Heal the Bay is offering a two-part training program for nature lovers, environmentalists, or just people who like to do some good and be on the beach.
Marine protected areas (MPA’s), like any protected area, are regions in which human activity has been placed under some restrictions in the interest of conserving the natural environment, its surrounding waters and the occupant ecosystems, and any cultural or historical resources that may require preservation or management. Marine protected areas’ boundaries will include some area of ocean, even if it is only a small fraction of the total area of the territory.
The most important MPAs along our coast are in Malibu and Palos Verdes. Since 2011, the Heal the Bay has used volunteers to observe and collect unbiased data on coastal and marine resource use. This information will help decision makers and the public understand how people are using the newly established MPAs, and to help inform management decisions.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to collect data while walking along the most beautiful beaches of Malibu and Palos Verdes. Attendance at both the classroom session and field training session is mandatory for those who want to volunteer.
Here are the specifics from the Heal the Bay website:
August 21, 2013 – Classroom Training
- Heal the Bay’s Main Office
- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- RSVP to attend
August 24, 2013 – Field Training
- Location TBA at class training
- 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Classroom training on August 21 must be completed to attend
Volunteer Requirements
- Volunteers must be at least 15 years old, or with a parent/guardian
- Comfortable hiking outdoors for 1-2 hours
- No previous experience required, but a willingness to learn is advisable; volunteers will be trained and asked to use basic field technology (binoculars, compass, digital cameras) and data sheets
- All volunteers must give at least a 6 month commitment, with 4 surveys a month in the field
- Volunteers must attend mandatory trainings (one classroom and one in the field)
- Once trained, volunteer monitoring times are flexible
If you have any further questions, contact Dana Murray here.
If you have an event that we need to know about, email calendar@santamonicanext.org
