Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve, Marine protected area in Santa Cruz, United States.
Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve is a protected ocean area along the northern shore of Santa Cruz, California, reaching about 200 feet (60 meters) offshore. It covers sandy beaches, rocky intertidal zones, tidal marshes, and surfgrass beds where many forms of marine life live.
The reserve was created in September 2007 as part of a large effort to protect ocean ecosystems along the California coast. It was one of several new protected areas established at the same time along the central California shoreline.
The state beach next to the reserve is known each winter for large groups of monarch butterflies that stop there during their long migration from Canada and the northern US. People come specifically to watch them resting in the eucalyptus trees along the shore.
Kayaking, diving, and snorkeling are allowed in the reserve, but fishing and collecting any marine organisms are not permitted. Those who want to explore the tidal pools should plan to visit at low tide, when the rocks are easiest to reach.
The reserve takes its name from a natural rock arch that once stood offshore and has mostly collapsed over time. One arch remains visible, and its shape continues to change slowly with each wave and tide.
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