News.bytes Extra, issue 479

BLM Does Malibu

They’re at it again! BLM employees and volunteers representing the California Coastal National Monument geared up for their first appearance at the Earth Day Whale Fest at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu. The sun was elusive all day but that didn’t stop the visitors from enjoying the 15th annual festival sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association.

Wearing hats made from colored tape, and necklaces made from farm-raised abalone, kids flocked to BLM’S California Coastal National Monument exhibit to try their hand at making Let’s Get Rockin’ bookmarks and CCNM environmental buttons.

There were plenty of artists in the crowd, both young and old!

The annual Earth Day Whale Festival at Leo Carrillo State Park includes whale-watching stations, marine conservation information booths, children’s activities, food booths, marine artists and live performers.  The Whale Festival educates the public about marine wildlife and conservation, particularly focusing on the California Gray Whale.

More than 100 kids earned stickers for their whale passports by identifying the creatures on the California Coastal National Monument table tide pool while BLM employees Chuck Robbins from Palm Springs Field Office and Barbara Croonquist from the California Desert District Office engaged parents in discussions about the monument. 

One little girl was especially thrilled to receive a CCNM pencil and poster as a special gift for her fifth birthday! Judging from the smiles on everyone’s faces, the booth was a hit and we hope to be back next year. Special thanks to students Elizabeth Traub and Stacy Allen from the California Desert District Office and volunteer Page Robbins for a fun, educational day.

- Barbara Croonquist, Public Contact Representative, BLM California Desert District  5/4/11 

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 479
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