If you’ve lived through a wet winter in this area, you know that the highest tides of the year, called king tides, create quite a show at China Camp. Combined with runoff from winter storms, king tides can turn the park’s bayfront wetlands and meadows into shallow lakes of brackish bay water. And N. San Pedro Road? It’s underwater, too.

This month, we’re offering a very special drop-in event focusing on these annual inundations. First, you’ll get expert insights about king tides, and how they serve as a crystal ball for researchers studying the impacts of rising sea levels due to climate change. Then, you’ll be invited to become part of an important “community science” project led by the California Coastal Commission. It’s your chance to photograph king tide events, then submit images and notes through a special web portal or mobile app. These images will then help researchers visualize and document the potential impacts of future sea-level rise.

Join us and become part of this important community science effort, or just enjoy the wet and wild show. Come anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (no need to register).

Note: Due to potential flooding, access from the northwest may be blocked. Instead, head into the park from the southeast entrance, through San Rafael and past Peacock Gap. Cancellation will be posted on our events calendar (https://friendsofchinacamp.org/events/). 

Date: Saturday December 6
Time: 10 – 1 p.m. (drop-in event)
Location: Turtle Back Trail trailhead
Difficulty: easy
Cost: free to FOCC members; $5 donation appreciated for non-members
Ages: 10 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult
ADA accessible: yes