679 students explore the coast and Channel Islands with the MERITO Academy during Spring 2017

Students from Park View Elementary, Sunkist Elementary, McKinna Elementary, Washington Elementary, Adelante Elementary, Montalvo Elementary, EP Foster Elementary, De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts and Berry Wool Elementary Schools explored the coasts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, studied the natural environments, gathered scientific data and many also explored the Channel Islands as participants of the MERITO Academy 2016-2017. Our staff led educational activities for 679 students such as water quality testing, bird ID, sandy beach and rocky intertidal monitoring, and hikes led by naturalist. These outdoor educational field experiences are all inquire-based and hands-on science activities. Thank you California Coastal Conservancy, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Ventura Water and Channel Islands Harbor Foundation.