Learning the Coast at Fort Ross

The coast of Sonoma County is a living classroom. Fort Ross, inside the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, turns this shoreline into a place where people can see, study and help protect marine life. A team called the Fort Ross Conservancy runs a Coastal Academy that offers two main programs. The first is “Citizen Science. ”Volunteers count seals, sea lions and other animals to build data that scientists use. The second is “Marine Ecology. ”It gives school groups, families and businesses a chance to explore tide pools, watch whales, and learn why kelp forests matter. Dr. Dione Deaker, who leads the Academy, says the sanctuary is like an underwater national park. “It’s full of marine mammals—over 30 species—and the animals here are very close to people. ” She loves seeing kids’ eyes light up when they touch a starfish or watch seal pups. The Academy changes with the seasons. In spring tide pools are full of life and bluffs bloom with flowers. Summer draws visitors from hot inland towns looking for cool sea breezes. Fall offers clear skies and the best whale sightings, while winter can be stormy but also shows many sea lions in the park.Some trips even let groups sleep inside the historic fort or at a nearby redwood campground. These overnight stays give people a unique view of sunsets over the ocean and a deeper sense of place. Besides teaching, the Academy partners with other groups. The Ocean Ambassadors program takes middle‑school students to a marine mammal hospital and then back to the coast. LiMPETS collects long‑term data on seals and sea lions, feeding scientists information that helps protect these animals. Citizen Science projects also help restore habitats. Volunteers now work to bring back endangered silver‑pot butterflies by planting native plants. They also help clean up kelp forests, which were once destroyed when sea otters—natural predators of the kelp‑eating urchins—were hunted. The history of the area is also honored. Local indigenous peoples, especially the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, share their knowledge and stories. Events like Alaska Native Day and an Ocean‑and‑Art Festival bring art, music, and conservation talks to the fort. The goal is simple: let people enjoy the coast, learn why it matters, and leave with a desire to protect it. If you visit Fort Ross, you’ll see how hands‑on experiences can turn curiosity into conservation.