Students record field observations

Upper Newport Bay is headquarters for the California Coastal Commission’s statewide community-based Restoration-Education Program. Among the resources developed under the program’s umbrella is the Our Wetlands, Our World High School Field Activities Guide. This high school level curriculum is structured to help local teachers meet required State Science Content Standards with activities that connect education with real life. The curriculum focuses on the history and ecology of UNB; the effects of urbanization and non-point source pollution, non-native invasions and loss of biodiversity; and the importance of community-based restoration and stewardship. Newport Bay conservancy uses activities from the guide as part of its high school Outrigger Canoe Program.

The guide is intended for use at Upper Newport Bay, but much of the information is applicable to other wetland sites. Therefore activities could be used by teachers planning field trips elsewhere.

Workshops are provided regularly in Orange County for educators interested in using the guide. If you would like to participate in an orientation workshop for Our Wetlands, Our World, please send an e-mail to myurko@coastal.ca.gov which includes your contact information, as well as the name of your school or program and the grade level that you teach. Please check back here for announcements of future trainings.