To sign up for the events below, go to SLOBG calendar.
WE'RE HIRING! - Program Manager for FEATHER Program
Morro Coast Audubon Society is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Program Manager to lead our FEATHER (Fostering Environmental Awareness Through High School Education and Research) program. Based in San Luis Obispo County, this full-time position combines environmental education, program leadership, field instruction, partnership development, and community engagement.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact by connecting students, educators, volunteers, and communities with birds, nature, and conservation on California's beautiful Central Coast. The Program Manager will play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality environmental education experiences while helping expand one of the region's most respected conservation education programs.
Position at a Glance
Full-time, exempt
Hybrid position based in San Luis Obispo County
Salary: $72,000–$79,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Health insurance stipend
Paid time off and holidays
Anticipated start: August 2026
About Morro Coast Audubon Society
Founded in 1966, Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) is a nonprofit conservation organization serving California's Central Coast through bird conservation, environmental education, habitat stewardship, and community engagement. As a chapter of National Audubon Society and Audubon California, MCAS works to protect birds and the places they need while inspiring people of all ages to connect with nature.
Each year, MCAS reaches thousands of students, families, and community members through school programs, field trips, public education, volunteer opportunities, citizen science, and habitat restoration. Since 1989, MCAS has owned and managed the 32-acre Sweet Springs Nature Preserve in Los Osos, providing environmental education, habitat restoration, and public access to one of the Central Coast's treasured natural areas.
As a volunteer-driven organization, MCAS values collaboration, innovation, stewardship, and lifelong learning. We believe that meaningful experiences in nature foster curiosity, scientific understanding, and a lasting commitment to conservation. We are committed to creating welcoming and inclusive opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about and care for the natural world.
About FEATHER
FEATHER (Fostering Environmental Awareness Through High School Education and Research) is Morro Coast Audubon Society's flagship environmental education program for high school students in San Luis Obispo County. Through classroom instruction, field investigations, community science, habitat restoration, and hands-on research, FEATHER connects students with the natural world while building scientific knowledge, environmental leadership, and a lifelong commitment to conservation.
Working in partnership with local schools, educators, public agencies, and community organizations, the program provides meaningful outdoor learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and stewardship of the Central Coast's unique ecosystems. Students explore topics such as birds, watersheds, native plants, habitat restoration, and environmental monitoring while contributing to authentic scientific research and community science projects.
The FEATHER Program Manager plays a central leadership role in ensuring the program's continued success by coordinating educational programming, leading field experiences, mentoring College Corps Fellows and other education staff, cultivating partnerships, managing program operations, and helping secure the funding and evaluation that sustain and grow the program.
What You'll Do
Lead an award-winning environmental education program
Oversee all aspects of the FEATHER program.
Coordinate with schools, teachers, and community partners.
Maintain program calendars, documentation, narratives, and records.
Prepare program work plans, budgets, and supporting documentation for grant applications, grant reporting, and program evaluation.
Teach and inspire students
Lead classroom lessons and outdoor field experiences.
Coordinate field trips and educational activities.
Foster scientific thinking and environmental stewardship.
Build partnerships
Work closely with schools, districts, community partners, and volunteers.
Represent FEATHER at public events.
Expand educational partnerships throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Supervise and mentor
Recruit, train, and supervise College Corps Fellows and other education staff.
Foster a collaborative, supportive learning environment.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience leading educational or environmental programs
Experience working with high school students or young adults
Strong organizational, communication, and project management skill
Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation
Preferred
Environmental education experience
Knowledge of Central Coast ecosystems
Experience with eBird, iNaturalist, or similar platforms
Grant-funded program experience
Spanish language skills
Why Join MCAS?
At Morro Coast Audubon Society, you'll join a collaborative nonprofit dedicated to bird conservation, environmental education, and habitat stewardship on California's Central Coast. You'll help inspire young people, work alongside passionate volunteers and community partners, and contribute to a program that connects students with nature through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
How to Apply
MCAS Field Trip - AUG 15 - Habitat - Sweet Springs
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| View to Morro Rock from Sweet Springs Nature Preserve [file photo] |
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
Habitat - Sweet Springs
August 15, 2026
9:00am to 11:00am
Sweet Springs
Description: Join Faylla Chapman for a stroll through Sweet Springs Nature Preserve to learn about the area's history and discover the plants that support local birds and wildlife. We’ll walk to the viewing area to observe birds utilizing the marsh during low tide. Be sure to bring binoculars and, if you have it, the Cornell Bird Sounds app, Merlin, to help identify local species.
Restrooms are available at the East entrance.This field trip is not ADA accessible and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nxcnSWMs3MqiT8ho8
Directions: Meets at Sweet Springs, 660 Ramona Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos.
Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trip - AUG 21 - Morro Rock Birding
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| Birding at Morro Rock [by Revel Team] |
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
Morro Rock Birding
August 21, 2026
9:00am to 11:00am
Morro Rock
Description: Enjoy a leisurely walk around both sides of the rock for excellent birdwatching opportunities. With Claudia Freitas & Karen Watts, we'll observe cormorants, pelicans, sea ducks, various gull species, and a range of migratory shorebirds. Keep an eye out for our resident Peregrine Falcons and their newly fledged young and land birds that inhabit the coastal sage scrub on the rock. Special emphasis will be on the shorebirds that are returning to Morro Bay from their nesting grounds in the north. This easy, one-mile walk follows a flat dirt path and paved surfaces.
This field trip is ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LNGUdttqW3N4N9r87
Directions:
Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trip - AUG 22 - Marina Boardwalk
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| Birding at the Morro Bay Marina Boardwalk [by Bob Revel] |
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
Marina Boardwalk
August 22, 2026
8:00am to 11:00am
State Park Road, Morro Bay
Description: Join Mark Mushkat for a Leisurely morning Bird Walk! Enjoy a relaxed morning stroll along the Boardwalk as we search for shorebirds, migrating species, and land birds inhabiting the coastal sage scrub. This peaceful outing offers great opportunities to observe a variety of birds in a beautiful coastal setting. The walk is approximately one mile, following a mix of boardwalk and dirt path.
Special Requirement: This trip is for Intermediate and experienced birders. You must have an eBird account.
This field trip is ADA accessible and restrooms are available.
Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wzjGKyDERi8jphUz9
Directions: The Morro Bay State Park Marina is located across from the entrance to the Morro Bay State Park Campground. The address is: 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442. We will start at the South end of the Marina parking lot and bird our way around the boardwalk loop trail which is level. This loop provides us with views of the bay, estuary and the coastal sage scrub community of the peninsula. Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Scopes and Cameras are welcomed. Restrooms are available nearby.
Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Member Management System Upgrade
Morro Coast Audubon Society Member Management System Upgrade
System Upgrade Overview
The Morro Coast Audubon Society has implemented significant improvements to our member management system called Neon. This upgrade is designed to enhance your experience when interacting with us online.
Changes to Donation and Membership Forms
As part of this system upgrade, you will notice a refreshed appearance on the forms used for donations and membership payments. These updates aim to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
This change became effective on March 31, 2026. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact us at MCAS@morrocoastaudubon.org.
To take full advantage of our new Neon member system—including member registration for field trips, programs, volunteer opportunities, and other MCAS activities—we encourage you, at any time, to activate your online member portal. You can view your donations and update personal information.
Use the Membership System Login link in the website's header to login to or create your account.
Thank you for your continued support.
MCAS Field Trip - AUG 14 - Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat
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| Santa Margarita Pontoon Boat [by Bob Revel] |
REGISTRATION CLOSED.
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
Santa Margarita Lake Pontoon Boat
August 14, 2026
8:00am to 11:00am
Santa Margarita
Leaders: Scott Stellar and the Revel Team
Description: Join Morro Coast Audubon on a pontoon boat ride adventure birding Santa Margarita Lake. We'll cruise the northwest portion of the lake taking in all the nesting birds as well as shoreline wildlife that abound. We will be on the lake for about 2 hours, returning before midday heat. In our most recent visit on on July 20th, we saw lots of Grebes still on their nests, but we also saw baby Grebes on mom’s back.
The registration fee for this trip is $30. Note that there is a $12 per vehicle entry fee at the campground kiosk. Participants selected for this trip will be sent information on the method of payment for the event.
This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GsjyXDzJAD2LCvS76
Directions: Meets at the Marina store at Santa Margarita Lake Marina, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita. After checking in at the campground kiosk, drive down to the boat dock and Marina store parking area.
Bring a hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and dress in layers to accommodate wind and changing weather. Cameras are welcomed. Restrooms are available at the Marina store.
Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trip - AUG 13 - Ocean Lagoon Birding
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| Oceano Lagoon [courtesy State Parks] |
REGISTRATION CLOSED.
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
Oceano Lagoon Birding
August 13, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
Oceano Lagoon
Description: Join MCAS Field Trip Leaders for a morning of leisurely birding along the Oceano Lagoon Trail. The lagoon trail is approximately 1.25 miles in length, and located within the Oceano State Parks Campground. The trail will provide the opportunity of observing 60+ species of birds. Commonly found: ducks, grebes, gulls, terns, herons, raptors, kingfishers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, wrens, sparrows and warblers. There is even the possibility of a rarity or two!
This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b2RubpSdVSC174XC6
Directions: Meets in front of the Visitors Center located at 555 Pier Ave., Oceano CA
Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
MCAS Field Trip - AUG 8 - Shorebird Habitat
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| Long-Billed Curlew eating sand crab [by Mike Baird] |
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Morro Coast Audubon Society Presents
Shorebird Habitats
August 8, 2026
9:00am to 11:30am
Morro Strand Beach
Description: Morro Bay, located along the Pacific Flyway, is a vital stopover for thousands of migrating birds—especially during peak migration. The beaches may look quiet, but they are teeming with life just beneath the surface. Ever wonder what birds are poking for in the sand or digging through rotting seaweed? Join us as we explore the sandy beach and wrack line ecosystems to discover what’s attracting so many shorebirds. Learn how detritus, algae, bacteria, and piles of rotting seaweed (wrack) support a thriving community of invertebrates—providing a feast for migrating birds. We'll walk 1–2 miles along a combination of hard-packed and soft sand.
This field trip is not ADA accessible, restrooms are available, and the trip is open to all levels of experience.
Admission: This event is limited to 12 participants. Registrants selected for this event will be notified by email. Do not plan to attend this event until you have received confirmation that you were selected for the event.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Dqtzf7mvENgeC5R7
Directions: Meets at the entrance to the Morro Strand State Park Campground. Highway 1 north of Morro Bay, exit west on Yerba Buena St. Turn left on Trinidad.
Questions? Send email to: fieldtrips@morrocoastaudubon.org
