elkhorn slough field trips

Monterey Bay Eco Tours

Experience the amazing wetland wildlife on our elkhorn slough tours, we are local & family-owned.

The Elkhorn Slough Tour provides amazing wildlife viewing aboard the El Cat, an innovative, custom, fully electric catamaran, built right here in Moss Landing by us. As you glide cleanly and quietly through the meandering channels led by our experienced captain and crew, you’ll be treated to a spectacle of vibrant wetlands and lush marshes teeming with an array of wildlife. During a tour, you will see otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and a diverse population of birds, as the Elkhorn Slough is part of the Pacific Flyway.

IT’S ELECTRIC!

ELKHORN SLOUGH TOUR

Electric Catamaran Tours

From $45 • 1.5 Hours • All Ages

Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a wildlife tour along with one of California’s largest tidal waterways, the Elkhorn Slough. Our naturalist on board will assist in wildlife spotting, providing insight into the natural wonders of the Slough, and to answer any questions during your tour!

SUNSET TOURS ON THE ELKHORN SLOUGH

Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a narrated wildlife tour along one of California’s largest tidal waterways during one of the best time’s of the day – sunset. You are welcome to BYOB during this relaxing and educational sunset tour!

PRIVATE CHARTER

Enjoy a narrated cruise along the Elkhorn Slough, a vibrant and lively wetland located on Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey in Moss Landing.

• User All ages
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

ABOUT MONTEREY BAY ECO TOURS

Reconnecting people with nature is what we do! Embark on an eco-conscious adventure with Monterey Bay Eco Tours, dedicated to fostering a genuine connection between people and the natural world. Our El Cat tour not only offers a low-impact journey into the heart of the Elkhorn Slough but also guarantees a responsible encounter with wildlife. Our sunset tour is a great option to enjoy the Slough at the best time of day!

Our tour aboard the El Cat takes you into nature with minimal impact. Not only does the El Cat have zero emissions, but our captains are also respectful of nature, allowing you to see the magical wildlife without affecting their behavior.

ABOUT THE EL CAT

The El Cat is a 37′ fully electric, 32-passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This unique catamaran is designed specifically for the calm waters of the Elkhorn Slough by our very own Joe Kitchell at Left Coast Composites. The boat is made from vacuum-infused carbon fiber/fiberglass, with 2 Elco electric motors running on 48 volts.

With the El Cat’s innovative design, including its fully electric propulsion and environmentally considerate approach led by our knowledgeable captains, you can immerse yourself in the captivating realm of Elkhorn Slough’s magical inhabitants while leaving only ripples in your wake.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURS IN MOSS LANDING ★★★★★

We had an amazing time today on this tour. The guides were knowledgeable, easy going and more than happy to answer our questions. We can’t wait to do this again when we visit Monterey again. Thanks again Eco tours, it was great!!! Hemig’s

Very fun and relaxing tour! We had a lot of fun and got to see a lot of wildlife with a good explanation of the species we were seeing. It didn’t feel like a tourist trap and felt the price was fair for the effort put forth.

A wonderful way to get out on the water for those who don't feel comfortable with the motion of boats. The guides were very knowledgeable and explained a lot about the wildlife and we were absolutely delighted to see so many otters !

Joey and Aaron took us out on an electric quiet catamaran. Thus eco. We saw seals, otters, sea lion snd many birds. They were extremely knowledgeable personable and interesting. We even talked about the brain health issues of the otters and their quirky behavior. Would highly recommend.

We took our granddaughter age 10 for the tour of Elkhorn Slough. It was very well organized and the naturalist on board gave an excellent commentary. We saw a great many otters with pups, large groups of pelicans and some harbor seals. It was a nice way to do something safely with our granddaughter outside.

BIOE 108 Marine Ecology

Department of ecology and evolutionary biology, uc santa cruz.

Field Trips

Field trips are volunteer only and not required! These trips are designed to introduce you to patterns in nature and methods of quantifying such patterns, and it is strongly recommended that you attend both field trips. You can generate several patterns for your journals at each of the field trips!

Scheduling note: If there are any questions as to whether a field trip will be cancelled (eg. rain, snow, hurricane, Dr. Carr is asked to return to captain the US National Shuffleboard team), check the “Announcements” page of the course website.

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Field Trip #1:   Elkhorn Slough – Shorebird resource partitioning

Sunday, January 14   Low tide (-1.31 ft) is at 6:00 PM and sunset around 5:00.

Van pool: Meet at Coastal Biology Building parking lot at 2:00 PM ( vans leave by 2:15! )

CHANGE OF LOCATION!!!

Individual driving: Meet at Jetty Road , Moss Landing , just before (north) of the Bridge over the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, directly off Hwy 1, toward the ocean. You can Google Map “Jetty Slough, Moss Landing” for directions. Same time:   3:00 PM . Google map from CBB to Jetty Slough, Moss Landing estimates 43 min drive.

Elkhorn Slough Field Trip Handout

Elkhorn Slough Field Trip Datasheet

What to bring:

Binoculars if you have them, your journal, pencils, funky shoes, windbreaker/warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat or visor, and someone, anyone, who can identify shorebirds!!

Field Trip #2: Rocky intertidal zonation at Davenport Landing

Saturday, Feb 10 –  Low tide (-1.33 ft) is at 5:00 and sunset around 5:15.

Van pool: Meet at Coastal Biology Bldg parking lot at 1:00 PM ( van leaves at 1:30! )

Individual driving : Meet at Davenport Landing Beach at 2:00 PM . (Google map: 12 mi north of Santa Cruz on Hwy 1, turn left on to Davenport Landing Rd., estimated drive time= 16 min)

 https://goo.gl/maps/I8SRU

Intertidal Survey Handout

Intertidal Species ID Code List

Appropriate footwear (old shoes, rubber boots, wetsuit booties, etc), an extra pair of shoes, pencil(s) , clipboard, your field journal, the two handouts, windbreaker/ warm  clothing, food (unless you like eating intertidal algae)

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The Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program provides individuals and groups science-based information, tools, and techniques to make better decisions regarding resources within coastal watersheds. This is done by offering appropriate training opportunities and serving as a reference source for local science based information pertaining to the four National Priority issues identified by NOAA.

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The Elkhorn Slough CTP defines more specifically which local coastal resource issues will be addressed through periodic audience needs assessment. Through collaboration with onsite reserve researchers and coastal decision makers the Elkhorn Slough CTP further identifies local and regional information and technical needs.

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Bioluminescence Night Paddle Elkhorn Slough~

A Sparkling Night on the Water~ Bioluminescence Kayak in Elkhorn Slough   $90 Adults/$75 Children 14-17 years of age

4 1/2- 5  hours from beginning to end.

Evening in the slough is always so magical and when conditions are favorable, we may witness the extraordinary light show produced by bioluminescent plankton. During the summer and early fall, bioluminescent algal blooms may light up the dark night water with every stoke of our paddle blade. Leaving from Moss Landing, we’ll have a leisurely paddle through Elkhorn Slough before full darkness is upon us. Our trip will begin with a quiet observation of sea otters, harbor seals and sea birds that reside in Moss Landing Harbor. Beginners welcomed. Time Varies with Tides.

Book a private tour or  review our    Local Tour Dates

Book a private tour with 8 or more of your friends, email Kim for details at: [email protected]

8  people~ $130 per person for a private night on the water,    9-10  people ~$115 per person    11  or more  and the above rates apply

Dear Kayakers:

I would like to welcome you to our kayaking adventure in Elkhorn Slough National Marine Estuary. The protected water of the Slough is an ideal place to observe some of California’s finest coastal resources. Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and an array of birds can be seen at close range. With 90% of California’s wetlands loss to development, Elkhorn Slough offers a special opportunity to observe a biologically rich and critically endangered habitat.

Plan on meeting at the public boat launch ramp in North Moss Landing Harbor just behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2390 Hwy One) at TBA. We will be using double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to use. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. We expect to be back at the launch area by TBA timing varies with tides. Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 10 days in advance of trip date.

As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:

* Face Mask and hand sanitizer * Dress in layers — Fleece, capilene, silk or wool are good insulators; bring a warm top that can be put on  if cool weather (fog) approaches; a sweatshirt is adequate. * Long pants or shorts – sweat pants that can be rolled up work well; an outer shell of nylon material dries quickly, but jeans get soggy and are not recommended. * Wind breaker or paddling jacket * Footgear – tennis shoes, Teva type sandals or wet suit booties — any style is fine; they will get wet as you wade in to launch your boat. * Hat with visor for sun protection * Water bottle  non disposable * Snack  in a compact lunch bag –take in boat with you * Sunscreen and lip balm * Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash * Binoculars and camera in waterproof bag ( use at your own risk); disposable cameras work well. * Small, compact daypack (optional) * Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car * Flashlight or headlamp

That covers the logistics for you r Bioluminescence Paddle. Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 10 days in advance of trip date .  A full refund will be given if the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather (high winds or rain; not light mist or fog). Release forms will be discussed and signed before launching our boats. We are looking forward to our special night together in the Slough!

Very Sincerely,

Kim Powell, MRPA Owner, Operator & Naturalist Blue Water Ventures phone & fax: 831-459-8548 www.bluewaterventures.org email: [email protected] 127 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Follow us on Facebook    or   Instagram

DIRECTIONS TO ELKHORN SLOUGH (NORTH MOSS LANDING HARBOR)

FROM SANTA CRUZ

* TAKE HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH TOWARDS MONTEREY

* TURN RIGHT AT  NORTH MOSS  LANDING HARBOR/ MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS 2360 HIGHWAY ONE you will pass Moss Landing State Beach, then Kayak Connection; it takes about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz; this right turn takes you into Moss Landing North Harbor.

* MOSS LANDING NORTH HARBOR LAUNCH RAMP The public boat launch area is behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2360 Highway One); park behind MBK in the public boat launch area. When you arrive, you will need to pay your $10 parking fee. Your Blue Water Ventures guides will have your parking permits to leave in your car. You will need $10 cash when you check in with them.

We will be unloading the trailer from a blue toyota sequoia at the boat ramp directly behind Monterey Bay Kayaks in North Moss Landing Harbor.

NOTE as you’re heading south you’ll see the Moss Landing power stacks on the left side of the highway; if you go over the bridge and pass these stacks you’ve gone too far.

Kim can be reached on her cell phone on the day of the trip at: 831-345-2417

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Take the Classroom Outside

• Field Trips

Kayaking Elkhorn Slough

by taketheclassroomoutside · May 20, 2022

For one of our last field trips of the semester, I took my Coastal Field Studies class kayaking in Elkhorn Slough! 

The slough is a tidal estuary—meaning that it connects to the ocean and is impacted by tides moving in and out.  There are many species using the slough waters and surrounding lands including harbor seals, southern sea otters, California sea lions, 300+ species of birds, and many others.

One of the topics of the course is historic and modern human impacts on coastal ecosystems.  Elkhorn Slough is a perfect place to learn about, and view, a multitude of impacts spanning nearly two centuries.

In addition to a long history of use by many groups of people, nearby lands were drained for agriculture, the Moss Landing Power Plant dominates the view, and in the 1950s and 1960s the Moss Landing Harbor was built .  Today, there are many projects to restore and conserve both aquatic and terrestrial habitats around the slough.

Getting Ready!

After arriving at Monterey Bay Kayaks , the staff fitted the group for equipment.  Some students opted for splash jackets and wetsuit pants, while others went with just the required life jacket.  Everyone paired up and we headed to a little sandy beach near the boat launch ramp.

Most of my students had little to no kayaking experience, so we got an introduction to paddling and practiced basic some moves on the beach.  As the pairs launched kayaks into the water, we paddled around a sandbar that is exposed at low tide.  Dozens of California brown pelicans were hanging out on the sandbar, giving my students their first up-close wildlife experience of the day.

Since we were a large group, Monterey By Kayaks provided 3 naturalist guides.  They expertly organized the 15 kayaks into a floating “raft” while pointing out the natural and human-made features of the slough.  There was the main boat channel and harbor, a narrow strip of sandy dunes protecting the slough from the open ocean, and of course, the main slough. 

The main portion of the slough is protected and is not open to motorized boats….perfect for calm water and excellent wildlife viewing!

More Wildlife Awaits!

We made our way across the boat channel and under the highway bridge to the main estuary.  Before we even made it out of the boat channel, we saw a California sea lion and at least a dozen sea birds!

Floating on its back, the sea lion rested with fins pointed out of the water.  They do this to catch extra sunlight and warm up in the chilly water. It’s called thermoregulation .

Brandt’s cormorants flew back and forth to the top of some harbor markers bringing grasses and other material to build nests.  This time of year they have bright blue throats, and are quite a sight.

The bridge pylons were covered with anemones and other creatures that you might normally find in a tidepool.  With the low tide, some of the anemones hung above the waterline drying out in the morning breeze.

But there were still two species that everyone wanted to see…harbor seals and southern sea otters.  And my students were not disappointed!  Harbor seals slept the morning away on a little strip of sandy shoreline.  And nearby, sea otters attended to pups, ate a snack, and chased away birds—and another group of kayakers—who got too close.

While fuzzy and cute looking, sea otters are actually fairly aggressive.  Especially when they have pups.  If you look closely, many adults have scars on their noses from fighting with each other.

The Return Trip!

As we watched the otters, jellyfish, and birds, the foggy morning gave way to sunny skies.  The tide also reversed direction and started to flow into the slough.  This was our que to begin heading back. 

The old Moss Landing Power Plant outflow structure created calm spot to take a break.  Paddling back against the constant flow of the incoming tide was hard work!  At one point, the power plant was one of the largest in California.  Today the site continues to house a natural gas electrical generation power plant and two battery storage facilities.

Nearing our starting point, a lone harbor seal lazily followed us, occasionally popping its head out of the water to eye the kayaks.

By the time we returned to the little beach where we had launched the kayaks, the tide had risen enough to cover the sandbar in a few inches of water.  The pelicans and gulls were still there, but looked a bit disturbed.

We Want to See More!

By the time we made it back to land and brought back all our gear, everyone was ready for lunch!  Our kayak adventure may have been over, but the excited talk of seeing so many species in real life told me that this endeavor was a total success. 

While groups of students piled into their cars for the short drive to local restaurants, five students headed back out onto the water…. “We want to see more!”

If you’re ever in central coastal California, I highly recommend a paddle around Elkhorn Slough with the folks at Monterey Bay Kayaks.

If you’re interested in seeing some more pictures from this trip and learning about some of the species my students saw, head over to my post “Elkhorn Slough Photographs.”

And be sure to check out my next post to hear what experts have to say about hands-on learning experiences for college students—including field trips!

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Field trips will take place on Friday, December 8, 2023. The cost for each trip is $65, which includes transportation and lunch.

To add a field trip during registration: After confirming your registration type, click Select Ticket Options and check the box for the workshop you wish to attend. If you are already registered, please log in to the  AFE portal , go to Events, My Event Registrations, Click Withdraw/Modify, Click Select Ticket Options, Make selections and save. 

For full field trips, you can complete this form to be added to the waitlist .   

• Registration Transfer:  You can transfer field trip registration to another person with no charge.
• Cancelation: You can cancel your field trip registration for a refund prior to October 9. After that time, refunds will not be issued. 

1. Elkhorn Slough and Walden Monterey (two field trips in one!)

The tour will focus on elkhorn slough foundation’s use of a mobile air curtain carbonizer to treat eucalyptus tree slash and logs and visit walden monterey to see and discuss the effects of fire suppression on oak forests..

Elkhorn Slough: Eucalyptus Biochar Pilot Project Using A Carbonizer Walden Monterey: Modern Cultural Tending Practices in Oak Forests of Monterey

Location: Elkhorn Slough Reserve, Watsonville Times: 8am departure, 4pm estimated return Length: 8 hours (full day)

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a 1700-acre portion of the biologically rich Elkhorn Slough, a focal point on the California coast for marine, aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species. Managed by the  Elkhorn Slough Foundation  (ESF), these lands are a critical part of the coastal California ecosystem. Partnered with the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, NOAA and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, ESF is an integral partner in the ongoing research and conservation efforts that are taking place in the Slough. 

In the slough area, the native coastal oak woodland and chaparral habitats have been invaded by blue gum eucalyptus and threaten natural vegetation communities as well as public safety. The tour will focus on Elkhorn Slough Foundation’s use of a state-of-the-art mobile air curtain carbonizer (a Carbonator™ 500) to treat eucalyptus tree slash and logs left from eucalyptus removal treatments done on the Reserve. We will drive to the site of an ESF operation where invasive eucalyptus trees were cut and the woody material was piled. We will see where the carbonator was used to burn down the eucalyptus using a specific process that minimizes carbon dioxide emissions and converts the remaining materials into a form of charcoal/biochar that has potential applications for agricultural and nursery use. We will talk to ESF staff about the operation, how it was funded, advantages and disadvantages that have been observed so far, and potential future use of this technology.

Location: Walden Monterey

Monterey County is an epicenter oak mortality in California. The decline and death of oaks is proximally attributed to disease, insect pests, and/or drought. However, there is a fair amount of evidence that the mortality of oaks is ultimately attributable to the effects of fire suppression on the ecology of the forests and soils. For thousands of years cultural burning by the local Ohlone and Esselen Tribes created and maintained healthy oak forests that sustained both the two-legged and four-legged creatures. 

Now, after more than a century of fire suppression, the oaks are succumbing to the lack of tending. Ancient oaks, once free of competition, are being crowded out by too many young oaks and bays. Without the alkalinizing effects of fire, soils are becoming acidic with the resulting loss of essential mineral nutrients, especially calcium. Mosses and lichens, which can damage trees and acidify soils, are also growing abundantly due to the lack of fire.

Ecological changes due to fire suppression are clearly visible on this land, as most of it has not experienced fire in nearly a century. The past and present role of the local Tribes in forming relations with the land and trees will be shared from the perspective of an Esselen Tribal Elder. We will discuss the practices that mimic cultural tending, but also the ways to recognize “Ancestor oaks”, ancient living artifacts that were pollarded by the Native People.

2. The Ecology and Cultural Tending of Old-growth Redwood Forests in Big Sur (FULL; get added to  waitlist here )

Hosts chairman tom little bear nason and chairman ron goode will lead this full-day workshop to camp pico blanco, with some relevant stops along the way..

Location: Pico Blanco Camp Times: 8:30am departure, 4:30pm estimated return Length: 8 hours (full day)

Big Sur is home to the southernmost groves of old-growth coast redwoods in their original range. While many ancient redwoods were logged in the region, the steep and rugged terrain prevented loggers from accessing many areas. Among these are the groves along the Little Sur River around Pico Blanco Camp at the base of Mount Pico Blanco, a sacred mountain of the Esselen Tribe. This remote site probably represents the largest tract of unlogged redwood forest in Big Sur. Beside giant redwoods, this site supports many old-growth Douglas firs. These, like the redwoods, represent the southernmost old-growth stands of fir within their original range.

These redwood forests, as most forests in California, were managed by the local tribes using cultural fire. Many of the ancient redwoods here show evidence of having been intentionally burned to create more open canopy conditions, and to encourage greater size and longevity of the largest trees. In 2008 the Basin Complex Fire burned through many of the groves although, fortunately, few of the ancient trees were lost. Since then, the Esselen Tribe has been leading efforts in the restoration and fire hazard reduction of these groves.

Hosts Chairman Tom Little Bear Nason and Chairman Ron Goode will lead this full-day workshop to Camp Pico Blanco, with some relevant stops along the way. Once at the site we will first wander among the ancient trees and allow participants time to take in their own thoughts and experiences of this special place. After lunch along the Little Sur River, we will regroup and begin by sharing our mapping and documentation procedures of the large, “heritage” trees. We will discuss fire scars and other evidence of the use of cultural fires in tending the groves during pre-colonial times. We will also examine the recent fire mimicry work that the Esselen Tribe has done to prepare the site for future cultural burning. This has involved clearing of woody understory, thinning of young trees, and pruning of the mature trees to reduce competition and remove ladder fuels. The piles of cut materials are being prepared for pile burning and conversion to biochar. 

Finally, the past and present role of the Esselen Tribe in forming relations with the land and trees will be shared from the perspective of two Tribal Elders.

3. Santa Lucia Conservancy Prescribed Burning Program and Wildfire Resilience Work

The tour includes stops at various destinations around the preserve landscape to view multiple preserve management actions. .

Location: Santa Lucia Conservancy, Carmel Valley Times: 9am departure, 1pm estimated return Length: 4 hours (half day)

The Santa Lucia Preserve is a 20,000 acre private community and wildland preserve that focuses on maintaining the variety of natural resources found in this beautiful landscape. The Santa Lucia Conservancy was formed along with the Preserve to help manage those resources using science and adaptive management. 

The tour will consist of meeting at the main Preserve gate on Rancho San Carlos Road, and carpooling to various destinations around the Preserve landscape to view multiple Preserve management actions, including wildfire prevention work along primary road corridors as well as strategic fuelbreak maintenance, assessment of recent prescribed burns carried out by SLC staff and the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association (CCPBA) and discussion and possible observation of tailored fuel management plans for individual homes on the Preserve. The tour should take approximately three to four hours from start to finish.

4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

See the recovery from the 2020 czu lightning complex fire in big basin redwoods state park and how resilient coast redwoods really are. .

Location: Big Basin Redwoods State Park Times: 7:30am departure, 4:30pm estimated return (NOTE NEW RETURN TIME) Length: 8 hours (full day)

The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned more than 80,000 in Santa Cruz County, including 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The Fire burned over infrastructure and some of the largest and oldest redwoods in the state of California. See what recovery looks like for the park and how incredibly resilient coast redwoods ( Sequoia sempervirens) really are. View Reimagining Big Basin for information on post fire planning.

6. Whale Watch with Monterey Bay Whale Watch

This fun only trip will go whale watching with monterey bay whale watch, a top-rated company on the peninsula. .

Location: 84 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA Times: 10am departure, 1pm estimated return Length: 3 hours

Are you sick of  talking fire? We are happy to offer an opportunity for a chartered trip with Monterey Bay Whale Watch . All trips are led by marine biologists. This will be a private charter through AFE (which means fees are non-refundable) and will only include people affiliated with the conference (families welcome). Potential animals seen at this time of year include: Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Dolphins, and Killer Whales. Isn’t this REALLY why you wanted to come to Monterey?

Note: Participants in this field trip are responsible for their own transportation to/from the whale watch departure location (info to be provided). We will set up a carpool list as we get closer to the event to help attendees coordinate rides.

JavaScript is required to view our booking calendar. Use our trip list instead .

Sat, Apr 27

Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing

Young Birders Club Trip - Elkhorn Slough Safari Boat Trip

Join the MAS YBC for an adventure on the water with Elkhorn Slough Safari!

Time & Location

Apr 27, 2024, 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM PDT

Elkhorn Slough Safari, Moss Landing, 7981 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039

About the event

Come ready for a boating adventure! Join Monterey Audubon and Elkhorn Slough Safari for a trip out on the waters of Elkhorn Slough. We’ll see numerous shorebirds, terns, herons, cormorants, and other waterbirds from our vantage point up on the boat. We can also expect to see harbor seals and sea otters. All levels of interest in birds are welcome! Ideal for ages 10-18. If you'd like to borrow binoculars, please indicate how many during the registration.

Time and meeting: The boat ride will be from 9:15 am to 10:45 am. Please meet at 8:45 am at the Elkhorn Slough Safari Office at 7981 Moss Landing Road, Suite.E., at the intersection of Moss Landing Road and Sandholdt Road. We'll check-in, sign waivers, get binoculars handed out, and use the restroom here, then walk across the street to the Moss Landing Harbor to depart at 9:15 am from A Dock. 

Free all day: on Moss Landing Road near the Office/Gift Shop, as long as you're on the shoulder and not blocking any entrances to local businesses.

Paid: $12, in the Moss Landing Harbor lot at 7881 Sandholdt Road, payable at the harbor office near the flag poles.  Free if you have a handicap placard.

Cost: Monterey Audubon has reserved the whole boat for our group for this morning. Although kids usually cost $33, all young birders will get to ride for free on this special trip! We are asking for a $50-75 donation per adult chaperone. This includes the $43 cost for one adult passenger plus the customary 10-15% tip for the boat crew. If this cost is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to work out another option. You may pay through our website's Donation page after you register or mail a check to the Monterey Audubon Society at PO Box 5656, Carmel, CA 93921. Please contact us if you have any additional questions or want to pay in cash! Email: montereyaudubon@gmail.com

What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, water, layers, close-toed shoes, blanket to sit on or for warmth. No food or drink except water.

Waivers: Everyone, kids and adults, must sign one.  Please fill out and sign them when you check in. If you are an adult chaperone bringing your child's friend, that friend needs a waiver filled out and signed by their parent in advance! See attached waiver to print and have the guardian of the accompanying child fill out before driving to Moss Landing.

Miscellaneous: The trip will take place in light rain, but will be rescheduled if there's heavy rain or winds. A decision will be made on the afternoon before our departure. Seasickness is virtually never a problem: we travel on flat water at slow speed. There will be a deckhand/naturalist on board in addition to the MAS YBC team.

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Bilingual field trip at Baskett Slough Refuge

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