Celebrating Upper Newport Bay’s Wildlife at Back Bay’s Biodiversity Bash
Wildlife Jewels® at the Back Bay Science Center Biodiversity Bash September 2025
A Fabulous Day at Back Bay Science Center’s Biodiversity Bash
Wildlife Jewels® at the Back Bay Science Center' Biodiversity Bash 2025! Connecting the community to Wildlife through the Arts!
Wildlife Jewels was delighted to participate in Back Bay Science Center’s Biodiversity Bash and celebrate Upper Newport Bay’s wildlife—including round stingrays and horn sharks; wading/marsh birds such as Ridgway’s rail and the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron; and invertebrates like the bat star—as well as the stunning, bright-orange Garibaldi.
Paint for Wildlife: Hands-on Art + Learning
Our Paint for Wildlife activity invited guests of all ages to explore wildlife through art.
Each wildlife featured hand-drawn line art by Wildlife Jewels’ founder artist.
Community participants added color, bringing each species to life while learning about their habitat, behaviors, and how we can help protect them.
Why Upper Newport Bay Matters
Upper Newport Bay is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. The calm, shallow waters and surrounding wetlands provide food, shelter, and safe nursery areas for marine life and migratory birds.
About the Back Bay Science Center
Located within the Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area, the Back Bay Science Center is a hands-on hub for estuarine education and stewardship. Its tidal flats and marsh nurseries support bat rays (Myliobatis californica), round stingrays (Urobatis halleri), leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata), schooling fishes like topsmelt and mullet, invertebrates such as the California horn snail (Cerithideopsis californica), and endangered birds including Ridgway’s rail and the California least tern.
Discover the Back Bay Science Center HERE.
Discover Wildlife Jewels’ Jewels of Newport Bay HERE
Wildlife Jewels® at the Back Bay Science Center' Biodiversity Bash 2025! Connecting the community to Wildlife through the Arts!
Credits
Artwork & Line Art: Azi S., Wildlife Jewels®
Program: Paint for Wildlife™
Photos/Video: Wildlife Jewels® team