News Summary
The Newport Bay Conservancy’s seventh annual Gourmet by the Bay fundraising dinner will take place on August 16 at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The event aims to raise funds for ecological restoration projects in Upper Newport Bay, featuring live music, sunset views, and a farm-to-table dinner by Chef Nicoletta Grippo. Ticket sales support significant conservation initiatives, bringing together community members to celebrate environmental stewardship and wildlife resilience amid climate change.
Newport Beach Hosts Seventh Annual Gourmet by the Bay Fundraising Dinner
NEWPORT BEACH, CA – The Newport Bay Conservancy will hold its seventh annual Gourmet by the Bay fundraising dinner on Saturday, August 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. This much-anticipated event aims to raise funds for ongoing ecological restoration projects in the Upper Newport Bay area.
Attendees can expect a lively evening featuring sunset views, live music, and both silent and live auctions. The dinner will provide a farm-to-table experience catered by Chef Nicoletta Grippo, accompanied by beverages from Tap Truck Orange County. General admission is priced at $120 for members and $145 for non-members, with tickets available on the Newport Bay Conservancy website.
The funds raised during the event will support the third phase of a significant restoration project in Big Canyon, set to commence in fall 2023. This restoration effort aims to rejuvenate 14 acres of historical salt marsh and create transitional wetland habitats, crucial for enhancing wildlife resilience amid the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels.
Funding and Progress on Restoration Projects
Various partners, including the city of Newport Beach, the California Coastal Conservancy, and state and federal wildlife agencies, are funding this restoration initiative. Recently, the Coastal Commission approved the coastal permit application for Phase Three of the Big Canyon Restoration Project, marking a significant step forward for the conservancy’s continuous environmental efforts.
Heather Cieslak, the conservancy’s operations director, highlighted the event as a celebration of the organization’s achievements over the past 50 years. The Newport Bay Conservancy has been instrumental in protecting the 1,000-acre Upper Newport Bay ecosystem since its establishment in 1967, addressing threats from development, invasive species, and other environmental harms.
Community Engagement and Educational Efforts
In addition to restoration efforts, the Newport Bay Conservancy actively engages with the community, attracting over 50,000 visitors annually. The organization hosts various activities, including school visits, kayak tours, coastal cleanups, and operates a native plant nursery, fostering a connection between the public and the diverse ecological treasures of the estuary.
As a habitat for numerous endangered species, the Upper Newport Bay serves as a vital ecological resource. The ongoing efforts of the Newport Bay Conservancy play a crucial role in educating the public about the ecology of the estuary and the importance of preserving natural habitats, which are increasingly scarce along California’s coastline.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Gourmet by the Bay dinner represents more than just a fundraising event; it emphasizes the collective efforts of biologists, philanthropists, and volunteers committed to safeguarding the unique ecosystems of Newport Bay. As the restoration projects progress, they underscore the essential balance between community enjoyment of natural spaces and the responsible stewardship required to protect these invaluable resources for future generations.
With ticket sales supporting significant conservation initiatives, the Newport Bay Conservancy continues its legacy of environmental advocacy, education, and restoration, inviting the community to participate in securing the future of Upper Newport Bay.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Scenic Fundraiser Backs Local Conservancy’s Effort
- Wikipedia: Newport Bay
- Newport Beach Indy: Gourmet by the Bay Fundraiser
- Google Search: Newport Bay Conservancy
- Los Angeles Times: Back Bay Plein Air Art Festival
- Google Scholar: Newport Bay restoration
- Patch: Newport Bay Conservancy Earth Day Celebration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport Beach
- Los Angeles Times: Look Ahead for Big Canyon Restoration Project
- Google News: Newport Bay Conservancy
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
