About us
What is SoCal Science Hikes?
We host outdoor learning events such as hikes and workshops for hands-on navigation and gear testing, We teach all fields of natural science such as botany, geology, and ecology, as well as subjects like astronomy and engineering. We explore mountains, wetlands, deserts, beaches, and grasslands; urban parks and botanical gardens.
Most of our hikes take place in the late afternoon and evening and are suitable for beginner hikers (3-5 miles over a few hours).
Who runs SoCal Science Hikes?
Our events are organized and led by Cody Colborn. Cody is a life-long hiker, camper, and backpacker, with experience across the western U.S. He as certifications in wilderness first aid, land navigation, and the California Naturalist program. He has a successful career has a mechanical engineer in the aerospace and defense industry, and considers himself an educated hobbyist in the natural sciences.
What do the events cost?
Our outdoor learning events use a "pay what you wish" model, meaning people are able to attend for free, but are invited to tip based on the education, entertainment, and overall value they receive. Tips and donations can be made in-person at the event or online at www.buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn
No Show Policy: In order to host as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event.
Questions: If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.
Upcoming events
1
Low Tide Mudflats at Upper Newport Bay (11/7)
Upper Newport Bay, San Joaquin Hill, Newport Beach, CA, USSoCal Science Hikes outdoor learning events use a "pay what you wish" model, meaning people are able to attend for free, but are invited to tip based on the education, entertainment, and overall value they receive. Tips and donations can be made in-person at the event or online at www.buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn
Overview: Upper Newport Bay is one of the largest coastal wetlands and last remaining large estuaries in Southern California, encompassing approximately 1000 acres. It features coastal sage scrub and coastal prairie habitat atop bluffs overlooking the mudflats.
This particular afternoon will be an extreme low tide of -0.7 ft (-0.2 m) at 2:12P, so this will be a wonderful opportunity to view the exposed mudflats and the plants and animals that call them home.
Upper Newport Bay is also a stop over for travelers on the Pacific Fly-way, the major corridor for migrating birds. November wraps the fall migration, but there should still be some visitors to observed and identify.
Here are a few of the topics we'll be learning about:
- Natural history of the upper bay
- How was it created
- Importance of mudflats
- How tides work
- Coastal prairie ecosystem and invasive plants
- Threatened species on the upper bay
- Importance to bird migrationI've capped attendance for this event, so, if full, please join the waitlist and I'll try to accommodate as the event gets closer.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve in Newport Beach, CA
Starting point: Parking lot of Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve. Look for the SoCal Science Hikes banner typically hung from my CRV, and the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat. If the parking lot is full, street parking is available nearby.
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Duration: About 3 hours
Elevation gain: ~150 ft
Terrain: Dirt trails, some pavement
Difficulty: Beginner
Age: 18 and older. Contact me to discuss exceptions.
Pets: No pets allowed
Recommended gear:
- Footwear suitable for dirt paths and pavement
- Clothing suitable for the weather
- Water
- Snacks (if desired)
- Binoculars, monocular, or spotting scope
- Journal or notebook if you're into that sort of thing
- Sun protectionCost: This event uses a "pay what you wish" model, meaning it is free, but attendees are invited to tip based on the education, entertainment, and overall value they receive. Tips and donations can be made in-person at the event or online at www.buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn
No Show Policy: In order to host as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event.
Questions: If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.
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4 attendees
Past events
248
