City of Santa Monica and The Bay Foundation partner on 30-acre dune restoration for coastal resilience

nearly 30 additional acres of natural dunes are being added along the shoreline, stretching from the Santa Monica Pier toward the Venice border. This Phase III initiative marks a key milestone in a long-term plan to restore dunes across the entirety of Santa Monica's beachfront. Building on earlier phases-a pilot site of about three acres established in 2016 near the Annenberg Community Beach House and an additional five acres in 2024-the expansion will nearly double the area under active restoration, covering roughly 20% of the local sandy beach and making it one of the largest nature-based coastal projects in Southern California. The project focuses on creating a more resilient coastline in the face of escalating threats from sea-level rise, which state projections estimate could reach 1.6 to 3.1 feet by 2100, potentially narrowing usable beach areas through erosion, higher tides, storm surges, and flooding. By planting native coastal vegetation and using low-profile sand fencing in a checkerboard pattern of smaller polygons, the dunes will naturally capture wind-blown sand, grow to heights of around three feet over time, and form a living barrier that buffers inland infrastructure and properties. This "working with nature" approach also sequesters carbon, reduces the need for costly engineered defenses, and aligns with broader climate adaptation strategies outlined in the city's Local Coastal Program and hazard mitigation plans. The expanded dunes will enhance wildlife habitat for sensitive species, boost biodiversity along the urban coastline, and contribute to a more natural, beautified beach experience while preserving key recreational spaces like volleyball courts and public access pathways. Interpretive signage in multiple languages, including Spanish, will educate visitors about the project's goals. The effort involves modified beach grooming practices managed by TBF to allow the dunes to thrive without fully restricting beach use.