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What
is an estuary? A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - A
Painting is Better Still.
Upper Newport Bay is a scenic oasis in the midst of urban
Orange County and many come to enjoy its colorful vistas. But
few realize the ecological importance of it and other natural
estuaries. This was the driving force behind the building of
the OC Parks Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, which
opened in 2000. Here the nature wonders of the Bay are
"interpreted" for people of all ages through
interactive exhibits, live reptile and amphibian displays, and
audio-visual presentations that explain the interaction of the
huge diversity of wetland wildlife.
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some time now, OC Parks and the Naturalists and Friends had
been exploring ways to enhance the facility. In early 2008
they decided upon a stunning new exhibit at the entrance to
the Interpretive Center to introduce visitors to the concept
of an estuary. One of the main components of the exhibit will
be a plein air painting of the Bay recreated at mural size.
Nearly 40 SOCALPAPA
artists submitted entries. The winner of the $5,000 purchase
award was local artist Greg LaRock with his entry
"Shadowed Bluffs". |
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Preliminary
plans and renderings have been prepared and design and
construction will take place in 2009. See Project
Summary Sheet (pdf). The estimated cost of the new exhibit
is roughly $100,000. Funding
opportunities are available for this and other facility
upgrades.
(And the answer to the question is: An estuary is a place
where fresh water and salt water meet. The tidal mouth of any
river is an estuary. The Mississippi delta is a huge estuary.
Upper Newport Bay is a much smaller version of the same thing.
More info.)
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