**Each winter, the California coast becomes a gathering place.**

Western monarch butterflies cluster in sheltered groves, sea otters raft together in calm bays, and elephant seals return to sandy beaches to raise their pups.

**On this one-day trip, we’ll visit three sites:**

• Pismo Beach’s western monarch overwintering grove
• Morro Bay’s resident sea otters
• The Piedras Blancas elephant seal colony near San Simeon

We’ll explore why these places matter: how western monarchs overwinter in coastal trees, how sea otters help sustain healthy kelp forests, and how protected beaches have helped elephant seals recover from near extinction.

Expect easy walking, frequent stops, and plenty of time for observing wildlife and asking questions. Led by Teranga Wildlife naturalists.

Wildlife sightings and numbers vary with weather and natural conditions. Monarch abundance can fluctuate considerably, and we cannot guarantee sightings at any stop.

**Bring:** binoculars, camera, warm layers, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, lunch, snacks, and water.

**Includes:** a full day of guided naturalist interpretation and a field kit with native milkweed seeds and resources.

**Transportation:** This is a caravan-style field trip. Participants travel in their own vehicles; transportation and meals are not included.

**Weather and backup date:** We go in light rain, but safety comes first. Storms, road closures, or unsafe conditions may change our route or postpone the trip to **Saturday, January 30, 2027**. We’ll email participants with any changes. Please consider the backup date when registering and check cancellation policies before booking lodging.

**Refund policy:** Tickets are nonrefundable unless Teranga Ranch cancels the trip or postpones it to January 30 and you cannot attend. In either case, you’re eligible for a full refund.

Join us for a winter day on the coast, and bring your sense of wonder.

**Monarchs & Marine Mammals**
**January 16, 2027 • 7:30 AM–5:00 PM**
**Weather backup: January 30, 2027**
Las Posas Park & Ride departure
Caravan-style field trip

**$50/adult**
**$25/child ages 8–12**

Want to make a weekend of it?

The guided day trip officially ends at 5:00 PM near San Simeon. You can head home or stay overnight, join us for dinner, and enjoy a hike with us Sunday morning.

There’s no additional program fee for these optional activities. Participants pay for their own lodging and dinner. We’re working with Coast Riders Inn on a discounted room block and will share booking details when available.

*Teranga Ranch is a nonprofit organization. All program fees directly support current and future educational initiatives.*