By Ben Hodgson, Coastal Advocate Intern
If you’ve never experienced the beauty of the Corte Madera Marsh, a volunteer training for Marin MPA Watch is the perfect opportunity! Marin MPA Watch is a community science program that collects scientific data on human activities that occur in marine ecosystems in and around California’s Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs. On July 22nd, the EAC Coastal Advocate interns and I led a training to teach volunteers how to collect useful data at the Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve.
It was a beautiful day – the sun was shining and there was a slight breeze that carried fresh air across the bay. After providing a background presentation on MPAs and MPA Watch, our team of volunteers set off with clipboards in hand to begin the training. As we observed the marshland from a bank on the southern end, we saw a mallard mother leading a string of tiny ducklings. Marin MPA Watch volunteers collect data on what people do in MPAs, not on wildlife, but it’s always fun to see the wildlife along the coast.
As we walked along the outside of the marsh, we noticed a subtle licorice scent from the fennel plants that lined the trail. We looked out towards the bay, but the marsh was empty – every person we saw followed the rules and stayed on the path. We recorded our observations on our datasheet, which is entered into a publicly accessible statewide database. It’s important to record human visitation and behavior in sensitive coastal habitats so that state and local agencies can make informed decisions on how to manage MPAs. Even though we didn’t see any people in the marsh, we did see an American kestrel hovering in the air while scanning for prey.
We reached the northern corner of the marsh trail and stopped at a clearing for a beautiful view of the bay. As we looked for any boats or kayaks, a couple out for a walk approached us to ask what our clipboards were for. It was a surprise opportunity to educate the public about MPAs and the work that Marin MPA Watch volunteers do to help protect them!
After saying goodbye to the couple, we walked back towards the trailhead and wrapped up our training. If you’re looking for a reason to get out to the coast, become a volunteer with Marin MPA Watch! I had a great time at the Corte Madera Marsh and hope to see you at the next training.
To sign up for an upcoming MPA Watch training session, please click here!
