Funder's Corner - California State Coastal Conservancy: A BayLines Original Article

The California State Coastal Conservancy is a non-regulatory state agency that works to preserve, improve and restore public access, natural resources and agricultural lands along the Pacific coast and the San Francisco Bay shoreline and its adjacent counties. The Conservancy granted MSI $30,000 through their “Explore the Coast” program this year. The Conservancy’s objectives through this grant program are to support activities that allow more people to explore California’s spectacular coast, improve the visitor experience, and help the public to learn about natural, recreational, cultural and historic resources of the coast.

Thanks to the Conservancy, more than 3,000 low-income students in grades 3 and above explored a range of coastal and bayshore habitats in San Mateo County with expert guidance from Marine Science Institute’s educators. Most schools chose MSI’s Tidepool Expedition program at Pillar Point tidepools, the Marsh and Beach Exploration program at Pescadero State Beach or the Shoreside program at the MSI waterfront in Redwood City. Some teachers opted to participate in the Beach Habitat, Rocky Shore, Coastal Water or Scientific Method Combination multiple-exposure programs for their students. Multiple-exposure programs combine one or more classroom-based programs with guided field trips!

Thank you to the California State Coastal Conservancy for supporting education that is so fundamental to the protection of our marine resources!