• Here's a Google map of the main Coastal Parking lot where we will meet, and information on the location. 
• Arrive at 6am  so you have time to find parking, change your shoes, use the bathroom, and be ready for the 6:15am start!
• Meet the California Academy of Sciences staff in the center grass area at the picnic tables at 6:15am for an introduction to the bioblitz; we'll then walk all together out to the tidepools.
• From the main parking lot, there is about a 0.4 mile walk on a mostly-flat ADA accessible boardwalk trail from the main parking lot to the tidepools. We'll be taking the trail/boardwalk all the way out toward Laguna Point, and then down the stairs to the intertidal area. So we won't be in the tidepools right near the parking lot, we'll be in the area out at the point.
• If you arrive late and we're no longer in the parking lot, you should be able to see us right in the tidepools next to the lot.
• Once we're out there, we'll take photos / make iNaturalist observations of every species we can find! Once you upload them to iNaturalist, they'll automatically be added to the Snapshot Cal Coast 2024 project! 
• You can leave whenever you need to; Academy staff will plan to stay out in the tidepools until around 9am or so, until the rising tide pushes them back in!

The tidepools are very slippery and require walking over uneven terrain, and in water. We recommend that you move at a pace and distance that feels comfortable to you. Getting up close to see animals in tidepools and in rock crevices may also involve some bending and crouching over. This event is recommended for children 6 and older, and people with good mobility.

At the minimum, you need a smartphone with iNaturalist installed and logged into, or a camera to upload your observations to the iNaturalist website later.

Clothing: Wear comfortable layers! It can be cold and windy, and/or sunny at the tidepools, sometimes changing from one to the other. You may also want to have a hat and sunglasses on hand when it is sunny.

Footwear: Be prepared to walk in water up to mid-shin. Waterproof rubber boots are the best choice and will allow you to navigate the tidepools most easily. Other sturdy shoes with good tread that you don’t mind getting wet will also work – an old pair of sneakers is great! Definitely no flip-flops - they are much too slippery!

Some people bring a hiking pole or walking stick to help with navigating the uneven, rocky tidepool area. Also consider bringing water, sunscreen, snacks, and other things to keep yourself comfortable if you think you may need them in the 2-3 hour period we are out. You will want your hands free for holding on to things and keeping your balance, so a backpack or waist-pack may be helpful if you have multiple items.

Because we'll be outside, masks aren't required, but definitely feel free to bring one and wear one if you'd like, especially for times where you might be gathered with others.