Upcoming Presentations & Events

River otters are charismatic carnivores, and make wonderful ambassadors for river and wetland restoration and conservation efforts. Yet, little was known about their population, range and seasonal eating habits in the Bay Area before we began our project. The River Otter Ecology Project has taken on the challenge of discovering and documenting their ecological niche, with the goal of informing land use decisions and preserving habitat for these lively aquatic mammals. Our educational presentations and tabling events offer a range of lively, entertaining and fun activities for adults and children, to help the world understand that what’s good for river otters — healthy watersheds — is good for humans and all living beings.

River otters are thriving in the Bay Area. Let’s keep it that way! 

Join us on a walk!

Please join us for wonderful wildlife viewing, a relaxing and gorgeous walk at Abbott’s Lagoon and discussion of all things conservation and otters. This is your opportunity for a  personal tour of our favorite otter area with the real experts who have worked with River Otter Ecology Project for years.

$40/person, children 10 and under free. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.  No more than 15 guests per tour. 

Meet our Otterly Expert Docents

Robert Aston, friend to all wildlife and certified CA naturalist, was part of our very first cohort of camera trappers in 2013 and hasn’t stopped since. Robyn is not only a field work volunteer, but a valued member of our board for several years, an outreach volunteer and leader extraordinaire, and a popular speaker and educator for ROEP. Ask Robyn about almost anything otter and he will know the answer or be able to find it for you.
Tour date with Robyn: Saturday, Sept. 12, 8:30 – 11AM  REGISTER

Peter Barto is a certified CA naturalist who has racked up decades worth of wildlife experience, traveling the world in search of pretty much any wild animal to observe and study (though he does have his favorites). He is a major supporter of Daraja Academy, a leadership high school for girls in Kenya, and advisor to the Daraja Academy Wildlife Monitoring program. Closer to home, Pete is involved with the North Bay Bear Collaborative as well as River Otter Ecology Project as a camera trapper, speaker, and general booster.
Tour date with Pete: Saturday, September 19, 8:30 – 11AM  REGISTER

Suzanne Queen is a delightful and knowledgable proponent of all things otter for many years! Her love of otters has led her up and down the West coast and beyond, attending conferences and classes on sea otters and out to ROEP’s field cameras where she is a crack finder-and-documenter of river otter lives and secrets. Suzanne wasn’t sure she would enjoy river otters when she started, but she jumped in with enthusiasm, and the river otters worked their magic. Suzanne is our 2025 Volunteer of the Year due to her skills and tenacity.
Tour dates with Suzanne:
Sunday, August 9, 8:30 – 11AM   REGISTER
Sunday, August 23, 8:30 – 11AM REGISTER

Terence Carroll and Megan Isadore are co-founders and directors of ROEP. Their experience in research, advocacy, community science, education, and building community are the backbone of our programs.
Tour date with Megan and Terence; Sunday, September 20, 8:30 – 11AM REGISTER

August 8: Sonoma Parks Nature and Community Fair