Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and its tidepools are located in Moss Beach, CA, about 40 minutes south of San Francisco. The tidepools are one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders on the coast of Northern California. Recently designated a Marine Protected Area, the rocky shore of the reserve becomes an outdoor classroom at low tide, allowing explorers of all ages to marvel at the diversity of marine life and learn more about protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. On any given day visitors may discover a variety of marine species including purple sea urchins, mussels, sea stars, harbor seals, sea birds, nudibranchs, various mollusks, and even the elusive red octopus. The nonprofit Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve was formed in 1985. Our mission is to inspire the preservation of our unique intertidal environment through education and the support of research. As a volunteer organization, the Friends works to assist with the operation of the Reserve managed by San Mateo County Parks. Every year our naturalists engage over 3000 students on organized tours of the intertidal environment. In addition, FFMR volunteers also have the opportunity to introduce many other park visitors to the wonders of the rocky intertidal zone. Additional activities include an annual training course for new naturalists, arranging opportunities for extended education, operating the park interpretive center, running a summer camp, and awarding academic scholarships to graduating high school students. FFMR also seeks to partner with other organizations in support of research and activities designed to inform the general public by way of conservation advocacy. The stewardship of the natural resources represented by the Marine Reserve serves as one very important example of the benefit gained when we work to care for local wildlife habitats.