FOAM’s major activity is to teach the public about wetlands, wildlife, and wastewater treatment through sponsoring educational events and projects for all ages.
Please volunteer if you’re interested in leading tours or workshops, or studying aspects of the marsh (scholarships available). Reach out to FOAM info@arcatamarshfriends.org
Free events sponsored/co-sponsored by FOAM have included family nature craft activities at Godwit Days, ocean-related crafts, “mud walks” as part of Arcata’s Wildlife Biology Camp, and Take a Child Outside Day.
Aside from leading regular Saturday afternoon tours, FOAM provides volunteers to lead weekday tours for school or civic groups. Special tours are subject to volunteer availability and must be requested at least two weeks in advance. Check the guidelines for tours before you call or email.
FOAM helped develop and fund some of the seven permanent exhibits in the Interpretive Center and many of the interpretive signs scattered throughout the Marsh.
FOAM awards research grants to graduate and undergraduate students at local colleges for projects related to the Arcata Marsh. Research grant awards have made since 2004; grant applications are accepted year-round.
FOAM co-sponsors the yearly Student Bird Art Contest with Redwood Region Audubon Society. Students in grades K-12 are invited to submit renderings of common local birds. See the most recent student winners here: 2024SBACbooklet-online
FOAM presents cash award(s) at the Humboldt County Science Fair for the best projects related to wetlands. Here is the list of winners from 2006 through 2023: Science Fair Winners 2023 update
In 2014, FOAM initiated awards to recognize rare avian species spotted within the boundaries of the Marsh. Finders of the Arcata Marsh Bird of the Year are given certificates at FOAM’s Annual Meeting.
