Pacific Grove in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Balance Lost and Found Again
Asilomar Conference Center
Decades of logging, grazing, recreation, and foot traffic brought Asilomar's dune ecosystem to the brink of extinction. When the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) established the Asilomar summer camp grounds in 1913, the dunes became a recreation area.
By the time California State Parks acquired Asilomar in 1956, the dunes were crisscrossed with walking paths. Foot traffic damaged remaining native vegetation, weakened the towering dunes, and permitted the sand to blow away.
In 1984, California State Parks embarked on a dune restoration project. This required removal of non-native plants, propagation of plants genetically native to Asilomar's dunes, and construction of a boardwalk to provide a pathway through this fragile ecosystem.
Today, the dunes have been returned to a near pristine state with native plants and animals. Dunes Natural Preserve status protects Asilomar's dunes for the future.
Boardwalk Brings Balance
The boardwalk creates a balance by providing us access while protecting the dunes. Wildlife is not disturbed and native plants remain untrampled for future visitors to enjoy.
Benefits of Dune Restoration
• Prevents sand from blowing away
• Protects endangered species.
• Provides habitat for native wildlife
• Restores the natural beauty of the dunes
Erected by California State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 36° 37.148′ N, 121° 56.339′ W. Marker is in Pacific Grove, California, in Monterey County. The marker is located on the grounds of Asilomar State Park and is along the boardwalk connecting the conference grounds to the beach. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Asilomar Boulevard, Pacific Grove CA 93950, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Gipsy (approx. one mile away); Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House (approx. one mile away); Gosby House Inn (approx. 1.1 miles away); Frank L. Buck House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Centrella Hotel (approx. 1.2 miles away); Chautauqua Hall (approx. 1.2 miles away); Glass Bottom Boat (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pacific Grove.
More about this marker. "Julia Morgan designed and built 16 of the buildings on the property, of which 11 are still standing." - Wikipedia
Also see . . .
1. History of Asilomar. (Submitted on April 11, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Asilomar Architecture - Asilomar Confernce Grounds. The Arts & Crafts architectural style exemplified in the buildings at Asilomar by noted architect Julia Morgan, was part of a movement that influenced architects, designers and craftspeople. The movement had its roots in late 19th century Britain, where architects wanted to reform design and bring back the quality craftsmanship of the work itself. (Submitted on March 16, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 880 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on March 16, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 11, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on March 16, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.