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The Bay Model Visitor Center is a wonderful, FREE research and education facility built and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Below are their events in April:
Ship Operations in the Bay
Saturday, April 7th. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Are you curious about the many commercial ships that navigate in and out of our Bay every day? Join Captain Craig Thomas of Agile Marine as he provides a better understanding of the operations and movements, as well as, the types of ships, commercial considerations, different types and locations of terminals, manning requirements, career opportunities, and International, U.S., and California Regulations. You’ll also learn what a typical voyage for one of these ships would be like: from its being tracked outside the bay, to arriving at its terminal and carrying out the cargo operations, then finally heading out into the open ocean on its way to the next port.
Trekking the Model
Saturdays, April 14th & 28th. 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Join one of the Bay Model Visitor Center rangers for a guided tour of the 1.5 acre hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Learn the history of the site and its two major operations that took place between 1942 – 2000.
WWII in the Shadow of Mt. Tam
Saturday, April 21st. 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Founded in 1942, WWII brought the establishment of the shipbuilding company, Marinship Corporation. This bustling wartime shipyard built 93 cargo ships and oil tankers before closing their doors in 1945. Join Ranger Joanne, and step back in time, to experience what day-to-day life was like for the 20,000 workers in the shipyard. You will be taken on a 2-mile walking tour of the area surrounding the Bay Model Visitor Center, so comfortable shoes are recommended. We advise dressing in layers because it can get cool on the waterfront; and also feel free to bring water and a snack. In the case of rain, the event will be cancelled.
Sailing Ships of the SF Bay
Saturday, April 21st. 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
The Matthew Turner was the first Brigantine ship to be built in California in over 100 years, and it now has a permanent home on the Bay Model pier. Join the Bay Model rangers to learn about some of the interesting early sailing vessels that made their way in and around the SF Bay estuary, as well as, some maritime history and the ever present danger of shipwrecks.
Earth Day at the Bay Model
Sunday, April 22nd. 9:00 AM – noon
Join the Sausalito Woman’s Club in helping to make our town shine. There will be various locations throughout town where you can pick up supplies to help. Volunteers will be treated to a pizza party at noon at the Bay Model. Local environmental groups will also be on hand to share how you can made a difference year round. Pre-registation is required.
Scott Benson: “Leatherback sea turtles in the California Current: Why leatherbacks cross the Pacific”
Tuesday, April 24th. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
American Cetacean Society – SF Bay Chapter
Join the Bay Model for their monthly American Cetacean Society presentation. This month will showcase Scott Benson and his studies on the endangered western Pacific leatherback sea turtle and their migration patterns. These turtles engage in the longest migration of any aquatic, air breathing vertebrate traveling more than 7,000 miles annually between their Western Pacific nesting beaches and their eastern Pacific foraging areas. Learn about the current status of their population, the challenges to recovery and actions that can be taken to help. A $5 donation will go towards student research grants.
The Night Sky Above Point Reyes & Joshua Tree – Art Exhibition
On until Saturday, April 28th.
Point Reyes photographer Marty Knapp will be showcasing his new works, Astro-Landscape Photographs, at the Bay Model’s latest art exhibit. These beautiful pieces will grace the lobby walls with his iconic land and seascape photography of the Point Reyes National Seashore. This exhibit will also be an opportunity for you to see his newest creations featuring starry skies above Point Reyes, Mt. Tam, and Joshua Tree National Park. His photo gallery can be visited on Highway One, Point Reyes Station. www.martyknapp.com
The Bay Model Wants You!!!
Saturday, April 14th. 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Bay Model Visitor Center needs volunteers just like you! Join one of Sausalito’s best known attractions and help in the bookstore, greet visitors, lead tours, help out with school groups, and more. You’ll get to be a part of one of the largest working hydraulic models in existence! Attend the orientation, or contact Park Ranger, Joanne Jarvis, at 415.289.3027 or joanne.jarvis@usace.army.mil for more information.
Admission
Entry to all events is FREE, although donations are always welcome. Parking is also free. Have a group of 10 or more? Reserve a free guided tour for your class, club, or group. Interested in the Marinship area? Free guided tours of the historic waterfront are available to small groups on weekday mornings. For both tours, please contact the manager at least 2 weeks prior to make a reservation. Phone: 415.332.3871
Spring Hours
Tuesday through Saturday 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Closed: Sundays and Mondays
