Date: Sept. 19 & 23, 12.30-5.30 pm Registration Fee: $90 Maximum number of participants: TBD Minimum number of participants: 12
This expansive tidal wetland is an important habitat for sea otters, harbor seals, and over 250 resident and migratory bird species. In addition, seven currently endangered species make their homes here, making Elkhorn Slough a "must see" for curious naturalists. During the fall and spring migrations, thousands of birds descend upon the Slough, creating grand, colorful displays of aerial acrobatics. The main channel meanders inland for several miles, bordered by great expanses of tidal marsh and rolling, oak covered hills. Rows of harbor seals slumber along the exposed mudflats, while sea otters carelessly float and play nearby. Hawks, kites, and harriers soar effortlessly over the hillsides, as countless varieties of shorebird dabble delicately along the water's edge. A labyrinth-like network of tidal creeks branches off from the main waterway, revealing an endless series of "liquid trails". This field trip includes your transportation to and from the conference hotel, a 3-hour kayaking excursion, equipment rentals, box lunch, water and snacks. Please wear clothing and footwear that is comfortable and you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, and be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat if you wish.
Docent Lead Walk – Elkhorn Slough
Sept. 23, 12-5 pm | Registration Fee: $35 Located approximately 30 miles from the conference hotel, The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as field laboratories for scientific research and estuarine education. The 1400-acre Reserve is a hub of activity and hosts programs that promote education, research, and conservation in Elkhorn Slough. This field trip includes your transportation to and from the conference hotel, a 3-hour docent lead interpretive walk, water and snacks. Please wear comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, and be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat if you wish.
California Condor Recovery
Date: Sept. 19 & 23, 9.30 am - 3.30 pm Registration Fee: $115 Maximum number of participants: 24 Minimum number of participants: 4
Located at Andrew Molera State Park in scenic Big Sur, Ventana Wildlife Society’s Discovery Center offers visitors a fun and interactive look at area wildlife, including California Condors, marine life, and songbirds. This full-day experience will consist of three elements; mist netting/bird banding demonstration, a bird walk, and a condor tour down Hwy 1. Participants on this field trip will see a mist netting/bird banding demonstration, go on a bird walk, and a condor tour. This field trip includes your transportation to and from the conference hotel, a full day of birding activities, box lunch, water and snacks. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, and layered clothing and be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat if you wish. Binoculars and cameras are welcome!
Big Sur Coast Student Field Trip
Date: Saturday, 19 September 2009 7 AM to 6 PM Registration Fee: $35 Maximum number of participants: 47 Minimum number of participants: 25
The Big Sur region includes 100 miles of California coastline and ten state parks just south of Monterey. This region has inspired writers, film makers, and naturalists. Tight mountains and jagged coastal cliffs rise above the crashing ocean; deep valleys shelter the southernmost redwoods. There are six distinct vegetation types housing a plethora of wildlife. The coastline is designated a National Marine Sanctuary and Sea Otter Refuge. Blue and humpback whales can be seen from coastal bluffs, sea otters are found in kelp forests, and the region harbors the richest inter-tidal zone of the North Pacific Ocean. Lead by several local researchers, combine incredible wildlife viewing, natural history, professional development, and networking. To start the day we will explore tide pools, walk through Point Lobos State Reserve, visit Andrew Molera State Park to walk through Creamery Meadows riparian restoration and re-vegetation site. A demonstration by Ventana Wildlife Society will include bird mist-netting. Here we will also learn about condor recovery, reintroduction and management, followed by viewing sites to see one of the world’s rarest birds.
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
Sept. 23, 2-5pm | Registration Fee: $25
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in both education and research. MLML administers the Masters of Science program for a consortium of seven California State University campuses in northern and central California. An outfitted Marine Operations department, strong research diving program and state of the art equipment allow for cutting edge research in a wide variety of disciplines including: marine ecology, the biology of marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, turtles, birds and mammals, oceanography, and marine geology, chemistry, and biogeochemistry.
