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September
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The Morro Bay Museum of Natural History library has a number of VHS tapes, and we'd like to evaluate whether a few of them are worth converting to DVD, at an expense.  We also have a few VHS tapes at the Museum back desk, but no functioning VHS player. Does anyone have a VHS player that still works that they would be willing to put on loan or donate to the Museum? If so, please contact Rouvaishyana.

State Parks

Are you looking for something to do this month? Check these possibilities for some great outdoor fun.

Adventures With Nature Outings for September

September 1, Sun., 11:00 am The Sea Otter Experience Come out to the Sea Otter Trailer to ask questions and listen to Docents talk about these beautiful curious sea mammals. Many items will be on display to view and touch. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available for viewing the raft of otters close up, playing, relaxing and raising their young. There are also many otter-related items for sale at the trailer. The trailer is located at the harbor entrance, near the base of Morro Rock, across from the south parking lot restrooms on Coleman Drive in Morro Bay. Hours: 11 am - 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday, Sunday September 1st being the last day of the season! Open 11-3

September 6, Fri., 9:00 am Work-out Hike Hazard Peak from Horse Camp Road 6 miles, 1000 feet elevation gain, 2 1/2 hours. We will hike past the horse camp and up the Manzanita trail to the Hazard Peak Summit and return using the East Boundary Trail. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on trail. Meet in the turn out 1/10 miles from the Montana de Oro entrance sign. You can find all our hikes posted at ccnha.org/awn/ (S*) 6 miles, 2.5 hours

September 7, Sat., 11:00 am History of Old San Simeon Meet at the Coastal Discovery Center to travel through time as we walk to the pier (0.5 miles) to explore the diverse history and uses of San Simeon Cove. Allow 1.5 hours for this activity. The Coastal Discovery Center is located at W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of HWY 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates. (T) 1.5 hours

September 7, Sat., 11:00 am White's Point Vistas Enjoy a short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world that serves as home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Learn why in the past century the estuary has lost 25 percent. Dress for wind. Meet at Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. (M) 1/2mi., 3/4 hr.

September 7, Sat., 2:00 pm Black Hill Trail Walk the most accessible of the volcanic sisters while we discuss their history and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding geography from atop the hill. Take Golf Course Drive past the clubhouse and bear left at fork in road. Meet at the overlook parking lot above Morro Bay Golf Course. (M) 0.5mi., 1-1.5hr.

September 10, Tue., 1:00 pm Salt marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.

September 12, Thu., 10:00 am Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk Take a pleasant hike along the Bluff Trail for magnificent views and see a variety of birds, plants and sea life. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Bluff Trailhead, some 100 yards south of the MdO Ranger/Information/Ranch House, on Pecho Road. (*A) 2 mi., approx. 3 hours

September 13, Fri., 9:00 am Work-Out-Hike to Valencia Peak 4 miles, 1,300 feet elevation gain, 2 1/2 hours. We hike up the rocky west trail to the summit. Use the electronic QR Code log book to sign in. After enjoying the views we descend on the more gently sloped Oats Peak Trails. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, and trekking poles if desired. Poison oak and ticks may be on trail. Meet at the Valencia Peak trail head just 2.7 miles from the Montana de Oro entrance sign. You can find all our hikes posted at ccspa.info/awn/ Join yhoo.it/work-out-hikes to receive email reminders of AWN hikes in the workout series. (sponsored by Morro Bay Museum of Natural History). (*S) 4 miles, 2.5 hours

September 14, Sat., 10:00 am Exploring Shifting Sands Learn about how sand is formed, and how wind and waves constantly work to reshape the beach. Walk along the beach and discover how a wide variety of organisms, both between the sand grains and on the surface of the sand, have adapted to this challenging environment. Heading north on HWY 1, turn left at the Yerba Buena stoplight and follow the road to Morro Strand State Beach. Meet at the entrance kiosk. Dress in layers and wear beach shoes. Bring water, binoculars and camera. (E) 2 hours, 0.5 miles

September 14, Sat., 10:00 am Los Osos Oaks Reserve Enjoy a shaded stroll through ancient forest. See native plants and evidence of Chumash habitation. Learn colorful historical background. Meet at Reserve entrance, 0.7 miles east of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley Road. (*E) 1 mi., 1.5 hr.

September 14, Sat., 11:00 am Beach Exploration Join marine biologist John Menke at the Coastal Discovery Center to learn how scientists study the behavior of marine organisms. Participants will perform simple scientific experiments as they explore the mysteries of San Simeon Cove. 11am-Noon

September 19, Thu., 10:00 am Birds of Land and Sea at Morro Rock Observe cormorants, pelicans, and various species and age classes of gulls. Watch for resident Peregrine falcons over the Rock, feeding birds on the beach, and sea birds in the channel. Search for sparrows and other songbirds in coastal sage habitat. There may even be a surprise bird. Meet at the large gravel Morro Rock parking lot, next to the fenced area at the base of Morro Rock, across the parking lot and to the West of the tan restroom building. Look for the wooden “Nature Walk Meets Here” sign. Dress for windy weather and bring binoculars, your favorite bird guide, and a spotting scope if you have one. Moderate 1-1/2 miles, 2hrs.

September 19, Thu., 1:00 pm Discover Magnificent Morro Rock Explore the beauty of Morro Rock and learn about its geology and history and the animals that live on and near the rock. Meet at the rest rooms in the parking lot in front of the rock. (E) .5mi., 1-1.5hr.

September 19, Thu., 3:00 pm Discover Hidden Life in the Morro Bay Estuary Learn about some of our planet's most fascinating, seldom seen lifeforms. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History where we'll use a videomicroscope to take a look at the life that exists in a single drop of water. (E) (T) 1 Hour

September 20, Fri., 9:00 am Work-Out Hike Turri Road to Turtle Rock 7 miles, 800 foot elevation gain, 3 hours. We will explore the trails of the Eastern Morro Bay State Park. This is a beautiful and little used area of State Park property. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, a snack, sun protection, and trekking poles if desired. Park at the trailhead turnout on Turri Road approx. 1/2 mile from South Bay Blvd. You can find all our hikes posted at: http://ccspa.info/awn/. Join yhoo.it/work-out-hikes to receive email reminders of AWN hikes in the workout series. (*S) 7 miles, 3 hours

September 21, Sat., 11:00 am What's in a Drop of Seawater? Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of water while viewing wildlife from San Simeon Pier! (E) Talk

September 21, Sat., 1:00 pm White's Point Vistas Enjoy a short, but steep walk to view the estuary and learn about the forces that have created this watery world that serves as home to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals. Learn why in the past century the estuary has lost 25 percent. Dress for wind. Meet at Morro Bay Natural History Museum entrance. (M) 1/2mi., 3/4 hr.

September 21, Sat., 2:00 pm Saturday Scientists: Worms Explore the fascinating world of worms found in soil, water, our pets, and sometimes our bodies. Learn to use a dissecting microscope to see these creatures in their wiggling wonder. Meet in the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History auditorium. Families are welcome-just bring a strong stomach! (Family) 2 hours

September 22, Sun., 11:00 am Harmony Headlands and Its Fascinating Human History Humans have had a close and interactive relationship with this seemingly remote area for thousands of years. Discover how we can enjoy a connection with the past. Join me on this walk as we surround ourselves with the animal, bird, and plant environment of today. You may want to bring layers of clothing, sun block, a snack, water, and binoculars. We will meet at Harmony Headlands parking lot, located on the left side of Highway One about 5.5 miles North of Cayucos. (A) 4 miles, 2 to 2 1/2 hours

September 26, Thu., 10:00 am Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk Take a pleasant hike along the Bluff Trail for magnificent views and see a variety of birds, plants and sea life. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Bluff Trailhead, some 100 yards south of the MdO Ranger/Information/Ranch House, on Pecho Road. (*A) 2 mi., approx. 3 hours

September 26, Thu., 10:00 am Salt marsh to Mudflats Follow a path from the State Park Marina through native plants to the salt marsh and on to the mud flats. Learn the history of the salt marsh, and see the plants and animals living in and on these specialized environments. Dress for heat, wind and mud. Bring binoculars. Park close to the southeast end of the marina parking lot or across the street by the MB campground restrooms. (E) 0.5 mi., 2 hr.

September 27, Fri., 9:00 am Work Out Hike Oats Peak 6 miles, 1600 feet elevation gain, 3 1/2 hours. We start up the Oats Peak trail located behind the maintenance yard and continue up to the summit. After enjoying the view we return down the same route. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, and trekking poles if desired. Poison oak and ticks may be on trail. Meet at the Spooner Ranch House about 2.6 miles past the Montana de Oro sign. (*S) 6 miles, 3.5 hours

September 27, Fri., 9:30 am Walk Along the Edge Explore the bluffs and beach along Estero Bay as we examine the feeding relationships of the animals we'll see. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy beach shoes and layered clothing. Meet in the dirt parking lot one mile north of the end of the divided section of Highway 1, north of Cayucos. (M) 2 mi., 2.5 hr.

September 28, Sat., 11:00 am What's in a Drop of Seawater? Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of water while viewing wildlife from San Simeon Pier! (E) Talk

September 29, Sun., 1:00 pm The Butter Story Learn about A.B. Spooner's Pecho Ranch butter operation of the early 1900's and how butter is made. Make your own small amount of real butter and try it on freshly baked bread. Tour the newly renovated Ranch House. Meet at the Spooner Ranch House in Montana de Oro. Wear layered clothing in case it is cool. (Family)(E)(T) 2 hours

For more details, visit the Adventures With Nature / CCSPA web site.
Check Out Our Central Coast State Parks
New Hearst Property Acquisition  Cayucos State Beach Estero Bluffs State Park   Limekiln State Park Los Osos Oaks State Reserve
Montaña de Oro State Park   Morro Bay State Park Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History Morro Bay State Park Golf Course Pismo State Beach
   Oceano Dunes SVRA Hearst San Simeon State Park W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach  
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