The Perfect Social Distancing Activity: Early Morning Tidepooling for Nudibranchs in San Luis Obispo County

A Limacia cockerelli nudibranch from the front. It is white with orange-tipped cerata.

Now through October is the peak of the nudibranch-viewing season. Wait, what? You didn’t know there was a season for looking at nudibranchs? Well, there is, at least for some of the flashiest species found in the tidepools of the Central Coast. Scuba divers have a bit more time and options, but for those of us who look for nudibranchs with our heads above water, the early morning hours of late summer offer us some of the best opportunities to see these colorful marine gastropods in the intertidal. In previous blogs for the Estuary Program, I’ve gone into …

Family-Friendly Hikes Around Los Osos

October 18, 2019 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program free things to do in Morro Bay get outside hike MBNEP morro bay estuary morro bay national estuary morro bay national estuary program sweet springs things to do in Los Osos things to do in Morro Bay what to do in morro bay Hiking

Looking down the descent from Broderson Peak. Photograph from HikesPeak.com

The land that surrounds the Morro Bay estuary is contoured by hills and valleys, studded with trees, and etched by creeks that take their time winding down to the salt marsh and entering bay. In short, it is a beautiful place that offers many opportunities to get outside and explore. But, as temperatures dip and the sun starts to set earlier in the day, many of us spend more time inside than out. Studies show that making time to enjoy the natural spaces around us by hiking, walking, or even just visiting with friends in green spaces can …

Best spring hikes around the Morro Bay estuary

March 15, 2019 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program blue dick hike hiking morro bay hike morro bay wildflowers sticky monkey flower things to do in Morro Bay what to do in morro bay wild hyacinth wildflowers central coast Blog Posts

This year, the hills and valleys that surround the Morro Bay estuary are alive with green grasses and golden poppies just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. If you take a closer look, you’ll also see the deep pinks and purples of hummingbird sage, the dawn-sky blue and light purple hues of wild hyacinth, and the bright colors of many more wildflowers. Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite springtime hikes in the Morro Bay watershed. Family-friendly hikes We’re lucky to have quite a few hikes for the whole family around Morro Bay. Here are a few that will …

What to do in Morro Bay

May 5, 2018 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program elfin forest hike maritime museum MBNEP morro bay estuary morro bay nature center morro bay state park national estuary spring things to do in Morro Bay what to do in morro bay Blog Posts

Looking inland from the top of Black Hill in spring.

Wildflowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the afternoon winds have been picking up speed. It’s definitely spring in Morro Bay! Every year during the spring and summer visitors stop by the Estuary Program office asking for the best spots to enjoy our beautiful estuary and things to do that will help them learn more about the area. We’re sharing some of our favorite what-to-do tips with you, too. Go birding Bring your scope or binoculars and visit one of the area’s numerous birding spots. Sweet Springs Morro Coast Audubon’s expanded Sweet Springs preserve in Los Osos is a …

Countdown to State of the Bay 2017

March 10, 2017 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program clean water estuary program morro bay Morro Bay events April state of the bay water what to do in morro bay Blog Posts

Every three years, the Estuary Program releases a State of the Bay report. This science-based assessment of the health of Morro Bay estuary and watershed presents data collected over the years. Through interesting articles, graphs, and illustrations, this publication shares what the data means for water quality, sedimentation, bird populations, eelgrass beds, and many other important aspects of a healthy bay. We are happy to announce that the 2017 State of the Bay report is here. Read it online, or pick up a copy in our Estuary Nature Center or office. One of the best parts of our State of the …

Opportunities at the Morro Bay National Estuary Program’s Nature Center

April 9, 2015 Posted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program eelgrass estuary morro bay morro bay national estuary program nature center steelhead visit volunteer what to do in morro bay Blog Posts

The Estuary Nature Center invites visitors to experience the beauty of the estuary and learn about protecting its sensitive habitats and wildlife. At the Nature Center, you can view aquariums of steelhead trout and eelgrass, and learn about the threats they face. You’ll see 3-D images of the estuary, learn about the watershed that supplies it with freshwater, and much more. Visitors can also enjoy the spectacular view and take advantage of the center’s binoculars to do some wildlife watching. To enhance visitors’ Nature Center experience, the Estuary Program is excited to continue our Nature Center Docent Program, which …