Limpets Network

Program Length: 3 to 5 Months over a variety of periods depending on the research project

Sponsor: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Admissions Requirements: Must be a resident or long-time visitor to the state of California. Must be Grade 6 or higher to participate.

Admissions Deadline : May

Highlight: The LiMPETS Network (Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students) , led by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, turns the California coast into your classroom. Designed for students in grades 6th and up who are California residents ,this 3–5 month community science program takes you beyond textbooks and straight into rocky intertidal zones and sandy beach ecosystems . Participants survey real marine plants and animals, collect and record data , and contribute to long-term monitoring projects that help researchers understand changes in coastal ecosystems over time.

Students learn how to identify species in this community science program, follow field research methods, enter and analyze data, and understand how their research and findings support the professionals they will be working with. With programs offered during multiple months of the year and a relatively low cost (~$200), LiMPETS offers a hands-on, impactful way to explore marine science in a community science program while building real research skills and making a meaningful impact to California coastal research.

Who knew beach days could turn resume worthy!?