Author: VIP Voice

A website for the Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) at Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, CA
A lighthouse and pine tree in shadow at sunset. The words Did You Know are in blue at the base of the image
Did You Know

Did You Know – Medical Applications with Sandcastle Worms, Crabs and Seaweeds

Sandcastle worms are fascinating marine critters. If you have visited the tidepools, you may have seen their homes. But you never see the worms during low tides because they are hunkered down inside their home. Look at the images below from iNaturalist to see these remarkable critters. Learn how they and crabs are being used in medical applications. Sandcastle worms, scientifically known as Phragmatopoma californica, … Continue reading Did You Know – Medical Applications with Sandcastle Worms, Crabs and Seaweeds

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Rocky coastline with layered stones and waves crashing against the shore under bright sunlight.
Cabrillo

How researchers are using ground sensors to predict cliff collapse

Perhaps one day soon we can monitor the cliffs at Cabrillo… From kpbs.org – July 10, 2026 Ground sensors can help predict the collapse of cliffs along San Diego’s coast according to research conducted over four years by Scripps Institution of Oceanography scientists. In a study published Thursday, researchers detailed how they used advanced sensors to track and predict coastal cliff erosion at three North County San … Continue reading How researchers are using ground sensors to predict cliff collapse

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The image shows a group of pelicans perched on a rocky cliff. The cliff has a layered appearance with shades of brown and beige, suggesting sedimentary rock formations. The pelicans are gathered closely together, with some standing and others sitting. The background features a steep, sandy, and rocky terrain, indicating a coastal or desert-like environment. The pelicans have grayish feathers with white heads and long beaks. The scene appears to be in a natural, undisturbed setting.
Cabrillo

Scientists fear seabird die-off as El Niño looms: ‘We don’t know how bad this will get’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/01/el-nino-birds-california Many seabirds are starving to death as a marine heat wave lingers off California and fish seek deeper, cooler waters. Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses – one after another. Some were mixed in with washed up kelp. Others were under rocks. Each month, scientists and volunteers conduct surveys of dead seabirds and … Continue reading Scientists fear seabird die-off as El Niño looms: ‘We don’t know how bad this will get’

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Cabrillo, What is in the Tidepools

What’s in the Tidepools? – Cleanup Edition June 2026

(Hopkins Rose Nudibranch – NPS Photo/Amy O.) This is a special post about the recent cleanup in the tidepools during June. This was the 1st annual Pauline Geisler Memorial Tidepool Cleanup honoring our friend who suddenly passed away in March. Volunteers, Staff members and friends showed up to participate and we are thankful to everyone. We honored Pauline in the best way possible by protecting … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – Cleanup Edition June 2026

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