Public Programs

The Back Bay Science Center opens its doors during Open House: Community Day for visitors of all ages to explore the center and surrounding area known as Shellmaker Island, typically every Sunday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  View marine life exhibits, touch intertidal animals, walk a nearby loop trail, and discover a variety of shorebirds.  Registration is not required.  Community Day will be closed on the following days: TBD.

The Explore the Bay: Marine Life Inventory is a monitoring program that takes place one Saturday a month from 9:00am to 1:00pm.  This is a hands-on opportunity for people 13-years and older to participate in data collection where organisms are collected, identified, measured, and re-released.  Contribute to the process of scientific monitoring at an Ecological Reserve and a State Marine Conservation Area.  Registration is required and for more information, visit Explore the Bay: Marine Life Inventory.

There are many animals that call this estuary home, including fish!  Fishing Camp is a two-hour education and fishing program occurring once a month in June, July, and August for youth ages 8 to 15 at the Back Bay Science Center.  Young anglers are provided all gear and are joined by California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Surf Anglers.  Registration is full for Summer 2025, but keep an eye on our Instagram for Summer 2026!

Celebrate Earth Day with Newport Bay Conservancy at the Muth Interpretive Center annually in April!  This family-friendly event is full of hands-on activities and discoveries.  Enjoy live music and have a meal from one of the food trucks.  Learn about local partners and their great work to complete a scavenger hunt and earn a prize!  Registration is not required and more information about Earth Day is available at Newport Bay Conservancy.

Between September 6 to 14, take a self-guided exploration of Upper Newport Bay and contribute to our annual BioBlitz.  The iNaturalist app can be downloaded for free and will help you explore over 300 birds, 70 fish, 40 mammals, and 500 plant species that call this place home.  The data from our BioBlitz helps scientists make informed decisions about Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.  If you are nervous about using iNaturalist, visit the Back Bay Science Center on September 6, 2025 for Biodiversity Bash from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.  Staff and volunteers will be available to assist you and there will be activities and games for all ages.  With free parking and a paved path around the bay, come explore your nature!  Visit California Biodiversity Day for more events within California.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife works with a variety of partners and many of them have their own programs available for the public to get involved.