Wild L.A.: Exploring the Amazing Nature

Wild L.A. Field Trip: Abalone Cove Park

Saturday, October 8, 2022 | Proyecto Pastoral

Discover the vibrant world of marine invertebrates and land snails with Museum Scientists! Join Museum staff in the South Bay, where the local land snails rally around some of the most beautiful tide pools in Southern California. Participants will learn about tide pool ecology, marine biology, and Southern California’s imperiled land snail species while they spot native and introduced land snails along the trail, as well as sea urchins, sea anemones, crabs, marine worms, and their exotic intertidal neighbors in abounding tide pools!

This program is exclusively for the Proyecto Pastoral community.

Before the field trip

Complete your group's waiver and photo release by Friday, October 7, 2022.

What to expect

• Please arrive at Proyecto Pastoral by 12:00 pm. Buses will depart promptly at 12:30 pm.
• Museum staff will guide you through the natural area, and we will frequently stop to observe nature, point out critters, and explore! 
• All levels of experience are welcome! 
• The Museum will provide you with a pocket guide for identifying wildlife. 
• Restrooms and water fountains are available within a short walking distance.  
• The Museum will provide snacks for participants. 
• Click here to explore Abalone Cove Park on their website. 

What to bring 

• Shoes with grip, such as tennis shoes or Tevas, are ideal when visiting the tidepools. The rocks are VERY SLIPPERY, and it is easy to slip and fall. Refrain from wearing sandals or flip-flops on your visit. Barnacles and mussels are sharp and may cause injury to bare feet.
• We recommend dressing in layers as weather conditions may change throughout the day.
• Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.  

• The Museum will provide some snacks for the group.

• You are welcome to bring your smartphone or camera to take pictures and capture your wildlife observations!

What will we see?

The conditions of the tidepools change every day, so there is no telling what we may see, which makes tidepooling so exciting! There are many organisms to explore on the tidepools, all of which have amazing adaptions to survive in this changing environment.  Explore the images below for some of the creatures we hope to see!

Questions?

Please contact us at community@nhm.org if you have any questions!