Seaweed Demystified Walk at Asilomar State Beach

A Tour via the California Seaweed Festival. This ticketed event has a fee.

Full Description: Come join us at Asilomar State Beach to learn the names and some of the ecology of our local seaweeds! We'll discover the three main types of seaweed - red, brown, and green, and identify species such as feather boa kelp, sea lettuce, Turkish washcloth, and iridescent seaweed. We'll also discuss the two types of kelp forest along Monterey Bay - giant kelp and bull kelp - and the threats to these stunning and indispensable ocean ecosystems from climate change and sea urchin overgrazing. This walk is being held in conjunction with the California Seaweed Festival taking place on October 24th at the Old Custom House Plaza in Monterey (californiaseaweedfestival.org).

Logistics: Meet at Asilomar State Beach off Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, across the crosswalk from the Asilomar Conference Center (800 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950). Bathrooms are located at the Asilomar Lodge and a store with water and snacks.

Trip Difficulty: This will be a relatively easy walk after walking down to the beach through soft sand and a short decline. The surface is soft and packed sand. Beach 

Distance: The total distance for this out-and-back beach walk may be up to 1.5 miles.

Other: Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a desire to learn about our broad range of local ecosystems, each harboring distinct assemblages of plants and birds. Indicate in the registration if you need binoculars. Optional: Download the nature apps Seek by iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID before the walk.

Trip Leader: Patrick Furtado, volunteer and conservation biologist

Tickets: Purchase a ticket through the Seaweed Festival website at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaseaweedfestival

Questions and RSVP: Please email info@montereyaudubon.org if you have additional questions or to discuss access or equipment needs.