Thankful in Morro Bay, 2018

At the Estuary Program, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work collaboratively for the health of the Morro Bay estuary, its watershed, the wildlife that depend on it, and the people who love it. We are thankful for the many citizens, landowners, agencies, and organizations who make this work possible by funding, advising, volunteering, and otherwise participating in projects that benefit the bay.

We asked local business owners, volunteers, and artists to share what they are thankful for in and around the Morro Bay estuary. Read on to see the many ways that the bay has touched their lives.

Gregory Siragusa, Co-Owner of Gallery at Marina Square and Photographer

“I am thankful for a healthy estuary that not only feeds and provides shelter for the endless myriads of wildlife that visit us regularly, but I am grateful for the endless opportunity to capture the endless beauty that is wildlife on the Central Coast!”

An egret stands on the edge of Morro Bay. Photograph courtesy of Gregory Siragusa, co-owner and photographer at Gallery at Marina Square. — *A snowy egret stands on the edge of Morro Bay. Photograph courtesy of Gregory Siragusa, co-owner and photographer at Gallery at Marina Square.*

“Mike” Michael L. Baird, State Parks Docent

“I am thankful for all of the many wonderful people who dedicate themselves to making the Morro Bay Estuary a vibrant healthy ecosystem.”

A mother sea otter in Morro Bay tends to her twin pups. It is very rare for sea otters to give birth to more than one pup. Photograph courtesy of “Mike” Michael L. Baird, via Flickr Creative Commons license.

You can see more of Mike’s photography on his Flickr page.

Teddy Borja, Father, First Responder, and Owner of ESTERO

“As a resident of Morro Bay, I’m grateful for the beauty that surrounds our spectacular bay and estuary. As a parent, I know my family will appreciate the same beauty and wildlife for years to come. As a small business owner, I’m honored to donate to the Morro Bay National Estuary Program.”

Sunset photograph of Morro Bay estuary with Morro Rock in the background. — *Photograph of the Morro Bay estuary courtesy of Teddy Borja, Father, First Responder, and owner of ESTERO.*

Mary and Jim Robinson, Owners and Operators of Morro Bay Standup Paddle Boarding

“We are thankful for the great diversity of wildlife that this healthy estuary supports, and for the community’s interest in protecting the estuary. We are also thankful for the ability to operate our business here in this unique place.”

Rascal the cat, who lives and occasionally paddleboards with Jim and Mary Robinson of Morro Bay Stand Up Paddleboarding loves the bay, too. Rascal is especially fond of watching crabs! — Rascal the cat, who lives and occasionally paddleboards with Jim and Mary Robinson of Morro Bay Stand Up Paddleboarding loves the bay, too. Rascal is especially fond of watching crabs. Photograph courtesy of Mary Robinson.

Joyce Cory, State Park Docent

Is thankful that “the Morro Bay Estuary provides a healthy environment for thousands of migratory water fowl.”

The estuary waters meet the blue sky in this photograph, courtesy of Joyce Cory, State Parks Docent. — *The estuary waters reflect the blue sky. Photograph courtesy of Joyce Cory, State Parks Docent.*

Nic Stover, Chief Photography Officer at Stover Photo and Photographer at Gallery at Marina Square

“I am exceptionally thankful for the Morro Bay estuary as it is such a unique and wild place that exists in the most populous states in the US. The fact you can experience a wild side of California in this day and time is really something special. As a local photographer…, I consider myself very lucky to be able to document and share what people work so hard to preserve.”

Drone photograph of the Morro Bay estuary. Courtesy of Nic Stover, StoverPhoto. — *Drone photograph of the Morro Bay estuary. Courtesy of Nic Stover, Stover Photo.*

A group of white pelicans sits by Morro rock. — *Photograph of white pelicans near Morro Rock by Michael “Mike” L. Baird via Flickr Creative Commons License. Bairdphotos.com.*

What do you appreciate most about Morro Bay? Send a short statement and a photograph to us at staff at MBNEP.org with the subject line “Thankful For Morro Bay”. Then, keep an eye out on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages for your work to appear.

Help us protect and restore the Morro Bay estuary!

Donate to the Estuary Program today and support our work in the field, the lab, and beyond.
The Estuary Program is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. We depend on funding from grants and generous donors to continue our work.
Support us by purchasing estuary-themed gear from ESTERO. This locally owned and operated company donates 20% of proceeds from its Estuary clothing line and 100% of Estuary decal proceeds to the Estuary Program. Thank you, ESTERO!
Purchase items from the the Estuary Program’s store on Zazzle. Zazzle prints and ships your items, and the Estuary Program receives 10% of the proceeds. Choose from mugs, hats, t-shirts, and even fanny packs (they’re back!) with our fun Estuary Octopus design, our classic Estuary Program logo, or our Mutts for the Bay logo.

Thank you for your support!

Nov 23, 2018