Episode 2: Peregrines, Pelicans, and Plovers|with the program director of Morro Coast Audubon Society, Torrey Gage-Tomlinson
Join us to talk with the program director of Morro Coast Audubon Society, Torrey Gage-Tomlinson, about three common species of birds seen around the Central Coast: peregrine falcons, brown pelicans, and snowy plovers. We learn how crucial birds are to supporting ecosystems and why protecting birds means protecting nature and people, too.
Episode 1: Update on the Western Monarch: How to Help an Iconic Species in Danger| with City of SLO Biologist, Freddy Otte, CCSPA Board Vice-Chair, Valerie Glahn and Emma Rhoads, Marketing and Stewardship Specialist at TJA
Monarch butterflies are treasured around the world, but they have a special connection to the Central Coast. Every year they migrate to places like the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove and bring in visitors from all around the world who want to see monarchs in their natural habitat.
In this episode, we hear from three guests about the conditions contributing to the monarchs’ decline, how residents can learn more and get involved, along with the positive impact that monarchs have on local tourism.
Episode 3: Celebrating California State Parks Week| with State Parks Interpreters Michelle and Mallory Claassen
Have you ever wanted to enter a sand castle competition? Do yoga on the beach? Pick up trash from our beautiful coastline? This could be your chance! During State Parks Week, there are numerous events happening in the 280 parks all across the state. In this episode you’ll hear from naturalists Michelle and Mallory Claassen about free activities in Pismo Beach and Oceano Dunes.
For a list of events during State Parks Week from June 12-16, click here: castateparksweek.org/.To register for the sandcastle competition at Pismo Beach, fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…FLSoc44A/viewform. To sign up for the Oceano Dunes beach cleanup, visit this link: l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%…Vi9H9O9t2Lj1cPX4Q.
Episode 2: Slithering Through the State Parks| with Researcher Dr. Emily Taylor and State Parks Environmental Scientist John Sayers
In this episode, we learn about rattlesnakes that you might see on a hiking trail along the Central Coast. Hosts Sydney and Madison spoke with researcher Dr. Emily Taylor and state parks environmental scientist John Sayers about the behavior of rattlesnakes and how to stay safe in the parks.
For free snake removal and humane relocation in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, call (805) 401-0811 or visit Central Coast Snake Services online. The company was started by Dr. Taylor in 2019 and also provides snake safety training and property inspections. Check out Dr. Taylor’s book, “California Snakes and How to Find Them,” on Amazon or in bookstores. For a live recording of a rattlesnake den in Colorado, visit rattlecam.org.
Episode 1: How By-The-Wind Sailors End Up on Our Beaches| with Nikki Adams, Cal Poly Professor from the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences
Join our hosts Sydney Spencer and Madison White as they explore why tiny blue jellyfish-like creatures called Velella Velella have been coating central coast shorelines. We hear from Cal Poly Professor Nikki Adams. Adams runs a laboratory at the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences within Cal Poly’s Department of Biological Sciences, where her members study the effects of stress on marine organisms using sea urchins as a model organism.
Episode 3: Monarch Butterflies | with Cheryl Powers, Peggy Burhenn, and Susan Gaer, authors of “Pismo Monarch Butterflies: Magic, Myths, and Mysteries”.
The book is now available in stores at Barnes and Noble and available to order online on Amazon. In this podcast, the authors discuss the process of writing this book as well as their career paths that have led them to the point where they are now. We learn about the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, the differences between eastern and western monarch butterflies and places to see monarch butterflies in the greater San Luis Obispo area.
Episode 2: The Rise of the Pismo Clam | with Marissa Bills, graduate student and researcher at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
What is a Pismo clam? Why has their population drastically declined? What can we do to help? Get the answers to these questions and more in this episode. Join Marissa and hosts James and Gabby to hear all about the rise and fall of the Pismo clam (Tivela stultorum).
Episode 1: A Whale of a Good Time | with Michele Roest, biologist and educator with Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Join Michele Roest and Cal Poly students James and Gabby for a dive into whales and whale watching on the Central Coast! Hear about the types of whales you can find, the best times to view them, and tips on how to best respect wildlife.
