Ocean lovers might want to check out this guided shore walk at Juhu Koliwada, which provides an interactive learning experience and hands-on exploration of marine life. Topics covered include coastal ecology, marine adaptations, and conservation.
Sponges spotted during a previous marine walk
Nitya Aggarwal, founder of Wildnest Mumbai, the nature platform hosting the walk, shares, “Mumbai’s shores are unexpectedly rich in marine biodiversity. Participants can spot and closely capture a variety of fascinating species in the rocky and sandy intertidal habitats, including Pearly Sea Anemones, Clapping and Porcelain Crabs, Sponges, amongst many others.” Unique species such as the Octopus and Japanese Tiger Shrimp may also be sighted.
Porcelain Crab. Pics courtesy/Wildnest Mumbai
“Many of these organisms range from colourful and delicate to rare and sometimes, dangerous,” she adds. We are curious about any interesting facts about aquatic life around the city. Most people, Aggarwal says, remain unaware that multiple species are found in intertidal pools — small pools of seawater that form when the tide recedes. “These pools open up an entirely different world of marine life, where each organism plays a unique role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Protecting these fragile habitats is, therefore, essential to maintain coastal biodiversity.”
Attendees photograph marine species at Juhu Koliwada
On a personal note, she signs off, “One of my biggest learnings from such walks, and the easiest thing that we all can do, is stop collecting shells from the beach; they are home to a wide range of creatures.”
ON February 28, 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm; March 1, 4 pm to 6 pm
AT Juhu Koliwada Beach, Santacruz West.
LOG ON TO urbanaut.app
ENTRY Rs 500 onwards
Nature watch
Pink-carpet ride
Spot up to 30 species of migratory birds during a boat safari, from Flamingos, to Pied Avocets, Grey Herons, and Egrets.
ON February 28; 8 am and 9.30 am
AT Bhandup Pumping Station, Mulund East.
LOG ON TO @mumbai_musafir
ENTRY Rs 1290 onwards
Flamingos spotted on a safari. Pic courtesy/Mumbai Musafir
Avian adventure
Sign up for a Birds for Beginners walk, and learn observation techniques, how to identify feathered species, and how to use field equipment for photography.
ON February 28; 7.30 am to 9.30 am AT Maharashtra Nature Park, Sion Bandra Link Road, Dharavi.
LOG ON TO @naturalistex
ENTRY Rs 500 onwards
Colours in the wild
Celebrate Holi in this urban forest with a cultural experience, featuring natural colour-making, and an outdoor cooking session.
ON March 1; 8 am to 12 pm
AT Aarey Forest, Goregaon.
LOG ON TO @explore.thelocalway
ENTRY Rs 1650 onwards
