The California Academy of Sciences is sponsoring a statewide effort to discover, record, and share observations of plants, seaweeds, and animals found along the California coast, and no prior experience is needed to participate. Just head out to the shoreline between now and June 16 to participate in the annual Snapshot Cal Coast event. Use the iNaturalist app to record your observations, which makes it easy to upload your photos and get expert help in identifying what you’ve found. This is a fun reason to visit the coast on your own, with your friends, or with your kids, while contributing to an important collection used by scientists to better understand this special ecosystem.
Check YourCoast.org (or download the YourCoast app for iPhone) to find the perfect coastal spot to make your observations.
Or, join in coastal bioblitzes—public events for Snapshot Cal Coast. The next nearby bioblitzes are Sunday, June 9 at Muir Beach, hosted by the California Academy and Saturday, June 8: Aquatic Park beach cleanup and survey, hosted by Shark Stewards. Click here for more info.