Morro Bay State Parks Museum of Natural History
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Are you looking for something to do this month? Check these possibilities for some great outdoor fun.
Adventures With Nature Outings for August
August 1, Thu., 9:00 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.
August 2, Fri., 9:00 am Work Out Hike: Reservoir Flats to Valencia Peak 6 miles, 1,300 foot elevation gain, 3 hours. At the very end of the campground we find the Reservoir Flats Trail and follow this with a stop over at the Islay Creek. From here we hike up to the Oates Peak Train then onto the steep Badger Trail to Valencia picnic table. After a brief stop we will continue up the Valencia Peak trail to the summit. We return on the more gentle sloped Oates Trail to the New Beebe Trail back to the Ranch House. Wear sturdy shoes, sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. Park at the Ranch House 2.6 miles from the Montana de Oro entrance sign. You can find all our hikes posted at http://ccspa.info/awn/. Join yahoo.it/work-out-hikes to receive email reminders of AWN hikes in the workout series. (sponsored by Morro Bay Museum of Natural History). (*S) 6 miles, 3 hours
August 2, Fri., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 3, Sat., 10:00 am Fun at the Lagoon in anytime between 10am and 1pm. Join Park staff and Docents for a fun day of activities and to learn about local wildlife. Participate in games that the Chumash people enjoyed. See demonstrations that will increase your "KNOW" power. All this is at the Oceano Campground of Pismo State Beach, located at 555 Pier Avenue in Oceano (go in the direction of the ocean from Highway 1). Meet in parking lot for Nature Center. (Family) 10am-1pm
August 3, Sat., 11:00 am San Simeon History (Weather Permitting) 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
August 3, Sat., 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 3, 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.
August 3, Sat., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 4, 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 4, Sun., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 5, Mon., 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
August 9, Fri., 9:00 am Work Out Hike Bloody Nose, Sandspit, Beach Loop 5 miles, 700 foot elevation gain, 2.5 hours. From the Hazard Reef Parking lot we head up to the Bloody Nose Trail and find our way to the Sandspit Trail leading to the beach. Return is along the shore to the Hazard Reef trail back to the parking lot. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection: bring water, snack, and hiking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on the trail. Meet at the parking lot, 1.6 miles from Montana de Oro entrance sign. You can find all our hikes posted at: http://ccspa.info/awn. Join yhoo.it/work-out-hikes to recieve email reminders of AWN hikes in the workout series. (S*) 5 miles, 2.5 hours
August 9, Fri., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 10, Sat., 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 10, Sat., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 10, Sat., 2:00 pm Saturday Scientists: Sand Up Close Learn about sand and the different types from right here on the coast to sand from other areas of the world. Using the Museum's binocular microscopes, you will be able to see the component parts of the sands and see the beauty and intrigue of individual grains. Instruction on how to operate the microscopes is included. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History auditorium. (Family)(E)(T) 2 hours
August 11, 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 11, Sun., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 12, Mon., 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.
August 15, 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.
August 16, Fri., 9:00 am Work Out Hike Hazard Reef to Hazard Peak 6 miles, 1000 feet elevation gain, 2 1/2 hours. After crossing the Pecho Ranch Road we hike past Camp Keep on the Heidra Trail and join the Hazard Peak Trail up to the summit. Enjoy the view and return on the same route. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on trail. Meet at the parking lot 1.6 miles from Montana de Oro 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) 6 miles, 2.5 hours
August 16, Fri., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 16, Fri., 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.
August 17, Sat., 10:00 am Underwater Parks-California's Investment in the Future Walk the bluffs above the Piedras Blanca's Marine Reserve and learn about California's new network of Marine Protected Areas. Bring binoculars to get a closer view of the elephant seals. Meet at the paved vista point 1/10 mile beyond the elephant seal viewing area, four miles north of Hearst Castle. (M) 1 mile, 1.5 hours
August 17, Sat., 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 17, Sat., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 17, Sat., 11:30 am Museum Curatorial Behind-the-Scenes Tour & Giveaway Take a tour in small groups of our Geology collection, Skulls and Bones, and other collections. Our Curators have set aside numerous specimens, mostly rocks and minerals, that are outside our Scope of Collections and are not essential for our Museum. You will be allowed to take home specimens for art projects, education, or personal interest. Bring a bag or small box. First-come, first-served on all items, but please wait until 1130AM to arrive. Meet at the Museum Learning Center and Curatorial area, downstairs at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History. (T) 1130AM-1PM
August 18, 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 18, Sun., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 19, Mon., 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
August 19, Mon., 10:00 am Sketch Walk (Shark Inlet) Walk along Morro Bay among the plants of the “Dune Scrub,” stopping to draw the plants, the bay, or the dunes. No drawing experience necessary. Bring drawing paper, colored pencils, pastels, or watercolors, and some water to drink. Meet at west end of Butte Drive (north of Sea Pines Golf Course), in Los Osos. (M) 2 mi.,2.5 hours
August 20, Tue., 11:00 am 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
August 23, 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
August 23, Fri., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 24, Sat., 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 24, 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.
August 24, Sat., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 25, 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 through Labor Day. Open 11-3
August 25, Sun., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 25, 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
August 26, Mon., 10:00 am Coon Creek Berry Hunt Spring and summer flowers have faded away, leaving colorful berries. Some are tasty and some are not. Some have medicinal uses, and some are just plain poison. Enjoy a fall hike where we find and discuss berries. Bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the end of Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking lot. (*M) 3 miles, 2-3 hours
August 26, Mon., 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.
August 29, Thu., 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
August 30, Fri., 9:00 am Work Out Hike: Coon Creek, Valencia Picnic Table, Bluff Trail 6 miles, 500 foot elevation gain, 3 hours. We will head north on Rattlesnake Flats Trail, and then use the Badger Trail to the Valencia Picnic Bench. From there we will walk down to the Bluff Trail, check if the Blow Hole is spouting, and visit the Corolina Cove before returning to Coon Creek Parking. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, bring water, snack, trekking poles if desired. There may be ticks and poison oak on trail. Park 3.8 miles from the Montana de Oro entrance sign. 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. (Sponsored by Morro Bay Museum of Natural History). (S*) 6 miles, 3 hours
August 30, Fri., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
August 31, 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.
August 31, Sat., 11:00 am Wildlife Viewing and Plankton Sampling from the San Simeon Pier Collect your own water sample and discover the amazing life that lives in a drop of ocean water while viewing wildlife of beautiful San Simeon Cove! We meet each Fri, Sat and Sun at 11am at the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, located at W.R Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle west of Hwy 1. Call 805-927-6575 for weekly updates 11AM
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