Location: Van Damme Beach, Van Damme State Park
Park at the Van Damme Beach Parking Lot and meet at the rocky area on the south end of the beach.
GPS: 39.272195, -123.790537
Celebrate sea stars and the summer solstice with CA State Parks and MendoParks as we try to find and photograph as many species of sea stars as we can at the Van Damme tidepools! After a devastating outbreak of sea star wasting disease killed most of our sea stars a decade ago, these key players in tidepools and kelp forests are finally making a comeback. This program is part of the Solstice Sea Star Search by the California Academy of Sciences.
All you need is the iNaturalist app on your phone or a camera and an old pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots. We recommend familiarizing yourself with iNaturalist before you come. If you haven't used it before, download the free iNaturalist app to your phone and create an account. Make a few observations around your yard or neighborhood to get a feel for the app. Here's a short video on how to make observations on iNaturalist.
Please RSVP for this free program by emailing director@mendoparks.org.
Know Before You Go:
Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Closed-toe shoes with grip, such as tennis shoes or hiking boots, are recommended.
This program will be cancelled for rain, severe weather, or park closure.
More Information:
To learn more about upcoming programs or to make a donation, visit mendoparks.org.
Questions or Accessibility Information: