Yet, with too many extinctions per year and regular shifts in landscapes from native to invasive species this fragile web of life has reached, if not surpassed, the proverbial tipping point. As a unit of the National Park Service, Cabrillo National Monument looks to effectively manage and preserve these delicate environments by providing park visitors and our community with the knowledge and tools to navigate this complex biological network.
In order to best study and manage species numbers, we must document and obtain a greater understanding of overall species diversity. To further this effort, we announced our Biodiversity Snapshot Curriculum last spring to connect students to outdoor spaces utilizing the citizen science app, iNaturalist. Since then we have explored biodiversity both at the park and in our community with over 4,000 students.
However, many classrooms throughout our county do not have access to the mobile devices needed to participate in this program. Thus, in alignment with our commitment to accessibility, we now have a classroom set of ipods available for students who participate in this education program. Using these tools, we hope to empower students to connect technology and nature in asking complex questions about the issues our outdoor spaces face.
To request a reservation for the Biodiversity Snapshot or other Cabrillo education programs, please connect with us at www.cabrilloeducation.org or email e-mail us