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USC Wrigley Marine Science Center,
USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies

wrigley.usc.edu

Organization Type:
School/University

Mission:
The mission of the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies is to encourage responsible and creative decisions in society by providing an objective source of marine and environmental science and fostering an understanding of the natural world among people of all ages.

Contact:
USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies
Wrigley Marine Science Center
PO Box 5006
Avalon, CA 90704
Phone: (310) 510-0811
Fax: (310-) 510-1364

Geographical Focus:
Local through International

Counties Served:
All

Activities:
Research, Education, Water Monitoring

Topic:
Aquaculture, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Beaches, Coastal Processes, Cultural History, Endangered Species, Islands, Kelp Forest, Marine/Estuary Reserves & Sanctuaries, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Rocky Intertidal, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Watersheds/Hydrology, Wildlife

Educational Resources:
Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Nature Trails, Brochures, Website, Library/Lending Materials

Speaker/Lecture Series:
During the summer, graduate students/interns rotate in a weekly lecture series on their research topic.

Education Programs:
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the graduate interns host an open house for the public which includes a waterfront tour, touch tank visit, research lecture, hyperbaric chamber tour and chance to visit the gift shop.

We offer a range of workshops, lectures and activities appropriate for k-12 and outreach. Please check out our web site at wrigley.usc.edu/education/education_programs.html.

Target Audiences:
K-12, Adults, Teachers, Non-formal Educators, General Public, Undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students as well as professional groups

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 60

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Students/Interns, General Public, Policy Makers:
• Have in-place teacher training programs through COSEE-West and the Los Angeles Unified School District.
• Offer undergraduate semester programs through USC and through Cal-State (Long Beach and Northridge).
• Offer a graduate program in geobiology and a marine mammal course during the summer.
• For the general public there is an open house event weekly during the summer. We provide outreach programs for K-12, Elderhostel, college field trips and professional groups.
• Special programs are provided on an as-needed basis to inform policy makers about current relevant research.
• Offer family science programs.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Elderhostel Host
  Description:
Travel with Elderhostel groups to and from the island, escort the group to events, help instructors prepare for lectures and workshops, and generally assist the participants as needed during the programs.
  When Needed:
During scheduled Elderhostel programs. The dates vary from one year to the next.
  Qualifications:
Successful completion of an Elderhostel program at the Wrigley Marine Science Center and a willingness to help.
  Commitment Required:
Four to five days, depending on the program. Volunteers need to be available 24/7 in case of emergencies during programs.
  Application/Training:
Provided on-site.
  Contact:
Ellen Kelley
ekelley@usc.edu


Internship Opportunities

  Program:
Graduate Intern
  Description:
Provide 10 hours a week assisting the education department. Duties include hosting the open house events, assisting with education groups – particularly in the water, doing lab tours for visiting groups, and cleaning the touch tanks.
  When Needed:
Primarily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but interns may start sooner and/or finish later.
  Qualifications:
This opportunity is open to graduate students who are conducting research at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center.
  Application:
The application is available online at wrigley.usc.edu/education/summer_grads.html.
  Number of Interns:
This varies, but usually around 6 or 8 depending on housing availability.
  Housing Provided:
Yes
  Stipend:
Yes
  Credit:
No


Videos:
For use on site or for loan
•   “Catalina Island: The Land and the Sea”
•   “Catalina Underwater”
•   “The World Below”
•   “Farming the Sea”
and many more including marine science titles and classic Catalina movies.

Slideshows:
For use on site or for loan
•   “Between Catalina Tides” (Intertidal and near shore marine life)
•   “Snorkelers Guide to Catalina” (Invertebrates and fish of Catalina)

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop, Telephone

Parking Availability:
Limited parking is available. Island visitors are not able to bring their cars to the island.

Public Transit Access:
Catalina Safari offers limited bus service between Avalon and Two Harbors. Water taxi service is available between Two Harbors and the Wrigley Marine Science Center.




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