Help Put Morro Bay on the Bioblitz map: Snapshot Cal Coast 2018

Paula and Tom enter observations into iNaturalist during the Snapshot Cal Coast 2018 effort.

What is Snapshot Cal Coast bioblitz? During a bioblitz, citizen scientists document all living things in a certain area, during a specific period of time. Estuary Program staff and volunteers participate in an annual bioblitz called Snapshot Cal Coast, which is hosted by the California Academy of Sciences. This large-scale effort aims to document plants and animals all along the California coast, during a particular week in June. Participants are asked to complete their bioblitzes in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and to focus on intertidal zones (those areas that may be submerged during high tide and exposed during low tides). Help …

Citizen Scientists Make a Difference for Morro Bay

April 13, 2018 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program Audubon citizen science ecoslo estuary iNaturalist marine debris MBNEP morro bay noaa Blog Posts

We used the Trash Tracker for the first time at our inaugural Pickup and Paddle event in 2017. We're excited to continue using it this year!

While not everyone can be a marine biologist, a meteorologist, or a conservation ecologist, almost anyone can help contribute to the wealth of knowledge that these experts draw from in their work. Our own Monitoring program uses data gathered by citizen scientist volunteers and staff members to keep an eye on long-term trends in water quality, bacteria levels, and other factors that influence stream and bay health. In honor of National Citizen Science Day tomorrow, we’re sharing a few ways that you can help move science forward at home and beyond. Marine debris projects Clean Swell This simple app created …

Bioblitz and July 4th Cleanups in Morro Bay

July 1, 2017 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program beach cleanup bioblitz cal coast cleanup estuary iNaturalist los osos morro bay morro bay national estuary program Blog Posts

July Fourth Weekend is always busy on the Central Coast. Morro Bay and Los Osos are no exception. People come here for the beautiful views, the mild temperatures, the chance to enjoy the water and see abundant wildlife. Morro Bay’s sunsets even light up the sky like a natural kind of firework. Whatever your plans are for this weekend or the coming holiday week, we have two activities that you can easily participate in to help the bay and liven up your day. Bioblitz Snapshot Cal Coast Through Sunday, July 2 This fun citizen science project asks people up and …

iNaturalist: Bringing Technology and Nature Together in Morro Bay

July 22, 2016 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program animals of morro bay estuary estuary program iNaturalist morro bay naturalist Blog Posts

In Morro Bay, the natural world surrounds us, no matter where we are. It’s right outside our windows. It lines the paths we walk, bike, and hike. It reminds us just how much life depends on its waters. Nature is why so many of us choose to visit and live in Morro Bay. If you’re the kind of person who loves to be surrounded by nature and who is also interested in science and technology, you might like iNaturalist. It’s a smart phone and tablet app that allows people to upload pictures of the plants and animals they see. …