Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 39) Santa Cruz County’s coastside towns. Tidepools along the rocky sections of the beach reveal a fascinating microcosm of sea stars, tiny fish and crabs, sea anemones and barnacles. And perched on the edge of the Monterey Bay, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab invites visitors to examine marine life at seawater tables, aquariums, and marine exhibits illustrating the work of resident scientists. Part of University of California Santa Cruz, the Center is the nation’s third largest marine research and education facility. Docent-led tours offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the lab’s facilities and Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve. Ms. Blue, the world’s largest displayed whale skeleton, once a living 87-foot blue whale, rests outside the center. For more marine life viewing, stroll to the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf and watch the lumbering sea lions suddenly acquire a ballerina’s grace the moment they hit the water. From December to March, make reservations for a naturalist-led tour of Año Nuevo State Reserve, the largest elephant seal breeding ground in North America. You can also spend the day at any one of Santa Cruz County’s public beaches and watch marine life pass by off shore. The Santa Cruz Harbor is home to the Monterey Bay Sanctuary interpretive center. A modest display housed inside the office of Save Our Shores, the center is complete with models, informational charts, books, a fresh water aquarium, and interactive exhibits. The gifts of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary unfold before us as an aquatic museum, created by nature for us to enjoy and care for. 39 ProteCting the treASureS of the SAnCtuAry The deep underwater canyons and majestic kelp forests of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary sustain an abundance and diversity of marine life found in few other places on the planet. And while the sanctuary invites exploration and enjoyment, we must do our part to protect this national treasure for future generations. We are able to enjoy a clean and beautiful marine sanctuary thanks to the many individuals – both residents and visitors – who care for it and use it wisely. Here are a few ways to help: ~ Please do not throw solid or liquid trash into the ocean, down storm drains or on the beach ~ Do not feed or attempt to attract marine wildlife ~ For safety, stay 50 yards away from marine animals including seals, sea lions, and sea otters ~ Do not remove animals from beaches or tide pools ~ If you see an injured animal, contact the nearest park ranger for help. Don’t touch the animal ~ Report anyone who is harming sea animals or destroying the marine environment by calling 1.800.853.1964 ~ Keep pets away from areas frequented by wildlife ~ Pick up your trash and do your part to keep our Sanctuary clean ~ Learn more about sea animals and their environment by visiting educational research centers Fun, educational opportunities also abound at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Harbor, Capitola Wharf, and interpretive and visitor centers at several state beaches. Photo: frank Balthis www. s a n t a cr u z co u n ty. t r a v e l http://www.santacruzcounty.travel
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