Laguna Ocean Foundation

We strive to optimize the health of Laguna's vital coastal ecosystems through science, education and community involvement. We are devoted to fostering environmentally responsible stewardship of Laguna's coastal and near shore habitats.

Now in its 19th year, Laguna Ocean Foundation plays an essential part in the conservation of Laguna Beach’s coastal resources. It came into being when citizens and local government recognized that beach patrons better appreciate and protect delicate marine resources when they learn more about them. Today, volunteer Tidewater Docents provide interpretive education at Goff Island, Woods Cove, Shaw’s Cove South, Shaw’s Cove North and Crescent Bay South, while Tidepool Educators with marine biology and environmental science expertise staff Treasure Island, Heisler Park and Crescent Bay North. It is the only free, year-round, on-site tidepool interpretive program in the state.

In addition to its education programs, Laguna Ocean Foundation is spearheading the restoration of the Aliso Creek Estuary, bringing together biologists and marine restoration specialists to create a plan to bring back a healthy ecosystem.

The Foundation has an active Board of Directors, a staff of 15 including a full-time Education and Outreach Program Coordinator and part-time Managing Director, 40 trained Docents, and many longtime supporters.

We are currently strengthening our in-house capacity to develop and implement new and existing education,
leadership, restoration, and science programs.

-We have hired an Education and Leadership Manager to integrate our tidepool education into a more in-depth
and wider-scoped education program.

-We have hired an Education Field Coordinator to develop a k-12 climate and ocean education program.

-Developed a new training program for education staff and volunteers.

-Continued implementing the Aliso Creek Estuary Restoration project with agency partners.

Our goals for the upcoming year include:

-A renewed priority to increase the Foundation’s outreach to the community, and strengthen and create
partnerships with local and regional governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

-Increasing the public’s awareness of the Foundation’s mission through various media platforms, and particularly
social media.

-A new web-based website to facilitate greater understanding of Laguna’s tide pools as well as collecting data
through citizen science.

-Facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors to support on-going and new activities.

-Strengthen our volunteer program to recruit more volunteers to help with tidepool and community activities as
well as fundraising.

Laguna Ocean Foundation’s most pressing needs include:
1. Ramping up and training volunteers for our signature TideWater Docent Program and Educators for our Tidepool Educator Program. Our volunteer Docents and paid Educators are successful because the Foundation provides them with a strong skills base and ongoing support.  Supplies, training, and background checks quickly add up, but the Foundation prefers to cover these costs rather than pass them on to our volunteers. The Foundation seeks $10,000 to provide these services for volunteers and paid staff. 
2. Providing regular education and interpretive services. Beach visitors are no longer a seasonal event in Laguna Beach, requiring Docents and Educators to be available to educate the public about our precious marine resources year-round. Optimal coverage at Laguna Beach’s most popular sites requires $50,000 in additional funding to meet the scheduling needs of our Educators.  
3. Capacity building for organizational growth. After 17 years as a working Board, in 2020 the Board of Directors took a calculated step to bring on a Managing Director to advance the Foundation toward a higher level of development. To boost visibility and community impact, the Foundation is further considering additional staff to assist with outreach and communications. To continue this path and to leverage future fundraising and grant opportunities, the Foundation seeks $50,000 to support the management and administrative needs of the organization.

Laguna Ocean Foundation's Education Programs take place in the rocky intertidal areas, or tidepools, of Laguna Beach, California. Our Restoration Program focuses on the Aliso Creek Estuary. To be sure, we aim to reach visitors from near and far with our message of ocean and watershed protection so people could apply what they learn wherever they call home. And since we educate 250,000 people annually, word gets around!

As the Managing Director of Laguna Ocean Foundation, I want to thank you, first for being a community-minded member of the Orange County Community Foundation, and secondly for considering the Foundation as a potential recipient of your generosity. Your contribution helps us protect places we all love by teaching others, and in turn, pays back many times over in the form of citizens who have learned to care for and respect coastal and marine resources.

Did you know that Laguna Ocean Foundation is the only free year-round tidepool interpretive program in California? Our Educators all hail from marine biology, education, or environmental backgrounds and work hard to give visitors the finest tidepool experience. Our Docents donate their time to be "on the rocks"; many came with just their love of the ocean and a passion to protect the tidepools and are now seasoned and knowledgeable members of our family. As we enter our 18th year, we hope to provide an increased suite of interpretive and educational services and to serve as a model and partner for other organizations wishing to protect their natural resources.

Please come see us at the tidepools in Laguna Beach! You can find us during the day at low tide at eight locations: Crescent Bay North, Crescent Bay South, Goff Island, Heisler Park, Shaw's Cove North, Shaw's Cove South, Treasure Island, and Wood's Cove.