Many ask, "What is an estuary?" The simplest answer is, "A place where fresh water and salt water meet." The tidal mouth of any river is an estuary. Local residents are lucky to have in their midst the largest remaining natural estuary in Southern California, the Back Bay, which stretches from Pacific Coast Highway to Jamboree Road near the
The Back Bay is an important rest stop and/or winter home for birds migrating from Canada and
An area of 150 square miles of urban
The mission of the Newport Bay Conservancy is to protect and preserve Upper Newport Bay. We conduct restoration and education programs in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Game, OC Parks, the city of Newport Beach and other organizations. A key message we all give to those living many miles inland is that the ocean really does begin at their front door.
Estuary Awareness Day, held every year at the Back Bay Science Center, is a great opportunity for people to learn what they can do at home to protect estuaries, the ocean and the environment. Come join us from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. This is a chance to tour the facility, which is normally only open to those taking part in scheduled programs.
This year, we are pleased to showcase roughly 30 poster and multimedia exhibits presented by over 150 students from Costa Mesa High School,
The students will be sharing many solutions they have devised to reduce the amount of trash and other pollutants associated with urban runoff and promote natural resource conservation in their neighborhoods. Some students have created public service announcements, others have working models showing how trash dumped inland arrives at the ocean. Still others have native plant displays that they use to promote more sustainable landscaping that uses less water, less fertilizer and less pesticides.
During the event you can:
• See sharks, rays and other fish found in the bay.
• Touch sea stars and other marine critters.
• Take a guided tour of the Back Bay on the Newport Sea Base's pontoon boat.
• Find out how the OC Health Care Agency examines water samples to check for bacteria.
Parking, admission and activities are free. Refreshments are available. For directions and more information, go to http://www.newportbay.org.
Roger Mallett
Newport Bay Conservancy
Newport Beach