Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient coast.
Surfrider Ventura County is launching an exciting new restoration effort at Hueneme Beach Park! In partnership with the City of Port Hueneme and through our national Climate Action Program, we’ll be restoring 2.5 acres of coastal dune habitat using nature-based solutions—and we want the community to be at the heart of it.
This is a community-led and volunteer-powered project, and we’ll need your help to bring it to life. We’ll be hosting monthly volunteer restoration events where you can dig in, get your hands sandy, and make a real impact. Whether you’re pulling invasive weeds, planting natives, or simply spreading the word, you’ll be helping restore one of Ventura County’s most important coastal spaces. None of this would be possible without committed Surfrider volunteers like Joan Tharp, who has led with heart and helped build momentum for restoring the dunes.
Why This Matters
Dunes aren’t just piles of sand. They are natural climate defenders. When healthy, they reduce erosion, buffer storm surges, and provide vital habitat for native plants and wildlife. But decades of coastal development, foot traffic, and invasive species have weakened this protective landscape.
Over time, Hueneme Beach Park’s dune system has been negatively impacted by invasive species like iceplant and Bermuda grass, which outcompete native vegetation and offer little stability against erosion. The natural topography of the dunes has been degraded, limiting their ability to trap sand and buffer storm surge. By restoring these dunes, we’re helping Port Hueneme’s coastline adapt to rising seas and intensifying storms, all while improving the beach experience for residents and visitors alike.
What We'll Do
- Restore 2.5 acres of coastal dunes at Hueneme Beach Park to bring back a thriving, self-sustaining dune ecosystem.
- Strengthen natural coastal defenses by restoring dunes that help protect the shoreline from rising seas, erosion, and storm impacts.
- Support native plants and wildlife by removing invasive species and planting coastal natives that provide critical habitat.
- Keep the beach open and accessible by maintaining public access trails and preserving ocean views while guiding foot traffic to protect restored areas.
- Involve the community every step of the way through monthly volunteer events, hands-on learning, and shared stewardship of our coast.
How You Can Help
Everything we’ve accomplished has been made possible by dedicated volunteers, students, families, and neighbors who care about the future of our coast. We are continuing to grow this effort as part of Surfrider’s Climate Action Program, and we welcome everyone who wants to be a part of it.
- Volunteer at an upcoming restoration
- Follow us on social media for updates and events
- Donate to support plant purchases, tools, and outreach
Stay Tuned!
Monthly events will begin once we receive the necessary permits—we’ll post updates on our Events Page and through our social channels. We can’t wait to see you out there.
If you have any questions or would like to support our dune restoration project please reach out to Joan at jtharp@ventura.surfrider.org for more information.