Juniors Kris Paulino, Jordan Gunderson, Rachel Hughes, and Ryan Triplett take a break from unpacking their car and setting up their tents in the brisk weather at the campgrounds.
Monday, May 31, through Friday, June 4, Mr. Cadiz’s and Mrs. Gray’s Marine Ecology classes camped at Morro Bay State Park. The camping trip consisted of daily walks to different areas around the bay to help studnets understand and study marine ecosystems and their inhabitants.
On Tuesday, the group went to the mudflats at the bay to find and identify different life forms that survive there. However, after time to explore, most students took part in a game of mud football and red rover.
“The mudflats were amazing,” exclaimed junior Alissa Neal. “Not many people get the chance to visit, let alone do research and play football, in this kind of place so it was special.”
After spending time at the mudflats, the group headed into the harbor and kayaked across to sand dunes where they walked up and down the beach observing different shells and other wildlife.
Students pose for a picture after a kayaking trip across the harbor to the sand dunes where they spent some time on the beach identifying sea shells.
“When I was a kid I used to just pick up the shells off the beach and think they were just made for no reason,” said junior Barbara Dolen. ”But now I understand why they are shaped or colored the way they are, and that’s pretty neat.”
On Wednesday, students took a scenic drive to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium to observe different marine animals.
“My favorite was definitely the aquarium,” explained senior Mandy Mantona. “The fish were beautiful and the kelp forest exhibit was so cool. I liked watching the otters too, they are so cute and playful.”
Thursday the students arrived at the tide pools at Los Osos State Park where they examined the difference in life at high and low tide.
“That day at the beach was filled with fun,” exclaimed senior Alec Robbie. “I caught a crab, saw some dolphins, had a picnic, helped catch a seagull, and got a tan. What more could I want?”
After a hike through the state park, several students pose for a group picture in the grassy hills above their camp.
Friday, the group stopped at UC Santa Barbara on their way home to tour of their Marine Centers.
“UCSB was right on the beach and they seem to be doing some good research there to help save some dying fish” said junior Kyle Pagel.
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