After the close of the Georgia Pacific Mill in 2002, the City led a community visioning process for the reuse of the site –  400 acres of land which occupies nearly the entire coastline of the City and comprises about a third of the land in the City. Reuse of the former mill site represents the single largest development opportunity and will likely determine the future economic success of the region. Early on, the community identified the Noyo Center for Marine Science as a priority economic development initiative that would lead to subsequent development. The City incubated the organization in City Hall and the community provided financial support by passing a ballot measure to earmark an increased sales tax.

Now a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, there are many opportunities to engage with the Noyo Center of Marine Science and to help advance its mission of ocean conservation through education, exploration, and experience.

Visit the Noyo Center Website

Visit Noyo Center for Marine Science website to learn about current projects and upcoming events!

Stop by downtown’s Discovery Center to check out the orca whale skeleton, kelp exhibit and browse their curated gift shop!

Walk out to the Crow’s Nest interpretive center on the Noyo Headlands to view their marine specimen exhibit, tide pool aquarium, and imagine the future Ocean Science Center facility that is being planned for the adjacent 11.5-acres!

And keep your eye on the historic Carine’s Fish Grotto located in the heart of the Noyo Harbor, which was recently acquired by Noyo Center for the future Slack Tide Café – a public café with an aquaculture research station twist.