Celebrate California’s Biodiversity
It’s that time of the year again when Californians up and down the state, from the mountains to the coast, celebrate the wonderful places and species that make California our home. California Biodiversity Day is almost upon us – and there are opportunities to celebrate all week starting September 2!
California is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth: our state is the only place on the continent that encompasses arid deserts, lush forests, snow-covered peaks, and an iconic coast. This diversity in landscape and habitat supports a rich range of plants, insects, fishes, birds, and animals within California, many of which can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.
Biodiversity Day, taking place on Thursday, September 7, 2023, marks the anniversary of the launch of the California Biodiversity Initiative in 2018. It’s a great time to pause and appreciate our state’s unique natural resources, as well as reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to go as a state. And nothing exemplifies California’s vision for conservation better than our state’s 30×30 Initiative. In October 2020, Governor Newsom issued the Nature-Based Solutions Executive Order N-82-20, advancing biodiversity conservation as an Administration priority and elevating the role of nature in the fight against climate change. As part of this Executive Order, California committed to the goal of conserving 30% of our lands and coastal waters by 2030.
The 30×30 goal is intended to help accelerate conservation of our lands and coastal waters through voluntary, collaborative action to meet three objectives: conserve and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate and build resilience to climate change. OPC is proud to lead the state’s effort to conserve 30% of coastal waters by 2030. As of May 2023, 16.2% of coastal waters, or 546,200 acres, are considered conserved for 30×30. OPC has identified concrete strategies to work with tribes, agency partners, fishermen, conservation organizations, and coastal communities to conserve an additional half a million acres by 2030.
This year, OPC is celebrating Biodiversity Day by participating in iNaturalist’s 30×30 Challenge September 2-10! We’re challenging Californians to find 30 species in California’s coastal, marine, or wetland habitats. Post and tag iNaturalist and OPC in your findings on social media (connect with us on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages). Your observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other species in California will help inform the California 30×30 initiative by using the power of community science, crowdsourcing, maps, and photo sharing to encourage environmental stewardship. These data and efforts all contribute to our collective effort to conserve 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.
We also invite you to join us on Wednesday, September 6 for the California Natural Resources Agency 30×30 Biodiversity Showcase Webinar from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We will meet up with several 30×30 tour guides to explore biodiversity’s role in sustaining and enhancing California’s ecosystems and communities, and explore the work happening to protect, steward, and restore nature all across the state. We look forward to celebrating biodiversity and our 30×30 partnership work with you!
Please check out CNRA’s Biodiversity Day website for more information on other events and activities (both in-person and virtual) happening in your community!
Here are highlights of coast and ocean events near you:
(Click on arrow for more details.)
Saturday, September 2
Tidepool Bioblitz at Sue-meg State Park
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Join the interpreters at Sue-meg State Park for a tidepool bioblitz, where we will explore the tidepools at Agate Beach and learn about the plants and animals that live there. Meet at the Agate Beach trailhead at 8:00 a.m. to hike down to the tidepools with the interpreters or meet them at the tidepools anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The hike to Agate Beach is approximately ½ mile downhill.
Habitat Walk Bioblitz at Natural Bridges State Beach
2:00 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Take a walk through some of the unique habitats of Natural Bridges State Beach! Participate in community science by using the iNaturalist app to document the many species we have, while appreciating the uniqueness of our park. The group will be walking about a mile over sand, dirt, and rocks, so please wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Sunday, September 3
Biodiversity Week Junior Ranger Program at Half Moon Bay State Beach
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Join kid-focused biodiversity activities as part of the Junior Rangers Program at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Activities include guided nature walks, a trash clean-up, presentations, and games!
Monday, September 4
Tidepool Bioblitz AT Natural Bridges State Beach
9:30 a.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Explore the ocean without getting your feet wet on this exciting tidepool tour! Join in for some fun in the sun for California Biodiversity Week, and help document the incredible creatures of the Natural Bridges tidepools using the iNaturalist app. The group will be walking over slippery rocks, through sand, and up hills on this tour, so please wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Wednesday, September 6
Santa Barbara Channel and Gaviota Coast Biodiversity Showcase Webinar
10:00 a.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Attend a virtual webinar showcasing the biodiversity of the Santa Barbara Channel and Gaviota Coast in Southern California to connect students with landscape and local biodiversity through digital technology. Encourage individuals to learn about and explore their local ecosystems.
Thursday, September 7
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Biodiversity Hike
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve! There will be small groups that cover different parts of the reserve, including the trails, beach, and marsh/lagoon. Walks will be about two hours at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops along the way. Each group will be guided by Parks Staff and/or a Volunteer Docent. Mileage and routes will vary between groups. BioBlitz: Helps identify and log in iNaturalist! Walk the trails to identify and log the different species of plants, animals, and insects. Learn how to use the “iNaturalist” app on your smartphone to record biodiversity. Parks staff and Docents will teach you everything you need to know about using iNaturalist and participating in a bioblitz. Please download the app ahead of time.
Biodiversity BioBlitz Hike at Crystal Cove State Park
9:00 a.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Enjoy an easy one-mile hike down Moro Canyon and explore Crystal Cove State Park’s beautiful backcountry while identifying and documenting animal and plant species using the iNaturalist app. Ages 8 and up are welcome. Come with a mobile device and the iNaturalist app downloaded if possible; staff will be available to help if you need assistance downloading the app or creating an account. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, and dress in layers. Meeting at the Berns Amphitheater in the lower Moro Day Use Area at Crystal Cove State Park. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), inland at stoplight School/State Park, follow signs for the campground. Registration Necessary. MUST EMAIL alex.anderson@parks.ca.gov to register!
Bats, Birds, and Biodiversity at El Monte Ecological Preserve
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Earth Discovery Institute
Celebrate California Biodiversity Day at El Monte Ecological Preserve. On this after-work walk through the preserve, you will learn about our conservation projects on this preserve; restoring coastal cactus scrub habitat for a range of species, including the locally listed Coastal Cactus Wren, our bat hotel supporting local bat species, and our oak restoration – all supporting local biodiversity and threatened species.
Friday, September 8
Celebrate Biodiversity Week at Morro Bay State Park!
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
All ages are welcome for this FREE interpretive event! Meet State Park Interpreters at the Black Hill Trail parking area to enjoy a 1-mile hike on the second to last of nine volcanic plugs that lie between the city of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay (the last being Morro Rock itself). The hike will include elevated views of the surrounding ancient volcanos, Montaña de Oro Park Sand Spit boarding the Pacific Ocean, and even Morro Rock. Dress in layers for the coast and wear sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars and sun protection. Slight incline on uneven and rocky terrain, with 190ft elevation gain from the parking lot. ~½ mile.
Saturday, September 9
Bolsa Chica Biodiversity Day Hike
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Hosted by Bolsa Chica Conservancy
Join in on a 1.5-mile guided hike of Bolsa Chica, discussing the many plants and animals that call the coastal wetland and sage scrub habitats their homes. Hikers of all ages and fitness levels are welcome! The trail is flat, hard-pack dirt with minimal shade – bring sun protection and water!
Carmel River State Beach Biodiversity Volunteer Day
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Remove invasive weeds and/or collect native seeds to help with restoration in the park. The day will start with a talk about biodiversity and a tour of the restoration plots.
Tolowa Dunes State Park Bioblitz
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Join State Park interpreters at Tolowa Dunes State Park for an exploratory adventure through this spectacular coastal dunes habitat! Most importantly, this event aims to highlight the incredible biodiversity that exists here while also engaging in community science. This event is aimed towards using the iNaturalist app to take pictures and gather data regarding all of the life that resides here. Keep your eyes peeled for State Park Interpreters at the end of Sand Hill Road displaying plant guides, animal track molds, and scat models!
BioBlitz at Refugio State Beach
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Visit Refugio State Beach to discover the biodiversity of the Santa Barbara Channel. Explore the native plant garden, check out the Education Center, explore the park, and upload your findings to iNaturalist.
Habitat Walk Bioblitz at Natural Bridges State Beach
10:30 a.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Walk through some of the unique habitats of Natural Bridges State Beach! Participate in community science by using the iNaturalist app to document the many species they have, while appreciating the uniqueness of the park. Participants will be walking about a mile over sand, dirt, and rocks, so please wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Habitat Walk Bioblitz at Sunset State Beach
10:30 a.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Stroll through some of the unique habitats of Sunset State Beach! Participate in community science by using the iNaturalist app to document the many species they have, while appreciating the uniqueness of the park. Participants will be walking about a mile over sand and dirt, so please wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain. Meet in the lower day-use parking area.
Riding the Waves of Change: Navigating California’s Biodiversity in the Face of Sea Level Rise (San Clemente State Beach)
6:30 p.m.
Hosted by California State Parks
Attend an interactive program at San Clemente State Beach amphitheater to learn about the effects of climate change and rising sea levels on California’s unique biodiversity. All ages are welcome to come learn about the challenges facing coastal ecosystems and leave inspired to take collective action to protect and preserve California’s unique habitats and species.
To stay up to date on all things 30×30 coast and ocean, visit our 30×30 webpage and sign up for emails.