Love walking on the beach? Join Marin MPA Watch
Marin MPA Watch just announced their summer training dates for volunteers. If you enjoy walking on the beach, this is the volunteer activity for you!
Summer 2023 MPA Watch Training Dates
Limantour Beach
Saturday, June 17
Saturday, August 5
Drakes Beach
Friday, June 23
Duxbury Reef
Saturday, July 8
“MPA” stands for marine protected areas. They are areas designated to protect marine ecosystems, processes, habitats, and species. MPAs are important, vulnerable coastal waters that have been designated for protection under California State Law. Volunteers are vitally important to provide this survey information which informs MPA management and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
There are three MPAs in Point Reyes National Seashore — Drakes Beach, Limantour Beach, and Duxbury Reef at Agate Beach in Bolinas. Volunteers do a simple survey of activity on the beach and offshore (using binoculars).
Since August 2017, I have volunteered with the Marin MPA Watch at Drakes Beach. It's relaxing, engaging, and it's given me a reason to learn about tides since beach access is limited during high tides. I've had interesting conversations with visitors during my walks, and my son and his friends have joined me on numerous occasions. We always find something that attracts our attention along the way. Check out what I’ve seen along the way at Drakes Beach.