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For decades, local schools have been bringing students to the Gualala River to enhance their science lessons about watersheds and ecosystems. In partnership with Efi Benjamin of River Bend Kayaks, the Kids in Kayaks program gives students the opportunity to kayak the river and learn more about our environment through physical education.

Kayaking on the Gualala River is dependent on the weather and offshore swells. Despite the late season rains, Efi was able to host three field trips for the 2024 season. On June 3, the weather was a bit rainy but twenty-three sixth grade students from Cristin Allen's class at Point Arena Elementary took to the water and explored the estuary. In addition to participating in the program as a teacher, Cristin Allen also paddled with the program when she was a student. She shared some memories about how this program has impacted her life. "I have participated with my class for the last ten years! I participated as a kid, and now I love sharing it with my students. Jeanne and Rick Jackson gave presentations about the local flora and fauna and species endemic to our area, and then we'd talk about the local watershed and explore it on our field trip. I haven’t done that lately, but I’d like to get back into it. I still love the fact that we get to go kayaking every year!"

On June 4, fifteen fifth and sixth grade students from Celeste Linker’s class at Horicon Elementary braved blustery conditions to explore the upper reaches of the Gualala River with laughter, excitement, team work, and gritty determination. Celeste has been taking her students kayaking on the river for five years. “This experience is wonderful on so many levels. It helps my students learn how to collaborate with each other and value teamwork, gives them the chance to take a healthy risk, and provides them with a safe environment for learning. My students learn about local flora and fauna and the watershed, and it gives them a closer look at the local ecosystem. I deeply value hands-on learning experiences for my students, and I can't think of a better experience than the one this provides. Thank you so much for hosting my class year after year and getting them excited about nature and the great outdoors!”

On June 11, thirteen fourth and fifth graders from Isabel Kuniholm's class at Pacific Coast Community School also took to the water under Efi's lead and enjoyed a morning paddling and swimming on the Gualala River. “This trip was the first kayaking trip for many of the students so it was challenging, fun and exciting for them,” Isabel shared with us after the program. “This was a great experience for students to learn about our local Gualala River watershed and to work together with others. Thank you so much to RCLC and River Bend Kayaks for making this trip possible.”

We are grateful to River Bend Kayaks and our local teachers for providing a memorable experience to these future stewards of the Gualala River. Also big thanks to stalwart RCLC volunteers John and Nicole Forte.

Photo Credits: Jim Elias and John Forte

Driving by the entrance to the boat launch at Mill Bend Preserve, one can’t help but notice the bright new signs flapping in the wind, inviting passers-by to stop and rent a boat from River Bend Kayaks. In an effort to better understand what inspired business owner Ephraim “Efi” Benjamin to open River Bend Kayaks, I ran a few questions by him. Here’s what I learned.

Efi, I know you grew up in Brooklyn, New York. How did you end up in Gualala?

I first came to Gualala in 2011 to work in area farms. I remember driving up from Jenner the first time and being struck by the absolute beauty and uniqueness of this coast. It had me right away. I left in 2017, but always wanted to come back. In 2021, I finally did.

You’ve said you’re happiest on water. Tell me more. What inspires you about the Gualala River?

Water is very much my element, especially when it’s by the coast. It’s been my compass for the last thirteen years – I need to be fifteen minutes or less from surf. I even named my daughter “Galit,” after the Hebrew word for wave. Water and rivers are the literal veins that sustain life. Plus, this coast is where I learned to spear dive and kayak fish. When I saw the opportunity to run a kayak business on this coast, I knew I had found my home.

This is your third year working on the river, but the inaugural year for River Bend Kayaks. What motivated your decision to start your own company?

It gives me a sustainable way to plant roots and be part of this absolutely incredible community. I truly feel it’s the start of something special. I’ve invested in a rebranding, a fresh website, a shiny new fleet and life jackets, dry bags etc…it was just the only way to go. This river deserves it. 

You talk a lot about serving the community. Will you elaborate on those aspirations?

Nature is so vital to the human experience and sometimes when one lives in a place as beautiful as this, you can forget or take for granted how fortunate we are to be here. One of my goals is to help this community access more of the outdoors in a fun and exciting way. That includes hosting school groups, moonlight floats, and local discounts. Working with RCLC, Mendonoma Health Alliance, and Action Network brings me so much joy and I believe that any business – especially one like mine – flourishes most with community support. 

Looking ahead five or ten years, what do you envision for River Bend Kayaks?

Oh do I have big plans for River Bend Kayaks and this community – expansion into more outdoor activities and an interactive Mendo Coast experience is coming! There are so many talented and knowledgeable people around these parts and I want to help nurture these talents and share their knowledge. This is very much going to be a community-dependent venture and I hope it’s welcomed and enthusiastically supported. This town has so much potential and it would be an honor to make something like this happen.

There is a lot of work to get done and I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to make this happen. Keep an eye out in summer 2025!  It’s going to be amazing. Not even the sky, or the river, is the limit.

Photos by Mark Escajeda

Save the Date: July 20

Walking Through Time

at Mill Bend Preserve

Sometimes a walk through redwood trees feels like a journey back in time. Come to Mill Bend Preserve to enjoy that feeling and get a taste of the site’s history. Visitors can tour the Gualala Cemetery, take a guided walk down to the Gualala River where the old railroad carried logs to the mill (sturdy shoes recommended), or enjoy a shorter saunter on our newest trail for views of the estuary. There will be fun activities for kids, as well. Speak with one of our Board members or volunteers to hear about the history of Mill Bend Preserve, learn about our ongoing projects, and find out how you can get involved at any of Redwood Coast Land Conservancy’s sites.

You can also take the short walk to Gualala Art Center’s Wheels, Wine, and Wares celebration, also held on July 20!

Refreshments will be served. Free Event.

Gualala Cemetery Recognized by ASG

Now Hiring: Land Steward

RCLC’s projects continue to expand — our organization is looking to hire a Land Steward. If you know someone who might be well-suited for this job, please share this job opportunity with them!

The Land Steward’s top-line priority is to protect, improve, and manage RCLC properties. This includes restoring native plant and wildlife habitats, and ensuring safe and enjoyable visitor experiences to RCLC’s publicly-accessible properties and trail easements. Mill Bend Preserve (MBP) will be the primary property responsibility, but tasks may also include Gualala Bluff Trail, Cooks Beach, Hearn Gulch, and the Gualala Cemetery.

RCLC is shifting to a new level of restoration activity at Mill Bend Preserve, previously the site of multiple timber mills. The Land Steward will be asked to coordinate and implement these initiatives, toward realizing the Preserve’s potential as a regional hub for celebrating the vitality of native habits and inspiring natural lands enjoyment and education.

Please click here for full job description and details on how to apply.

Photo by Noah Leffer

RCLC Premieres Refreshed Website

Many things improve with age, and RCLC is no exception. Redwood Coast Land Conservancy has been hard at work preserving and sharing the Mendonoma Coast since 1992. We’ve seen many changes on the coast over the past 32 years, providing both opportunities and challenges to nature, and to those who love it.

In an effort to bring recent news, RCLC developments, and the beauty of the coast to you, we’ve updated our website. It’s the result of many staff and volunteer hours. Big thanks to Querido Galdo (of Querido Mundo Creative LLC), Joel Chaban (RCLC Volunteer), and Amy Wolitzer for their hard work on this significant update.

We hope you will appreciate the refreshed look, engaging videos, and ease of navigation. Click on over and let us know what you think!