In the Urban Forest – as well as the rest of Huntington Central Park & other HB parks – boulders have added a rugged, natural element, creating visual interest and texture. For the Shipley to Shore Trail, which begins at the Shipley Nature Center parking lot and winds through the park, massive boulder clusters serve as way-finders.
In January 2024, many more tons of boulders were dispersed throughout HB parklands, compliments of the HB Tree Society. HB Trees paid to have every boulder that is in the Urban Forest, Gibbs Park and many more boulders throughout Huntington Central Park East and West, delivered and placed. The yellow boulder featured above now marks the Urban Forest entrance on Ellis Ave.
In Central Park East’s Secret Garden, and Nature Plateau where enhancements began in 2023 , gorgeous boulders and massive stumps beautify & provide a place to sit and for kids to play.In late February 2023, HB Trees paid to have about a dozen large, “potato-colored” boulders donated by Site One Landscaping placed in front of Shipley Nature Center and near the Shipley to Shore Trail head.Massive boulders like this one placed by the hilltop triangle on the Shipley to Shore Trail, and rock clusters that have appeared in the Urban Forest and Huntington Central Park East in recent years came through the generosity of Site ONe Landscaping as well as local nature lovers. They add a new dimension to landscape forestation, serve as trail markers, and add resting points along the trails. HB Urban Forest Volunteer Rock Star Cheryl, planting alongside and sitting on the trailside boulder that has been affectionately dubbed “Vortex Rock.” Kenley – WestminsterDeuce & Sheila – Huntington BeachVolunteers Luke, Eric and DaoThis couple brought a Norfolk Island Pine to the Urban Forest, dug the hole, planted it and makes sure the tree is watered.Chris (seated) and CraigIn 2018, the north end of the Urban Forest was graced with boulders perfect for sitting on and viewing one of Huntington Beach’s most picturesque places.
Boulders from the hippo enclosure in Irvine’s former Lion Country Safari arrived in the fall of 2016 in the Huntington Beach Urban Forest. The 100 tons of white sandstone breccia boulders were strategically placed, as specified by our landscaper, to dot the path through the Urban Forest; and beside new HB Central Park signage at Slater Avenue and Goldenwest Street. Read more about these magnificentrocks byclicking here.
