty. They Chumash basket used the local spiny rush plant to weave intricately crafted baskets. Human use of petroleum in this area was first documented when the Chumash used asphaltum deposits to caulk their tomol canoes, to waterproof baskets, and to affix decorative items to a variety of objects. Dominick McGrath Young Dominick McGrath came to California from County Longford, Ireland, in 1848. He made his fortune selling wool, mutton and hides in the gold fields. McGrath purchased more than a thousand acres of land near the mouth of the Santa Clara River and started a highly successful farm. As he prospered, Dominick and his family and friends often visited the river, the beach, and the surrounding area. Dominick McGrath’s descendants sold 295 acres to the State of California in 1961, so the public could also enjoy this coastal wetland habitat. The land was declared a state park in 1962. Oil and Water The need for fossil fuels can wreak havoc on the natural environment. In 1993, an oil pipeline near McGrath State Beach ruptured, spilling more than 2,000 barrels of crude oil into McGrath Lake, contaminating the lake and some surrounding dunes. After years of cleanup, the lake and its environs are still being restored. NATURAL RESOURCES Nine separate ecosystems meet at McGrath State Beach: river, freshwater marsh, brackish marsh, coastal dune, ocean, sandy beach, estuary, coastal freshwater back dune lake, and riparian woodland. Water patterns on the land change constantly as the estuary and even some campsites are covered by water one day and left drying in the sun the next. As a result, visitors never see the same McGrath State Beach twice. In spring and fall, visitors can see migrating and year-round native birds. Among the rare, threatened or endangered animals protected here are the California least tern, brown pelican and least Bell’s vireo. Native fish include steelhead trout and the endangered tidewater goby. Raccoons, gray foxes, great blue herons, weasels, brush rabbits, legless lizards and bobcats also live here. Plants blooming in the area are rare Ventura marsh milk vetch, once thought to be extinct, salt marsh bird’s beak, arroyo willow, beach evening primrose and poison oak. Watch your step! From March through September, beachgoers must watch out for the wellcamouflaged nests and chicks of the western snowy plover, a small shore bird struggling to survive on California beaches. Some activities, like kite flying, are not recommended—nervous plovers may abandon their eggs or chicks if disturbed. Dogs are never permitted on the beach. Snowy plover with eggs and chicks RECREATION Camping—The campground has 174 developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings, and restrooms with coin-operated hot showers. A group campsite and a Hikeand-Bike site are also available. Make reservations by calling (800) 444-7275. Reserve the group campsite by calling (805) 648-3918. Beach Activities—Beach walkers, sunbathers and surf fishers enjoy McGrath’s 2.5 miles of beach. Swimming, surfing, and water sports are discouraged bec

McGrath State Beach 2211 Harbor Blvd. • Oxnard, CA 93035 • (805) 654-4744 McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. A nature trail leads to the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. Two miles of beach provide surfing and fishing opportunities. However, swimmers are urged to use caution because of strong currents and riptides. The park offers campsites by the beach. PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into the park. Use the self-registration system if the entrance station is closed. The campsite fee covers one vehicle. There are additional fees for extra vehicles. DOGS must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. They are not permitted in buildings or on the beach (except for service dogs). Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. OCCUPANCY: Each campsite may have up to eight people (including children). FIRES AND FIREWOOD: Please be cautious when building fires. Fires are allowed only in established fire rings or camp stoves, and are not permitted on the beach. Do not build ground fires outside the fire rings or leave campfires unattended. Do not gather firewood in the park––the nutrients must be allowed to recycle back into the ecosystem. You may purchase firewood from the camp hosts. VEHICLE PARKING: Vehicles may only be parked in your assigned campsite. They must remain on the pavement and must not extend into the roadway beyond the campsite number or limit line. Three vehicles maximum are allowed per campsite. CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. Please vacate your site by that time. Check-in is 2 p.m. RE-REGISTRATION: Campers without reservations who wish to re-register for another night must contact the entrance station before 9 a.m. on the morning they are due out. Site availability is not assured. SPEED LIMIT: The maximum speed limit is 15 mph. When pedestrians, bicyclists and children are present, even 15 mph might be too fast. Use good judgment. QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, please do not disturb other campers, regardless of the time of day or night. GENERATORS may be operated only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. BICYCLES are allowed only on roadways. NOISE: Radios and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite, regardless of the time of day or night. GAMES that are disruptive to other campers or the environment are strictly prohibited. THEFT WARNING: Keep your vehicles locked and your valuables out of sight. Do not leave property out at night. Report suspicious activity to a ranger or camp host. ENTRANCE GATE closes at 10 p.m. Sanitation station closes at sunset. GROUP CAMPSITES are available year round by reservation. Please call (805) 648-3918. Discover the many states of California.TM CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov. ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication is available in alternate formats by contacting California State Parks at (800) 777-0369 or 711, TTY relay service.