Estuary Nature Center
Visitors experience the estuary through hands-on exhibits and learn about the estuary as home to endangered species, a nursery ground for fish, and much more.
At the heart of the Estuary Program's education and outreach efforts is the goal of cultivating public stewardship of the bay by increasing knowledge about this precious resource and the threats facing it. Educating visitors and residents about how to best treat Morro Bay and its surrounding watershed helps ensure protection of these resources while engaging the public to actively look after these valuable natural assets.
The Estuary Program employs a wide variety of techniques to reach the biggest audience possible. An example of those efforts include the Estuary Nature Center (see box at right) and Field Trips (see box below right) in addition to:
Educational Field Trips
The estuary is an inspiring living classroom for students of all ages. Whether visiting the bay with a class field trip or visiting independently, a hands-on experience walking Black Hill, hiking the salt marsh or paddling the bay provides a meaningful experience promoting estuary literacy. Program staff regularly hosts field trips and lectures for students ranging in age from elementary school to post-gradulate level. Contact us for more information.
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Targeted Programs and Projects
As staff and partner scientists identify priority problems facing the bay, they often require targeting special audiences for communication or developing projects to assist with improving conditions. The Mutt Mitt and Dockwalker program are examples of current efforts to reach particular audiences.
Communications
Turning the Tide, the Program's quarterly newsletter, in conjunction with our website and Facebook page serve to inform and educate at a variety of levels. Providing information to the public ranging from school children to environmental professionals, Estuary Program communications efforts seek to provide a knowledge resource for the public.
Above, High school students conduct water quality testing during a field trip to the bay