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ADVENTURES WITH NATURE
APRIL 2015
Sponsored by the S. L. O. Coast & Oceano Dunes State Park Districts
Supported by the Central Coast State Parks Association
This schedule can be found at www.ccspa.info
Date Day Time
*LOC *SC
Adventure
Presenter
2 Thu
9:30 am
MdO
Hike the Coon Creek Loop ............................................................................ Barb Renshaw
3 Fri
9:00 am
EB
Walk Along the Edge ................................................................................ Norma Wightman
3 Fri
11:00 am
MB
Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders ................................ Louise Abbott
4 Sat 10:00 am
LO
Los Osos Oaks Reserve ............................................................................ Faylla Chapman
4 Sat 11:00 am
MB
White's Point Vistas ................................................................................. Norma Wightman
4 Sat
2:00 pm
MB
Black Hill Trail ............................................................................................... Roger Randall
6 Mon 10:00 am
MdO é
Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk ............................................................... Paul O’Connor
6 Mon 10:30 am
MB
é
Birding for Beginners - Part 1 .................................................. Karen Watts & Robbie Revel
6 Mon 2:00 pm
MB
é! Puppets: Bucket Monster .................................................... Linda Winters & Kathy Cherrie
7 Tue 11:30 am
MB
é! Puppets: It’s a Big Ocean ................................................. Linda Winters & Clare Strohman
8 Wed 10:00 am
MdO é
Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk ................................................................... Randy Bello
8 Wed 11:00 am
MB
Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders ................................ Louise Abbott
8 Wed 1:00 pm
MB
é! Museum Scavenger Hunt ................................................. Vivien Hadley & Faylla Chapman
9 Thu 11:00 am
MB
é! Snail Tales ................................................................................................... Diana Barnhart
10 Fri
10:00 am
MB
! Windy Cove Mud and Tide Pools ............................................................... Faylla Chapman
11 Sat
9:30 am
HH
Birding Adventures: Harmony Headlands ........................................................ Robbie Revel
11 Sat 10:00 am
PB
é
Pismo Beavers: Adorable Wildlife or Destructive Pests? .................................... Dan Green
11 Sat 10:00 am
MB
The Otter Information Station! ............................................ David Curtius & Richard Schultz
11 Sat 12:00 pm
MB
é
Pecho Sewing Society ..................................................................................... Debi Dismer
11 Sat
2:00 pm
MB
é! Meet "Morro" the Brown Pelican ................................................. Dani Nicholson & " Morro"
13 Mon 1:00 pm
MB
é
Salt Marsh to Mudflats ............................................................................... Faylla Chapman
14 Tue
9:30 am
MdO
Hike Hazard Peak ......................................................................................... Barb Renshaw
14 Tue 12:00 pm
MdO
Explore the Tide Pools at Corallina Cove ...................................................... Paul O’Connor
15 Wed 9:00 am
MdO é
Birding Adventures: Montaña de Oro .................................. Claudia Freitas & Robbie Revel
18 Sat 11:00 am
MB
White's Point Vistas ...................................................................................... Molly Stoddard
20 Mon 7:00 am
MdO
Intertidal Life at Hazard Reef ..................................................................... Faylla Chapman
21 Tue
1:00 pm
MB
Discover Magnificent Morro Rock .............................................. R. Olszewski & C. Odekirk
22 Wed 9:00 am
MB
é
Birding the Boardwalk ......................................................... Claudia Freitas & Robbie Revel
22 Wed 10:00 am
MdO é
Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk ................................................................... Randy Bello
23 Thu
8:00 am
NC
Birding Multiple Habitats .................................................................................... Phil Adams
23 Thu 10:00 am
HH
Harmony Headlands and Its Human History .................................................... Mimi Kimball
24 Fri
11:00 am
MB
Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery Wonders ................................ Louise Abbott
25 Sat 10:00 am
MB
The Otter Information Station! ............................................ David Curtius & Richard Schultz
25 Sat 11:00 am
MdO é
Montaña de Oro 50th Anniversary Celebration ........................................................ Docents
25 Sat 11:00 am
MB
White's Point Vistas ...................................................................................... Molly Stoddard
25 Sat
1:00 pm
MB
é
Saturday Scientists: Micromolluscs, Tiny Marine Snails ................................ Kim Whiteside
27 Mon 10:00 am
MdO é
Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk ............................................................... Paul O’Connor
29 Wed 10:30 am
MdO é
Slow Stroll on the Bluffs ..................................................................................... Joyce Cory
30 Thu
1:00 pm
MB
é
Salt Marsh to Mudflats ............................................................................... Faylla Chapman
* LOCation Codes: EB - Estero Bluffs, HH - Harmony Headlands, LO - Los Osos, MB - Morro Bay, MdO - Montaña de Oro, NC - North Coast,
OF - Oso Flaco, PB - Pismo Beach
* SC - Special Codes:
é- Adventure accessible by wheelchair
! - Spring Fling Event
(Adventure Descriptions on the Reverse Side)
SPECIAL EVENTS!
Spring Fling Week: April 6-11. A week of events at the Morro Bay Natural History Museum celebrating Spring Break at the local schools.
All events except for April 10 are in the Museum auditorium. Families are welcome.
Montaña de Oro 50th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrating 50 years of being a state park. See April 25 info above and backside
description. Family event, 11am - 2pm.
Spooner Ranch House: Open Thu - Sun, 11 - 3 pm. In Montaña de Oro State Park, above Spooner’s Cove. Historical ranch house,
Spooner history, nature displays.
Pismo Nature Center: The Pismo Nature Center and Oceano Campground are closed.
Coastal Discovery Center: Open Fri - Sun, 11 - 5pm. Hearst State Beach, across from the entrance to Hearst Castle.
For additional information, call the Museum of Natural History, Morro Bay State Park, (805) 772-2694
ADVENTURE DESCRIPTIONS
Everyone is welcome, but no dogs, please. All times are approximate. Rain cancels outdoor activities
Birding Adventures: Harmony Headlands
Explore the many habitats of the Central Coast,
from grasslands to the rocky shoreline, looking for
a variety of bird species. Bring binoculars, water
and snacks, hat and sunscreen. Dress for wind/
weather. Meet at Harmony Headlands parking lot
on west side of Hwy 1, about 5.5 miles north of
Cayucos. Moderate walk, 4 miles, 3-4 hours.
Birding Adventures: Montaña de Oro é
Explore the many habitats of the Central Coast,
from grasslands to the rocky shoreline, looking for
a variety of bird species. Bring binoculars, water,
hat and sunscreen. Dress for wind/weather. Meet
at the Bluff Trail head, about 100 yards south of
Spooner Ranch House in Montaña de Oro. Slow
walk, chance of poison oak, 1.7 mi, 2 hrs.
Birding for Beginners - Part 1 é
Learn about the skills needed to master birding as
a hobby. Practice making observations, learn to
use binoculars and spotting scopes, and learn
about resources available for ongoing skill
building. Binoculars helpful but not necessary. An
outdoor walk will follow a discussion in the
Museum’s Learning Center. Meet at the Morro Bay
Museum of Natural History. Family event, walk
less than 1 mile, 2 hours.
Birding Multiple Habitats
Observe birds on a hike along the seashore,
creek, wetlands, chaparral and pine forest
habitats. Suitable for birders with all levels of
experience. Bring binoculars, bird identification
books helpful. Meet in the Washburn day use
parking lot north of Cambria on the east side of
Hwy 1 just south of San Simeon Creek. Moderate
hike, 2.5 mi., 3 hrs. Chance of poison oak.
Birding the Boardwalk é
Enjoy a stroll while identifying shorebirds and
more. Beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guide. Dress for wind/weather. Park
close to east end of Morro Bay State Park Bayside
marina parking lot. Easy walk, 1 mile, 1.5 hours.
Black Hill Trail
Walk the most accessible of the volcanic sisters
while discussing their history and enjoying a
panoramic view of the surrounding geography.
Dress for wind/weather. Take Golf Course Drive
past the clubhouse and bear left at fork in road.
Meet at the overlook parking lot above the Morro
Bay Golf Course. Moderate walk, chance of poison
oak, 0.5 miles, 1.5 hours.
Discover Magnificent Morro Rock
Explore the beauty of Morro Rock and learn its
geology and history. Look for animals that live on
or near the rock. Dress for wind/weather. Meet at
the rest rooms in parking lot at north side of rock.
Easy walk, 0.5 miles, 1.5 hours.
Explore the Tide Pools at Corallina Cove
Learn some local history while walking the bluffs
looking for sea birds, whales, seals and otters.
Explore the tide pools of Corallina Cove at low
tide. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for wind/weather,
and bring binoculars. Meet at Bluff Trailhead,
about 100 yards south of Spooner Ranch House in
Montaña de Oro. Active hike, chance of poison
oak, 2 miles, 2 hours.
Great Blue Herons, Egrets and Other Rookery
Wonders
Enjoy a short talk and walk to the rookery in Morro
Bay State Park to observe these magnificent birds.
Learn about courtship rituals, nesting habits, and
in spring, see adults caring for their young. Dress
for wind/weather. Meet at the Morro Bay Museum
of Natural History in the Learning Center. Easy
walk, 0.25 miles, 1.5 hours.
Harmony Headlands and Its Human History
Discover the relationship that humans have had
with this land, for thousands of years. Learn about
geology, wildlife and plants. Bring binoculars, a
snack, water, hat and sunscreen. Dress in layers
for wind/weather. Meet at Harmony Headlands
parking lot on west side of Hwy 1, about 5.5 miles
north of Cayucos. Active hike, 4 miles, 2.5 hours.
Hike Hazard Peak
Hike to Hazard Peak and enjoy views of the
ocean, bay and rock while working off that extra
dessert you consumed last week. Bring water, a
snack, binoculars, and wear sturdy shoes. Meet in
Montaña de Oro State Park at the ridge trailhead,
2.3 miles from the park entrance. Active hike, 5
miles, 3 hours.
Saturday Scientists: Micromolluscs, Tiny
Marine Snails é
Participants will view micromolluscs found in local
marine and estuary environments focusing on their
structure and diversity. Learn to use binocular
microscopes and what can be seen at different
magnification levels. Morro Bay Museum of
Natural History Auditorium. Family event, 2 hrs.
Hike the Coon Creek Loop
Hike up to the ridge and then down into Coon
Creek. Bring water and wear sturdy walking
shoes. Meet in Montana de Oro State Park at the
end of the Pecho Road in the Coon Creek parking
lot. Moderate hike, chance of poison oak, 3 miles,
2 hours.
Slow Stroll on the Bluffs é
Learn about Spooner family history as you stroll
along the ADA-designed trail, viewing Spooner’s
Cove and spectacular shoreline. A slow pace with
rest stops allows time to savor the scenery as you
learn about early agricultural history of the area.
Dress for windy, cool conditions. Meet at the Bluff
Trail head, accessible parking available, south of
the Spooner Ranch House in Montaña de Oro State
Park. Less than one mile, 1 hour.
Intertidal Life at Hazard Reef
Learn some geology while walking through coastal
scrub and sand dunes to see seaweeds and
marine animals. Dress in layers and wear nonskid shoes that can get wet. Meet in Hazard
Canyon parking lot, on West side of road, 1.6
miles south of Montaña de Oro park entrance.
Look for announcement board. Active hike,
chance of poison oak, 1 mile, 3 hours.
The Otter Information Station!
View otters in the waters of Morro Bay, visit our
information station, and learn about these
incredible creatures from the museum docents!
Located at Morro Rock in Morro Bay. Look for the
exhibit and spotting scopes on Coleman Drive (at
the end of the boardwalk and across from the
restrooms), near the base of the Rock. Easy walk,
2 hours.
Los Osos Oaks Reserve
Enjoy a shaded stroll through ancient forest. See
native plants and evidence of Chumash habitation. Learn colorful historical background. Dress
for wind/weather. Meet at Reserve entrance, 0.7
miles east of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley
Road. Easy walk, chance of poison oak, 1 mile,
1.5 hours.
Walk Along the Edge
Explore the bluffs and beach along Estero Bay
examining relationships of animals seen. Bring
binoculars; wear sturdy beach shoes and layered
clothing. Meet in dirt parking lot one mile north of
the end of divided section of Hwy 1, north of
Cayucos. Moderate hike, 2 miles, 2.5 hours.
Montaña de Oro 50th Anniversary Celebration
é
Celebrating 50 years of being a
State Park. Educational tables
will highlight various park
offerings. Spooner’s Cove,
Montaña de Oro. A family event
from 11am to 2 pm.
Montaña de Oro Bluff Nature Walk é
Take a pleasant hike along the bluffs for the
magnificent views and look for wildlife. Dress for
wind/weather and bring binoculars. Meet at Bluff
Trailhead, about 100 yards south of Spooner
Ranch House in Montaña de Oro. Active hike,
chance of poison oak, 2 miles, 3 hours.
Pecho Sewing Society é
The Pecho Sewing Society will be stitching the
Mission San Fernando Rey and learning of its
history. Kits for the project are $10, which include
pattern, needle, floss, fabric and instruction. Meet
at the Morro Bay Natural History Museum
Learning Center. All are welcome.
Pismo Beavers: Adorable Wildlife or Destructive Pests? é
Discover the beaver’s physical adaptations, their
role in our country’s westward expansion, why
they were hunted, and their local history. Search
for evidence of their activities during a short walk.
Dress for wind/weather with comfortable shoes.
Bring insect repellent and water: binoculars a
plus. Meet at Monarch Butterfly Grove, 1/2 mile
north of Grand Avenue on Hwy 1, Pismo Beach.
Moderate walk, 1/4 miles, 1.5 - 2 hours.
Salt Marsh to Mudflats é
Walk the State Park Marina Peninsula boardwalk
to learn the history of the salt marsh and the
plants and animals living in this specialized
environment. Dress for wind/weather and mud.
Bring binoculars. Park close to east end of
Bayside marina parking lot or across the street at
MB campground restrooms. Easy walk, 0.5 miles,
2 hours.
White’s Point Vistas
Enjoy a short, steep walk to view the estuary, home
to hundreds of marine and terrestrial animals.
Learn about the forces creating and changing this
watery world. Dress for wind/weather. Meet at the
Morro bay Museum of Natural History. Moderate
walk, 0.5 miles, 0.75 hours.
! SPRING FLING EVENTS !
Puppets: Bucket Monster é
Come to learn who the Bucket Monster is and learn
more about the critters that live in the tidepools. A
good chance to learn respect and how to treat tide
pool animals. Family event, 2 pm, 1 hour.
Puppets: It’s a Big Ocean é
Come see a baby whale get lost in the ocean, meet
a helpful otter and find his way back to mom. A
discussion of marine mammals follows. Museum
auditorium, 1 hr.
Museum Scavenger Hunt é
Come and join in a scavenger hunt through the
exhibits and displays about the estuary and nature
in general. Drop in anytime till 4:00 PM. Family
event, 1-2 hrs.
Snail Tales é
Snails are those wonderfully weird, almost alien,
garden invaders. Learn to identify your own snail
and see what it can do besides eat up all the good
vegetables in the garden. Family event, 1-2 hrs.
Windy Cove Mud and Tide Pools
Walk to Windy Cove below the Museum learning
about the plants, the mud and the organisms that
inhabit the mud and the rocks around the cove.
Dress for the weather and wear shoes that can get
muddy; no bare feet. Meet at the “Nature Walk”
sign in front of the Morro Bay Museum of Natural
History. Easy family walk, 1-2 hour.
Meet “Morro” the Brown Pelican é
A close up and personal look at a live brown
pelican, and hear about his life and pelicans in
general. Family event, 1 hr.