Loch Lomond Recreation Area

08/26/2026

Hope to see you up at the Loch on Saturday, Sept 12!

Our last event in the 2026 Loch Lomond Learning Series is coming up on Saturday, September 12th. We're grateful to be joined by local ornithologist Alex Rinkert once again on this date. Alex will be discussing the fall bird migration and helping us identify birds that call Loch Lomond Recreation Area home. This event is a Loch Walk (as opposed to a Newell Jewell School event) so come prepared for some light hiking around the lake and bring your binoculars! Call 831 335-7424 to sign up in advance as attendance will be limited.

Just to clarify, there is also a free Newell Jewell boat tour on 9/12. This is a separate event and attendance is on a first come-first served basis. No reservations will be taken for the Newell Jewell tour.

Happy !

Santa Cruz Bird Club

Image: Osprey nest up near the Highland Trail Loch Lomond Recreation Area

07/23/2026

We're hiring a new ranger in our Watershed Section! You can learn more here:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santacruz/jobs/5393858/ranger-i-ii

07/01/2026

Hope to see you on the Newell Jewell on 7/11!

06/17/2026

Hope to see you at the Loch on July 11!

06/10/2026

Hope to see you on the Newell Jewell on Saturday!

The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

05/20/2026

Hope to see you on June 13th for our next 2026 Loch Lomond Learning Series event!

We're grateful to have had a good turnout for our Spring Birding Loch Walk last weekend! Now, please mark your calendars for June 13th at 11 am when our own Michelle Tarian will be talking about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in our first "Newell Jewell School" event of the 2026 season! AIS are a big management concern for our water system and for also protection of our native biodiversity...and each invasive species introduction has an interesting backstory...

You can learn more about some of California's most problematic invasive species at the link below: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species

If you'd like to sign up for the talk on June 16th please call Loch Lomond at 335-7424. Attendance will be limited. Admission to Loch Lomond is free for participants!

Happy !

Photo: American bullfrog (non-native, invasive in CA). Courtesy of Kerwin Russell, Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District.

05/11/2026

The challenges of managing waterbodies with invasive species like golden mussel should not be underestimated. Not only can their presence seriously impact water conveyance and treatment, they can seriously disrupt ecosystems.

Fast-spreading hardy mussels from China, already in Delta and spreading across California, could cost millions to control

04/29/2026

Thanks to all who participated in our last Loch Walk! We hope to see a good turnout for the May 16 birding walk as well!

04/23/2026

🚧 Temporary Closure at Loch Lomond 🚧

The Loch Lomond Recreation Area will be temporarily closed Monday through Friday, April 27–May 1, to support a proactive water quality treatment.

This effort helps manage algae growth and protect the City’s primary drinking water source and only reservoir — ensuring a safe, reliable supply for the community. The short-term closure allows crews to complete the treatment safely and efficiently.

The recreation area will reopen Saturday, May 2. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking. Dogs are welcome on leash, but swimming is not allowed. Vehicle day-use is $10.

04/15/2026

Hope to see you at the Loch on 4/25!