Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour

Get to know the wetlands on a private tour! AEP Conference attendees will get to experience the wetlands first hand during a guided nature hike and tour of the interpretive center. Coyotes, reptiles, and birds, oh my! There is always something exciting on the trails, and participants will get to see some of the diverse wildlife living at Bolsa Chica while learning about wetlands and their importance worldwide. Issues specific to Bolsa Chica are covered. Topics include, but are not limited to, wetland ecology, plants and animals, adaptations, watersheds, and importance of wetland habitats for migration and flyways, flood control, pollution control, and endangered species.

•  Bring water for the hike.

• Wear close-toed shoes, they are absolutely required to ensure safety.

• Wear layered clothing/jackets. Weather changes quickly at the wetlands and can go from cool and foggy to hot and sunny within an hour.

• Sunscreen/Hats/Sunglasses - protection from the sun and harmful UV rays is important.

• Bug Repellent - mosquitoes can be found here at the wetlands, so bringing insect repellent is advised.

• You are welcome to bring cameras, binoculars, or anything else that helps them to get a closer look at nature.

 Hunting, collecting, harming, harassing and killing of any animal, bird, reptile, nest, egg, insect, flower, or plant is strictly prohibited anywhere in Bolsa Chica (Harassment includes but is not limited to touching, chasing, feeding, prodding, or any other activity which may alter the animal's health or normal behavior. All collecting is prohibited; this includes egg shells, feathers, rocks, seashells, bones, skins, artifacts, and all other natural, historical, and biological materials.)

Newport Landing Whale Watching

Tuesday, March 25, 2014
3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

The reports are in! This is one of the best whale watching seasons in years! Newport Landing offers whale watching tours year around but we’re in the transition period between the Gray and Blue Whale migrations, and we may see both. Newport Landing is ideally positioned to take advantage of the annual Gray whale migration, which brings hundreds of Gray Whales along the Laguna Beach coastline and within minutes of Newport Harbor. May through November brings warmer waters and the chance to view blue whales to 80 feet, finback whales, huge pods of dolphin that number in the thousands, seals, killer whales, sharks, and many other marine creatures. We will be aboard the Nautilus, which has an indoor snack bar with beverages and munchies available for purchase.

A marine biologist will be on board to speak about the environmental concerns for the South Coast waters and to answer questions during the trip. The Nautilus also has both indoor and outdoor seating. View the whales from the top observation deck for great photo opportunities.

Spectacular views provide for the backdrop to a fun filled event. Don’t forget your camera and field glasses, and sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses - protection from the sun and harmful UV rays is important.

The bus leaves the hotel for Newport Beach at 3:00 p.m. and our 2½-hour tour leaves the dock at 3:30 p.m. The bus will pick you up for the return trip at 6:00 p.m.