PORTScast Calendar

Dive into kelp forest ecology and conservation at Mendocino Headlands State Park! With the loss of two keystone species – sea otters and sunflower sea stars – plus the impacts of climate change, our kelp forests have declined rapidly over the last 10 years. But we can help!

Join us at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP as we explore the history of the Coloma Valley before, during and after the Gold Discovery. During our program, we will take a walk through our park and learn how the discovery of gold changed California both culturally and environmentally. We will start with the story of the Coloma Valley before the Gold Discovery and will learn about the history of the California Gold Rush and its impact on the town of Coloma and the surrounding valley. Program resources for classrooms can be found here.

.

In this program, students will discover salt marsh plant and animal species using observational skills, movement, and nature journaling techniques. We’ll focus on the plants’ adaptations to salty ocean water in the largest coastal wetland in southern California. Join us virtually at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Dive deep into the fascinating lives of Northern Elephant Seals from Hearst San Simeon State Park! Watch these animals live from the largest mainland elephant seal rookery in the world while learning about the astounding adaptations that allow them to dive deep, migrate thousands of miles per year, go months without eating, and so much more.

Fire has a complicated relationship with most ecosystems, and the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park are no different. Students will be introduced to what fire is, how we have influenced it, and how important it is for the giant sequoia. This program is geared toward older students.

Join California State Parks Interpreter Anita at San Elijo Sate Beach to learn about these stinging survivalists! Jellies have amazing adaptations that allow them to thrive throughout our world’s ocean. From surface waters to the deepest depths, from the warm tropics to the chilly poles, these creatures have survived for millions of years. Join us to learn about their adaptations and how they and other species are being affected by climate change.

Join CA State Parks Interpreter Alex on a virtual field trip to Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) to learn about the diversity of life in the tidepools and the incredible adaptations that tidepool animals use to survive in a harsh environment where land meets the sea! Students will explore topics including habitats, biodiversity, tides, adaptations, food chains, and defense mechanisms. Students will also learn about Marine Protected Areas and how they help protect these fascinating and fragile tidepool ecosystems.

How do beavers help “Keep Tahoe Blue”? Join us from the shores of Lake Tahoe at Sugar Pine Point State Park to learn about the North American Beaver and their amazing ability to boost biodiversity and transform ecosystems.

Explore the incredible biodiversity of California’s Delta while learning how to fish from the pier at Brannan Island SRA. Guided by interpreters from California State Parks and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, your class will learn the basics of fishing while discovering the importance of conservation and what it means to be a responsible angler. Immerse yourself in the Delta’s extensive waterways, tule-filled wetlands, and riparian areas with willows, oaks, and cottonwoods that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife above and below the water!

Join us at Carpinteria State Beach as we explore the diverse animals in our tide pools and how they survive the highs and lows of life in the tidal zone. We will discuss how certain physical features and behaviors help them find food, ward off predators, and thrive in a constantly changing environment.

In this program, students will discover salt marsh plant and animal species using observational skills, movement, and nature journaling techniques. We’ll focus on the plants’ adaptations to salty ocean water in the largest coastal wetland in southern California. Join us virtually at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Grab your imaginary flippers and dive beneath the waves of Point Lobos for a live underwater adventure! Get an up-close look at kelp forests, marine animals, and the surprising adaptations that help them survive in this unique ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled and your detective skills ready as we search for creatures and uncover their underwater secrets in real time.

We welcome you for a fin-tastic virtual adventure at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve! Together, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of white sharks and discover why young white sharks are often spotted and sometimes aggregate in the waters off of Torrey Pines State Beach and other Southern California beaches. Get your paper and pencils ready! We will draw a white shark together while learning about the unique adaptations that make these incredible animals who they are. Along the way, students will uncover fun shark facts, explore what makes white sharks such fascinating creatures, and discover why they play such an important role in the marine ecosystem.

We welcome you for a fin-tastic virtual adventure at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve! Together, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of white sharks and discover why young white sharks are often spotted and sometimes aggregate in the waters off of Torrey Pines State Beach and other Southern California beaches. Get your paper and pencils ready! We will draw a white shark together while learning about the unique adaptations that make these incredible animals who they are. Along the way, students will uncover fun shark facts, explore what makes white sharks such fascinating creatures, and discover why they play such an important role in the marine ecosystem.

Climate change is real, and it is accelerating – but restoring and protecting coast redwood forests is one of the most effective natural climate solutions on Earth. “Redwoods have endured for millions of years, helping stabilize our planet and inspire resilience. By protecting and restoring these giants, we connect with their legacy, take meaningful action for the climate and leave a healthier world for future generations.” We will discuss how each of us has a role to play as stewards of California and this planet.

Dive into kelp forest ecology and conservation at Mendocino Headlands State Park! With the loss of two keystone species – sea otters and sunflower sea stars – plus the impacts of climate change, our kelp forests have declined rapidly over the last 10 years. But we can help!

Join us at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP as we explore the history of the Coloma Valley before, during and after the Gold Discovery. During our program, we will take a walk through our park and learn how the discovery of gold changed California both culturally and environmentally. We will start with the story of the Coloma Valley before the Gold Discovery and will learn about the history of the California Gold Rush and its impact on the town of Coloma and the surrounding valley. Program resources for classrooms can be found here.

.

In this program, students will discover salt marsh plant and animal species using observational skills, movement, and nature journaling techniques. We’ll focus on the plants’ adaptations to salty ocean water in the largest coastal wetland in southern California. Join us virtually at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Dive deep into the fascinating lives of Northern Elephant Seals from Hearst San Simeon State Park! Watch these animals live from the largest mainland elephant seal rookery in the world while learning about the astounding adaptations that allow them to dive deep, migrate thousands of miles per year, go months without eating, and so much more.

Fire has a complicated relationship with most ecosystems, and the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park are no different. Students will be introduced to what fire is, how we have influenced it, and how important it is for the giant sequoia. This program is geared toward older students.

Join California State Parks Interpreter Anita at San Elijo Sate Beach to learn about these stinging survivalists! Jellies have amazing adaptations that allow them to thrive throughout our world’s ocean. From surface waters to the deepest depths, from the warm tropics to the chilly poles, these creatures have survived for millions of years. Join us to learn about their adaptations and how they and other species are being affected by climate change.

Join CA State Parks Interpreter Alex on a virtual field trip to Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) to learn about the diversity of life in the tidepools and the incredible adaptations that tidepool animals use to survive in a harsh environment where land meets the sea! Students will explore topics including habitats, biodiversity, tides, adaptations, food chains, and defense mechanisms. Students will also learn about Marine Protected Areas and how they help protect these fascinating and fragile tidepool ecosystems.

How do beavers help “Keep Tahoe Blue”? Join us from the shores of Lake Tahoe at Sugar Pine Point State Park to learn about the North American Beaver and their amazing ability to boost biodiversity and transform ecosystems.

Explore the incredible biodiversity of California’s Delta while learning how to fish from the pier at Brannan Island SRA. Guided by interpreters from California State Parks and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, your class will learn the basics of fishing while discovering the importance of conservation and what it means to be a responsible angler. Immerse yourself in the Delta’s extensive waterways, tule-filled wetlands, and riparian areas with willows, oaks, and cottonwoods that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife above and below the water!

Join us at Carpinteria State Beach as we explore the diverse animals in our tide pools and how they survive the highs and lows of life in the tidal zone. We will discuss how certain physical features and behaviors help them find food, ward off predators, and thrive in a constantly changing environment.

In this program, students will discover salt marsh plant and animal species using observational skills, movement, and nature journaling techniques. We’ll focus on the plants’ adaptations to salty ocean water in the largest coastal wetland in southern California. Join us virtually at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Grab your imaginary flippers and dive beneath the waves of Point Lobos for a live underwater adventure! Get an up-close look at kelp forests, marine animals, and the surprising adaptations that help them survive in this unique ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled and your detective skills ready as we search for creatures and uncover their underwater secrets in real time.

We welcome you for a fin-tastic virtual adventure at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve! Together, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of white sharks and discover why young white sharks are often spotted and sometimes aggregate in the waters off of Torrey Pines State Beach and other Southern California beaches. Get your paper and pencils ready! We will draw a white shark together while learning about the unique adaptations that make these incredible animals who they are. Along the way, students will uncover fun shark facts, explore what makes white sharks such fascinating creatures, and discover why they play such an important role in the marine ecosystem.

We welcome you for a fin-tastic virtual adventure at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve! Together, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of white sharks and discover why young white sharks are often spotted and sometimes aggregate in the waters off of Torrey Pines State Beach and other Southern California beaches. Get your paper and pencils ready! We will draw a white shark together while learning about the unique adaptations that make these incredible animals who they are. Along the way, students will uncover fun shark facts, explore what makes white sharks such fascinating creatures, and discover why they play such an important role in the marine ecosystem.

Climate change is real, and it is accelerating – but restoring and protecting coast redwood forests is one of the most effective natural climate solutions on Earth. “Redwoods have endured for millions of years, helping stabilize our planet and inspire resilience. By protecting and restoring these giants, we connect with their legacy, take meaningful action for the climate and leave a healthier world for future generations.” We will discuss how each of us has a role to play as stewards of California and this planet.