Dinner is Served: The Spring Arrival of Nutrients for the Ecosystem

Location: Registrants will be informed of location
Docent: Gil Eastman

Along our coastal shore, the upwelling of nutrient-rich water from deep sea has arrived. This massive arrival of diatoms and plankton is the food source for new life along the shore. Small crustaceans, juvenile krill, and small schooling fish, find a plentiful feast, but in turn, they become dinner for larger fish, mammals, and seabirds.  Thanks to longer days, the kelp forests are growing rapidly, providing food, shelter, and nurseries for a multitude of marine life. Food is plentiful - Life is good.

Similarly, Spring days and our seasonal rains have brought blooming flowers and new grasses to our coastal bluff. We should see California poppy, dudleya, seaside woolly sunflower, sea daisy, see thrift, goldfields, lupin, blue-eyed grass, and purple-needle grass. The bouquet of flowers is gorgeous, but also a sign of new life for insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds.

This short leisurely stroll is free and open to the public. Children are welcome with adult supervision. No dogs please. Please be aware that there are no restroom facilities on the Ranch and plan accordingly! Rain cancels.

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