Join us in celebrating the legacy of Walter Munk by supporting the completion of THE MAP® of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza!

The Friends of La Jolla Shores, in partnership with the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans, are reaching out to community members and ocean education supporters to complete the installation of plaza.

This unique educational tool and one-of-a-kind-masterpiece is sure to become part of the city’s civic landscape and a source of pride and inspiration for all residents and visitors alike!

THE MAP®

With over 100 life-sized mosaic images of local marine life, THE MAP® will provide interactive, identification-based learning opportunities for millions of visitors each year. It also features local dive sites, surf spots and beaches, as well as Marine Protected Area and State Marine Reserve boundaries.

Above: A panoramic view of the fabrication of THE MAP®

Informational panels and a smartphone app will provide additional interactive educational resources.  The Birch Aquarium and local schools will use THE MAP®
as a field trip destination.

The Project 

Help us install this educational resource in Kellogg Park!

The educational plaza will become a part of our unique ocean history and culture. It will enhance a public space visited by millions of people each year and promote ocean stewardship.

THE MAP® of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza will be located in Kellogg Park between the children’s playground and south comfort station, adjacent to Walter Munk Way.  The plaza’s main feature is a 2,400 square foot LithoMozaic® map.

It will also include a 3D bronze casting depicting the underwater topography of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla, interpretive panels, fencing, landscaping and a newly paved walkway.

Now we need your help to complete the project! Help us bring THE MAP® to life! 

Current Project Site

THE MAP® is a community collaboration that has received help from a number of local collaborators including the San Diego Parks & Recreation Department, California Coastal Commission, Scripps Institute of Oceanography scientists and researchers, Birch Aquarium  Education Department, Ocean Discovery Institute, Kumeyaay Bands, Marine Protected Area representatives, lifeguards, surfers and scuba divers among others.

We need your help today… each and every donation matters!

***All donations of $500 and above will be acknowledged onsite and all donations will be acknowledged online

ABOUT US

Friends of La Jolla Shores is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to enhance and preserve our public parks, beaches, unique coastal community and marine environment while promoting related educational experiences and recreational activities.

Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans is a 501(c)(3) (pending) non-profit organization based in La Jolla whose mission is to ‘continue Walter Munk’s legacy of daring exploration and discovery through scientific research, education and ocean conservation.’

“People should treat the ocean like we do anything else that we care about, with consideration, with care, and affection. For that we must educate.”

-WALTER MUNK-

Thank you for your support and please share this opportunity with friends!

Help spread the word!