EXPLORE THE BAY

Discover the natural wonders of the Upper Newport Bay estuary through hands-on and virtual experiences at the Back Bay Science Center. From guided exploration to online presentations, there are opportunities for visitors of all ages to connect with local wildlife, habitats, and conservation and restoration efforts.

Explore the Bay

Discover the variety of aquatic wildlife of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve through this hands-on scientific sampling program. Participants work alongside CDFW staff to collect, observe, and record data on the organisms that live in the estuary.

What To Expect

Participants may:

Deploy a trawl net to collect fish and other aquatic organisms
Use a beach seine to sample nearshore wildlife
Collect mud samples to investigate invertebrates living in the bay
Measure water quality using scientific testing equipment
Identify organisms and record observations

What You'll Learn

Participants may learn:

The ecology of the Upper Newport Bay estuary
How scientists monitor aquatic habitats
The importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health
How community science contributes to conservation efforts

How To Prepare

Before you attend:

Be prepared to get wet and muddy
Expect to handle live organisms under staff supervision
Wear clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor field activities

Explore the Bay in 2027

January 9
February 20
March 13 - FULL!
April 10
May 22
June 26

July 17
August 14
September 11
October 9 - FULL!
November 6 - FULL!
December 5

Email maya.shaffer@wildlife.ca.gov to reserve your spot!

Email Maya Shaffer

Please note: All participants must be at least 13 years old, and those under 18 must have a parent/guardian present.

Sample Agenda

9:00am - 9:30am / Watershed Introduction

A short lecture provides an introduction to this space and an overview of the activities for the day.

9:30am - 10:30am / Station 1 or Station 2

Participants are split into two groups and rotated between the activities at Station 1 and Station 2. Station 1: Boat Trawl with California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Station 2: Water Quality Testing and Mud Grab Sampling with Orange County Coastkeeper.

10:30am - 11:30am / Station 1 or Station 2

Groups rotate between Station 1 and Station 2.

11:30am - 12:30pm / Beach Seine

Both groups are brought together for the Beach Seine activity.

12:30pm - 1:00pm / Watershed Conclusion

A short conclusion wraps up the day with a summary of the finding and other opportunities to get involved.