The Point Lobos Foundation supports restoration efforts at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to address impacts made by both human and environmental causes to the natural habitat. In recent years, projects such as the South Short Bluff Restoration and the restoration of lower Sea Lion Point have served to restore important habitats at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

The South Shore Bluff Restoration began with the removal of user-created trails and replanting those impacted areas with native vegetation. When visitors shortcut through sensitive areas and venture onto fragile bluff edges, it increases the rate of erosion and impacts the animals that depend on the habitat for food and shelter. Additionally, eroded bluffs can discharge harmful sediment into the surrounding marine protected areas. Rod and cable fencing was installed in high-risk areas to encourage use of the official trail, and to protect native seedlings during the establishment period. Altogether, 26,000 native plants will be propagated and planted to the thirteen sites over a period of three years.

The lower Sea Lion Point Trail, closed to visitors for a number of years due to several factors that included an unsustainable trail alignment on the bluff edge, which concentrated storm water runoff resulting in erosion, slope failure and large amounts of sediment entering the ocean, underwent a multi-year restoration effort beginning in 2019.  The choice was made to restore the area to natural conditions, including removing the wood steps and invasive plants, reseeding the area with native plant species, and protecting the replanting from erosion. A platform was constructed to provide visitors access to view the wildlife without disturbing the restored habitat.

Wildlife off Sea Lion Point. Photo credit: Don Blohowiak.