Amigos de Bolsa Chica

Amigos de Bolsa Chica is a 501(c)3 organization formed in 1976 by a group of local residents to protect the Bolsa Chica wetlands from development. With emphasis on science, we garnered public support to achieve major reductions to the development plans and we spearheaded an effort that resulted in the state's acquisition in 1997 of 880 acres of wetlands. Additionally, a large portion of a major lowland restoration project was completed in 2006. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve now consists of 1400 acres with several miles of trails. Because 90% of California’s wetlands have been lost to development, Bolsa Chica is vital for the preservation of the state’s threatened biodiversity. Our Bolsa Chica Field Trip programs provide educators with tangible examples of the importance of biodiversity. More than 200 species of migratory and resident birds can be found at Bolsa Chica. It is also home to and nursery for many species of fish and invertebrates. In addition to biodiversity, wetlands are vital in combating climate change. Coastal wetland ecosystems around the United States store 500,000 metric tons of carbon per year. Phytoplankton are the primary food source in the ocean food web, create over 50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere, and assist in regulating climate through carbon dioxide cycling. To address the lack of awareness regarding phytoplankton in coastal ecosystems and other issues related to water quality in a highly urbanized area, the Amigos de Bolsa Chica created FLOW (Follow to Learn about the Ocean and Wetlands) in 2014. Volunteer Citizen Science-based FLOW consists of weekly plankton collections and analysis in support of the California Department of Public Health’s Harmful Algae Monitoring Program. Citizen Scientists also share their knowledge of water quality analysis and the greater ecology of the wetland-ocean ecosystem with elementary school, middle school, high school and community college students.