Tide-Pool Adventures with the Birch Aquarium at Scripps

CONTACT: Cindy Clark
858/534-3624
scrippsnews@ucsd.edu
FOR RELEASE: March 6, 2006

Tide-Pool Adventures with the Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Scripps Institution of Oceanography/UCSD

This is the best time of year for tide-pool adventures. With
ample beaches for exploring, tide pools are teeming with life. Call
the Birch Aquarium at Scripps to find out about naturalist-guided
tours along the coastline or stop by the Birch Aquarium Bookshop for
field guides. We're your ocean connection!

LIFE AT THE EDGE OF LAND AND SEA
The coming and going of tides is orchestrated by the gravitational
pulls of the sun and moon. From late fall to early spring in
southern California, minus tides (tides that recede below zero tide
level) occur in daylight hours. Minus tides of one foot or greater
present the best opportunities for viewing tide pools teeming with
marine life. Now is the season for tidepooling!

You will be delighted by the variety of creatures along the strip of
shoreline alternately covered and uncovered by the changing tides.
Hermit crabs, sea anemones, sea stars, barnacles, and perhaps even a
two-spotted octopus are just a few of the many species that might be
discovered in the nooks and crannies of tide pools. Many of these
creatures shelter under rocks or bury in the sand; some can hide in
plain sight thanks to camouflage. Like a hidden puzzle, you must
look carefully to discover a tide pool's treasures.

Tidepooling Season with Birch Aquarium/2-2-2

Tidepooling for Tots
These beach excursions with Birch Aquarium at Scripps will introduce
preschool and kindergarten children to the wonders of life along the
edge of the sea. An aquarium naturalist will lead an adventure to
the tide pools at Hospital Point in La Jolla on Tuesday, March 28,
1:30-3 p.m. Tidepooling for Tots will teach children about the marine
animals-such as crabs, sea hares, and anemones-that thrive in the
harsh conditions of local tide pools. Fee for Tidepooling for Tots
is $12 per adult and $9 per child (ages 3-5). Children must be
accompanied by an adult.

Tidepooling for All
Explore the beauty and mystery of life along San Diego's coast during
Tidepooling for All with the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of
Oceanography. An aquarium naturalist will lead a tide-pool
expedition at False Point in La Jolla on Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Fee for this Tidepooling for All adventure is $12 for
adults and $9 for children ages 6 and older.

Advance registration is required for all tide-pooling adventures and
enrollment is limited. For more information or to make a
reservation, please call the Birch Aquarium at 858/534-7336.

BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPS. OCEANS OF FUN!

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Scripps Communications Office
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu
858-534-3624