COURTESY OF LAGUNA OCEAN FOUNDATION

TIDE POOL TEACHERS Education reigns supreme with the Tidepool Educator Program , which enlists the expertise of specially trained teachers and volunteers to provide information about local marine life to visitors . Limited only by tide level and weather conditions , visitation sites include Heisler Park , Treasure Island , Crescent Bay , Shaw ’ s Cove , Wood ’ s Cove and Goff Island . “ Stewardship requires care . The underlying principle is , ‘ The more you know , the more you care ,’ ” explains Rob Lee , Laguna Ocean Foundation ’ s managing director . “ Visitors of all ages are welcome . … Those with a passion for marine science and protection , … [ who are ] 18 years old or above , can apply to be an educator … or docent .” Docent volunteers ( unpaid ) receive free , threeday training to introduce them to intertidal life and California ’ s Marine Protected Area system . Paid educators provide knowledge and resources at the tide pools year-round .

LEVERAGING LEADERSHIP New in 2023 , the Emerging Leaders program seeks to build a generation of science and

conservation leaders , particularly students from underrepresented and underprivileged areas , through mentorship and financial support . “ We realize that not all college students , particularly those that attend community colleges , have the access , resources or encouragement to pursue these professions . We hope to inspire them to follow their passion ,” Lee says . “ Once trained , the student will be part of a larger mentorship network .” Lee says the foundation wants all hands on deck and are looking for community volunteers to help with its education program : artists and photographers to help the organization provide better education material , people in the hospitality industry to better educate tourists about what to do and what not to do on local beaches , and athletes in the surf and skimboard communities to encourage their friends and families to protect the oceanic environment . “ We ’ re always looking for support to have a greater impact — any financial contributions would be greatly appreciated ,” Lee adds . To learn more about these programs , participate in them or make a donation , visit lagunaoceanfoundation . com .

The Aliso Creek estuary is undergoing a restoration .

HABITAT RESTORATION Estuaries are rare ecosystems that provide valuable habitats for native fish and wildlife , filter pollution from water that is entering the ocean , and provide resilience to sea level rise and climate change . “ In its present state , the [ Aliso Creek ] estuary is an unhealthy eyesore . We want to bring the lagoon back to Laguna ,” Lee says . “ We assembled a team of experts experienced in estuary restoration : scientists , restoration ecologists , site planners , engineers and environmental planners .” Lee says that the goal is to restore the degraded site to a healthy and functional ecosystem that will be a jewel of the Laguna coastline while also providing public amenities that enhance visitor mobility , creating a scenic gateway in south Laguna and proclaiming the community ’ s ethos of stewardship for the natural coast . g

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 29