On June 2, 2026, over 750 students from Humboldt County participated in the 21st Annual Kids Ocean Day at the Mike Thompson Wildlife Area. The event combined dune restoration, trash cleanup, and an aerial art display featuring marine invertebrates with the message 'Coast for All.' - Students removed invasive plants and litter to boost coastal biodiversity.
- A drone captured an aerial art image designed by Jess Barger, showing a scallop, sand dollar, and moon snail. - The event was part of the statewide Adopt-a-Beach program, funded by the California Coastal Commission's Whale Tail Grant Program.
- Kids Ocean Day events also took place in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, involving over 5,000 students statewide. The day celebrated the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, emphasizing public access and environmental stewardship.
Organizers highlighted the role of marine invertebrates as bioindicators of ocean health.