Fans of those spiny petards of the ocean deep — either because of how tasty they are, or how weird-looking — will want to head up to Mendocino this weekend or next for the third annual Purple Urchin Festival.
The festival kicks off June 7 and runs through June 16 with nature walks, a harbor tour of fishing vessels and an “urchin ranch” and many restaurant specials, including one that pairs high-end Japanese whiskey with creamy uni.
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And this year — brace yourself — there’s also a concurrent event running called KelpFest, which “explores the beauty and benefits of our irreplaceable underwater ecosystem through art, education, food and film,” according to Visit Mendocino.
Purple sea urchins are ubiquitous off the coast of Northern California. When their numbers get out of control, they can pose a severe threat to kelp forests, which they love to munch. Otherwise, they can be a toothsome addition to all sorts of dishes from pasta to toast to sushi. (Or a pain in your butt — sometimes literally — if you happen to bump into one in the water.)
You can find all the details at Urchinfest.com, but here’s a short list of what’s going on from that site and VisitMendocino.com. Note that while some events are free, others require tickets or fees:
June 8:
“Take a low-tide seaweed walk at MacKerricher State Park with Josie Iselin, Larry Knowles and Julie Drucker. These artist-educators will share their knowledge and experience in seaweed gathering and give an in-depth understanding of the delicate intertidal ecosystem. Sign up for this morning walk from 7:00-9:30 a.m.” Details: Capacity: 25. Fee: $35 (includes Seaweed Science Social in the afternoon).
June 8 + 9
“DIVE INTO SCIENCE FIELD SESSIONS WITH REEF CHECK. Reef Check trains citizen science divers to conduct long-term monitoring surveys of Kelp Forests. Join us at Caspar Beach June 8-9th to watch our team at work! We will also be working with our most recent Dive into Science Open Water graduates to provide proficiency dives so they continue their training and become Reef Check divers! Come chat with us and our volunteers! Our divers are happy to discuss everything kelp and how you can get involved with Reef Check. No sign-ups are necessary—just come and see us in action!” Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Caspar State Beach.
June 15:
“OPEN HOUSE AT THE URCHIN RANCH. Visit the Noyo Center Marine Field Station in Noyo Harbor and learn about the organization’s land-based urchin aquaculture system, or urchin ranch. While you are there, see the underwater photo and video installation featuring the work of Abbey Dias and Patrick Webster, taste wild and farmed uni, and learn more about the fascinating purple urchin from Noyo Center educators.” Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Noyo Center Marine Field Station, 32430 N. Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg. Donations welcome.
“Learn about fine Japanese whiskey from expert Jonathan Darrow as he pairs whiskeys with a multicourse, uni-centric meal prepared by Little River Inn’s Chefs Joe Perez and Marc Dym. Make it a true getaway with a two-night stay at the always delightful Little River Inn.”
June 16:
“Join the Noyo Harbor staff for a walking tour of Noyo Harbor from 10 .m.-noon. Learn about the different fisheries and vessels that operate out of the marina and how a healthy kelp forest relates to healthy fisheries and thus healthy communities.” Details: 10 a.m.-noon at Noyo Harbor High Dock.
Throughout:
“UNI ADVENTURES. A variety of Mendocino restaurants are offering special Uni menus during this timeframe, from Uni Baked Oysters to Salmon with Champagne and Sea Urchin Beurre Blanc; various prices. Pull a seat up at Harbor House Inn, Inn at Newport Ranch, KW Saltwater Café, Noyo Harbor Inn, Izakaya Gama, SIBO and Wickson Restaurant.”
