Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California, Mexico and Central and South America. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to the City of Arcata’s innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, grassy uplands, mudflats, and brackish marsh and hosts over 300 species of migratory birds annually. Guided tour will meet at 10am at the very end of I Street at the Klopp Lake parking lot, just a short walk from the plaza.
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Bring your own snacks and binoculars. You can pick up food from the North Coast Co-op just a block off Arcata Plaza. Fieldtrip is guided by retired Humboldt State ornithology professor Mark Colwell.
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Old Town Eureka, a historic district that features over 150 Victorian-era buildings showcasing diverse architectural styles. The tour will board the M.V. Madaket for a relaxing voyage along the shores of Humboldt Bay. Built in 1910, the Madaket is the oldest passenger motor vessel in continuous service in the United States. The hour-long guided tour of Humboldt Bay highlights local history, industries, points of interest, and wildlife. Following the harbor tour there will be time for lunch and to explore Old Town Eureka as a group or individually.
Bus departs from Laurel Drive at Cal Poly Humboldt campus at 10:00 am and returns at 2:30pm. Parking available in nearby G11 lot (pay at kiosk).
Fifty miles north of Eureka, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a 14,000 acre forest sanctuary that features a variety of ecosystems, from the open meadows grazed by herds of Roosevelt elk to the dense growth redwood forests to the coastal bluffs and fern filled canyons.
Bus leaves from Laurel Drive at Cal Poly Humboldt Campus at 10:00am and drives 1 hour to Elk Meadow visitors center. Group hike of Big Tree Loop, a 3.2 mile loop with minimal elevation gain that passes through some of the park's most iconic old growth groves. Other hiking options are available from the visitors center. Bus leaves promptly at 3:00pm to return to Cal Poly campus.
Bus will stop at Murphy's Market in Trinidad on the way for people to pick up food for lunch at Prairie Creek Visitor Center prior to the hike.