Marine Ecology Program
The Coastal Academy: Learn about Coastal Wildlife and Ecosystems on the Stunning Fort Ross Coastline!
The Marine Ecology Program (MEP) is a hands-on outdoor education program.
Led by our knowledgeable intructors, the MEP is suitable for all ages and can be customized to suit the needs of your group or grade level. We recieve school students, youth groups, summer camps, university classes, and adult groups interested in seeing and learning about coastal wildlife.
Explore the coast, see wildlife including marine invertebrates and mammals, and experience what it is like being a field biologist! Situated on a pristine stretch of Sonoma County coastline, Fort Ross boasts abundant marine mammals, rocky intertidal zones, sandy beaches, and waters protected by Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
Click here for a PDF about the Marine Ecology Program
For more information and questions, email mep@fortross.org
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Program Ideas
Schools: The MEP is adaptable for students in TK - 12th grade, as well as university classes
Families or dad camp: Families or just kids and their dads do the MEP during the day and camp in the Fort or at Reef Campground.
Corporate, social groups - anyone! FRC has provided programs for kayaking and other social groups, corporate office retreats staying at local hotels interested in team building activities, and more!
The MEP in-class lesson or assembly: One of our MEP instructors can visit your classroom and lead marine ecology activities!
The MEP in-class lesson + field trip: Set the scene for your students with an in-class program (in-person or via zoom) with one of our instructors followed by a field trip at Fort Ross.
Do the MEP through one of our Partner Programs!
Camp at the Fort with Fieldguides Outdoor Education or do the Ocean Ambassadors Program through The Marine Mammal Center (for middle school students).
With FIELDGUIDES INC, enjoy a night of all inclusive camping on the coastal bluffs with after a day of experiential learning in the Marine Ecology Program!
LiMPETS stands for Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students. This community science program includes a class lesson and field trip for your students to collect data that directly contributes to research. Two programs are available: LiMPETS Sandy Beach Monitoring program designed for middle and high school students and LiMPETS Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Program for high schoolers
