How You Can Help
Sometimes we can feel helpless in the face of ecological destruction. but there are ways to help. Whether you prefer to donate, dive, educate, or just spread the word. Below are several direct ways that you can help save our Northern California kelp forests.
Donate
Here are some places to donate that will have the biggest impact on kelp Restoration
The Sunflower Star Laboratory is doing incredible work to breed and reintroduce Sunflower Sea Stars (one of the most important species in kelp forest management and balanced ecosystems).
https://www.sunflowerstarlab.org
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The Greater Farallones Association directly supports projects related to kelp forest restoration in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, as well as wetland rehabilitation and coastal resilience.
Dive
For the intrepid viewer who wants to make a boots on the ground difference in Kelp forest restoration, below are several projects you can get involved with as a member of the public.
Caspar Cove Project
There is currently a project going on at Caspar Cove (Mendocino), involving the general public with the in situ removal and culling of purple sea urchins. This is a way that you can have a direct impact in a local reef, and see the change over time as more people help clear the reef in Caspar, and allow bull kelp and other algaes time to regrow and repopulate.
Click the link below to visit the website.
https://www.casparcoveproject.org
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​Tidepooling
You don't have to dive underwater to make a difference. But you might have to get your feet wet. If you are a tide pooler, use the I-Naturalist app to report pycnopodia and other sea star sightings along the northern California coast.
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Tankers Reef Project
If you want to dive in, but don't live easy driving distance to Caspar Cove. There is also a project in Monterey at Tankers Reef. Click link below to learn more.
Citizen Science
For the ocean minded, who want to take part in direct action and citizen science, below are opportunities to help monitor kelp forests and lesson plans for educators.
Reef Check California is an incredible way to get involved with long term and important kelp forest monitoring in California. No marine science degree necessary. Click the link below to explore options with Reef Check
https://www.reefcheck.org/kelp-forest-program/
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For youth and educators.
(Long-Term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students). LiMPETS provides immersive, science-based environmental education that empowers students to become informed and engaged ocean stewards.
https://farallones.org/limpets/
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Swin in a Kelp Forest!
Pre K and Grade 1-3 activities for teachers
Click the link below to find lesson plans and activities for introducing young kids to the kelp forest and its importance.
Build Community and Spread the word
We know not everyone has the ability to dive in the kelp, or donate money. But that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to help. Listed below are projects, artists, community programs and ways to get involved that can be as simple as just spreading the word.
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Kelp Forest photography and Exhibits
https://exhibitenvoy.org/exhibits/kelp-wanted
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Kelp forest art
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Kelp Wanted: Click link below for more kelp related information and ways you can help on a global and local scale
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Noyo Center
https://www.noyocenter.org/help-the-kelp
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Kelp Festival
https://www.northcoastkelpfest.org
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