Nature Sunday: Ocean Drifters: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Learn about the microscopic life that is hidden beneath the waves and is crucial to all of life on Earth. We will explore the diversity of the marine plankton community, what factors keep it in balance, and the critical role it plays in ocean ecosystems. As a group, we will be using a video microscope to view a living plankton net sample. Participants will also have an opportunity to see other specimens through individual microscopes set up around the room.

Karen Watts has a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UCSB and a Master’s degree in Science Education from Cal State East Bay. She began her career as a molecular biology researcher and then transitioned to a high school biology and biotechnology teacher. She was a California State Parks docent for 15 years, working out of the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, where she specialized in educational programs for the general public on marine ecology and plankton. She is currently a field trip leader for Audubon and the Morro Bay Bird Festival.