Morro Bay State Parks Museum of Natural History

Mind Walks

The first Mind Walk lecture of the season will be next Monday, January 6, 10:15 AM, on the topic of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).  Our new venue this year is the Morro Bay Veterans' Hall at 209 Surf St.  As usual, we recommend arriving somewhat early to get good parking and seating, and we also recommend carpooling if possible.

Since we are moving to a new venue, we anticipate that there may be some confusion on the part of long-time attendees about where Mind Walks are being held.  We've done a fair amount of publicity, but we know that not everyone will see it.  We will have information at the Museum and at the Inn at Morro Bay (previous Mind Walk venue) about the correct location.

The Mind Walk committee would like to request additional assistance for the first 2 weeks, Mondays Jan. 6 & 13.  We will probably need extra help setting up and putting away chairs, helping attendees find parking, and other logistics.  Probably a few people (4-5) arriving about 9:30 AM in addition to the committee will be sufficient.  Kindly RSVP to me if you are available to do this.

Thank you, and we look forward to the coming season of Mind Walk programs.

Best wishes,
Rouvaishyana
Museum Manager
Morro Bay Museum of Natural History

Click here for list of upcoming Mind Walks

Central Coast Community Gatherings to Guide Continued Marine Protected Area (MPA) Monitoring

The California Ocean Science Trust, together with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, invites you to engage in an open, informal dialogue at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay on January 13, 5:30 - 7:30pm to help inform continued marine protected area (MPA) monitoring in the Central Coast, including the Central Coast MPA Monitoring Plan.
 
All members of the Central Coast ocean community are welcome, including those interested in the monitoring, evaluation, and management of the region's MPAs and oceans. Local, state, and tribal government representatives, fishermen, researchers, nonprofit organizations, citizen scientists, divers, surfers, paddlers, wildlife enthusiasts, and all other ocean stewards are encouraged to join us.

During each community gathering we look forward to:

• Learning about your monitoring questions and priorities related to MPAs, including species, fisheries, and ecosystems that are important to gather information on; 
• Exploring the role of local expertise and traditional ecological knowledge in monitoring;
• Beginning to exchange ideas and discuss opportunities for partnership-building and collaboration as we look ahead to MPA monitoring activities in the region;
• Sharing information about Central Coast MPA monitoring to date and efforts underway to build a program for continued monitoring in the region (link to process timeline); and
• Receiving your input related to the Central Coast MPA Monitoring Plan.

Click here to download a copy of event flyer. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required: RSVP or 805.776.3982. Light fare will be served. Thank you for sharing this invitation with friends and colleagues who might be interested in participating!

The story of California's State Parks Captured in the Award-Winning Film, California Forever Preview at California Forever Available at the Museum store for $14.95.

Are you looking for something to do this month? Check the possibilities for some great outdoor fun.
Visit the Adventures With Nature / CCSPA web site.