The Back Bay Science Center is highly dedicated to educating the students and public of Orange County about our coastal resources, especially Upper Newport Bay. As a step towards this goal, many educational opportunities are offered on Shellmaker Island and throughout the bay. With few exceptions such as scout troups, the Science Center focuses on 7th grade through college age students for school programs. Our neighbor, the Mary and Muth Interpretive Center concentrates on toddlers through third grade students for school programs. Both facilities offer many programs for the general public. Please find the various school program opportunities throughout several organizations below.

California Department of Fish and Game

Many of the education programs on the island are lead by Department staff with the help of volunteers from the Newport Bay Friends and Naturalists. Programs involve several learning stations including an investigation of plankton, animals living in the mud, the watershed, birds and water quality. Please call 949-640-9956 for more info.

California Coastal Commission

The California Coastal Commission coordinates education and restoration programs around the bay to help restore native plants. Matt Yurko is the full-time program coordinator, his email is myurko@coastal.ca.gov. The educational program is called Our Wetlands, Our World

Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends

The Newport Bay Naturalists & Friends have been conducting school field trips at Upper Newport Bay on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Game and Orange County Parks for more than ten years.