Newport Bay Research Workshop

Intertidal Invertebrates of the Newport Bay and Coast: Ecological Role and Ecosystem Services

When: Thursday, Mar. 8 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm



Doors open 5:00 pm

Where: Back Bay Science Center

The Back Bay Science Center is located at 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Click here for directions.

This is the latest in a series of research workshop that have been organized by the Research Committee of Newport Bay Conservancy. It will help the public to understand the estuarine ecology of Newport Bay and Coast, especially as it relates to water quality concerns, and the concept of ecosystem services provided by the vast number of invertebrates that live in the mud and sand of these areas.  This workshop will kick off a month of intensive research, organized by the Conservancy, on filter-feeding invertebrates and their role in the Bay ecosystem. 

There is an Admission Charge of $10:00 which will contribute to a fund to promote further research in the Bay.

Registration and pre-payment are required by credit card via secure Paypal link below. (If you do not have a Paypal account, or do not wish to use it, choose Checkout button during processing of your transaction. You do not need to create a Paypal account at any time.)

Purchase $10 Admission:

The ecological health of our coast and especially of Newport Bay, like that of other estuaries and bays, is highly dependent on ecosystem services provided by large populations of sessile filter-feeding invertebrates including clams, mussels and ascidians. These animals make an enormous contribution to water quality by preventing the buildup of excess phytoplankton.  They are also, of course, an important food source for other invertebrates, fish and birds. 

Program Details:

6:00 pm: “Intertidal Invertebrates of Orange County”. Peter Bryant, Research Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine and Research Committee Chair, Newport Bay Conservancy.
 

6:30 pm: “Benthic Infauna: Alien life forms and what they tell us”. Charles Mitchell, Vice President and Managing Scientist, MBC Applied Environmental Sciences.

7:00 pm: “Ecological dynamics, anthropogenic impacts, and long-term change of open-coast mussel bed communities”. Jayson Smith, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Cal Poly Pomona.

7:30 pm: Break

8:00 pm: “Oyster Restoration in Newport Bay”. Danielle Zacherl, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton.

8:30 pm: “Habitat modification and the performance of native and non-native oysters in Newport Bay”. Jennifer Burnaford, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton.

Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate an Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community.

The NBC Ecology Career Club will provide training and leadership opportunities, habitat restoration projects, behind-the-scene tours, etc. A kick-off event is being held on Wednesday October 19, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the Back  Bay Science Center. Download pdf flyer.

Bobcat Babe and Kitten at UNB

Bobcats are occasionally seen walking along the bike paths and trails of Newport’s Back Bay where they reside, breed and raise a new litter of two or three kittens each year. They are even known to stroll across the patios of adjacent homes. Living in a densely urbanized neighborhood presents special challenges for these animals but if they can avoid close contact with humans or being run over by automobiles or bikes they may live in excess of ten years.

One female bobcat called Babe has been a frequent visitor in the area around the Interpretive Center in the past several years, though she has not been observed in the Back Bay for several months now. The last report of her came from a resident living closer to Newport Coast. A bobcat called Vanity is being closely monitored by researchers in the Back Bay as the radio-transmitter collar she is wearing is still sending off strong signals indicating she is doing well. This young bobcat is believed to be a two-year-old offspring of Babe.

Bobcats living in urban areas like the Back Bay have demonstrated much less fear of mankind and in some cases will hunt in plain sight of and in close proximity to people.

Bobcats are carnivores and will catch any small game that does not present a threat to their safety such as rabbits, squirrels, coots or other small birds. Visitors to the bay should never attempt to feed a bobcat or any other wildlife or interfere with their activities in any way.

Healthy bobcats are not considered a threat to man or his domestic pets. However, we need to keep our pets on leash at all times when we are walking in the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Should a domestic dog or cat get too close to a bobcat’s kittens or corner one, then the bobcat might aggressively defend itself or its offspring.

Like other felines, bobcats enjoy napping and when not hunting that is their most common activity. They will find a sunny spot to snooze in when the weather is cold and may seek shade under a tree when it gets too hot. Naturalists leading hikes along the trails will occasionally look back over their shoulder only to see a bobcat come out of hiding and walk away in the opposite direction just as the trail guests have passed its hiding spot along the trail. Bobcats are truly one of nature’s special creatures.

Dick Newell, Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Trackers