Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) is focused exclusively on the protection and preservation of Upper Newport Bay – one of the most precious natural resources in Southern California.

Visitors

Getting out on the water is one of the best ways of viewing the birds and other wildlife up close. The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a guided kayak tour every Saturday morning year-round in partnership with the Newport Aquatic Center located at Northstar Beach.

Students

We offer a variety of education programs from child to adult that serve over 50,000 people each year. We conduct our own programs, and provide volunteer support for programs organized by our partners at the Interpretive Center and the Back Bay Science Center.

How to Help

Financial, practical, technical and influential support is critical as we strive to do what is best for the Bay, the watershed, and the people for generations to come. Please help us to achieve our vision.

Among the very few remaining, undeveloped wetlands on the California coast located in Orange County, Upper Newport Bay is recognized as a globally significant hotspot of biodiversity. NBC works to sustain an amazing diversity of marine, plant and animal life in its stewardship of the Bay.

Restoration of native habitat is one of NBC’s primary activities, bringing together highly trained experts, committed volunteers, the public, and local businesses in the process of uprooting invasive plants and returning the proper plant life to encourage biodiversity.

The environmental education programs NBC provides for both academic students of all ages and the general public enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the Bay;  increased awareness of the role everyone plays in protecting the environment is essential.

Supporting research in the the square mile of protected tidelands and uplands of the Bay builds our knowledge of this rich biosphere, while proper science-based management helps sustain the 154 square mile watershed of central Orange County that drains to the Pacific via the Bay.

NBC seeks to advocate for residents of central Orange County and many of our visitors from far and wide to enjoy the natural beauty of this precious resource and to learn more about its ecological value.

As NBC strives to protect and preserve the Upper Newport Bay, we also aim to foster human diversity by creating a culture in which every visitor, volunteer, public steward, partner, member and employee feels at home. Upper Newport Bay welcomes people of all races, genders, nations, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.