Walk on the Coastal Trail
Noyo Headlands
Monday, October 12 • 10:00am - 11:00am
Noyo Headlands Park Main Parking Lot • 39°25'52.7"N 123°48'44.8"W (Fort Bragg, CA)
From the parking area, follow the coastal trail toward the point to the permanent binoculars, where you'll have a view of one of several active kelp forest restoration sites that are part of the Pacific Coast Ocean Restoration (PCOR) Initiative along California's North Coast.
At this site, restoration teams are removing excess purple sea urchins and outplanting kelp to help create the conditions needed for these forests to recover. Depending on the ocean conditions, you may see mature kelp reaching the surface, forming ribbons of canopy that offer a glimpse of the underwater restoration taking place below.
Further along the coastal trail to the north, you can visit the Noyo Center for Marine Science Crow’s Nest where you will find a tide pool aquarium and other marine mammal exhibits, and The Whale House LaBONEatory, Noyo Center's newest facility. The Whale House is the first building on the campus of the future Ocean Science Center planned for this site.
Roundtrip, the walk is 1.5 miles from the parking area to the Noyo Center facilities and back. If you prefer to skip the walk, you can also drive up to these facilities for a visit before heading to Coast Cinemas for the Film Screenings.
Photo by Marco Mazza