SAVE THE DATE!
SEPTEMBER 18th Anniversary Celebration
5:30PM to 8PM
Riverwalk Golf Clubhouse
1150 Fashion Valley Road
----August Events----
8/8 3PM - 4:30 PM San Diego River Coalition Meeting
Join the coalition of groups working for a better future for the San Diego River. Meetings are open to the public. Agenda and Meeting Details
8/9 9am-11am -- SPOTLIGHT EVENT-- Beach Clean up with the Friends of Dog Beach
This month we are proud to highlight "The Friends of Dog Beach".
Bring the kids and the dogs, help us at San Diego's favorite off-leash beach at the mouth of the San Diego River. Free dog toys and treats! All supplies are provided. Community service hours can be verified.
Contact Richard at 619.297.7380 or Email him
8/9 8am-11am Tierrasanta Canyon Restoration
More Info
8/9 8am-Noon Habitat Restoration Crew at Mission Trails Regional Park
Get your exercise for the day AND help make a difference for the park's native plant community at the same time! Info
8/9 1pm-3pm Old Town State Park Native Plant Garden Work Party
Volunteers are needed to help maintain and care for this very special garden. No experience necessary. More Info
8/10 1pm-2pm Presidio Park Tour
Info
8/15-16-17 RiverWatch Water Monitoring
This is great opportunity to learn about the science of water monitoring at select sites along our river. Activities include use of a Sonde probe to take various scientific readings, collection of water samples and monitoring of the riparian habitat. No experience is needed. RSVP's are required. Call Richard at 619.297.7380 or Email
For more info on RiverWatch Click Here
8/16 9am - Noon Mission Valley Preserve Garden
Join the Friends of Mission Valley Preserve for their regularly scheduled gardening of a wonderful native plant garden. No experience needed. Tools and supplies provided.
Details
8/16 Famosa Slough Bird Walk
8/16 8am-Noon Habitat Restoration Crew at Mission Trails Regional Park
Get your exercise for the day AND help make a difference for the park's native plant community at the same time! Info
8/16 6/21 9am Friends of Buchanan Canyon Restoration Event
Info
8/17 9am-11am Point Loma Native Plant Garden
Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden for a morning of caring for this garden. Learn about native flora and see how beautiful a water wise garden can be. Tools provided. No experience is necessary. Contact Richard at 619.297.7380 or by Email
More Info
8/17 8am-Noon Park Beautification at Mission Trails Regional Park
Info
8/23 9am-Noon Clean and Green Team Event-----River Cleanup Mission Valley East
The San Diego River, an historic, cultural and natural resource has served the people of San Diego for over 9,000 years. Currently our river is one of the more polluted waterways in the country. As part of our Healthy River-Healthy Communities program, The San Diego River Park Foundations Clean and Green Team seeks volunteers to help us clean up the stretch of the river along Camino Del Rio North. This is a great family activity and community service hours can be verified.
Volunteers will meet on the grassy area south of the Quicki 10 minute oil change facility located at 4232 Camino del Rio North (92108). All supplies will be provided including water and snacks.
Please dress in closed toed shoes, and clothes that can get a little dirty. Hat and sunscreen are recommended.To rsvp or for more information, call 619.297.7380 or email
Every Wednesday and Thursday starting at 8am Lakeside River Park Restoration Projects
Info
----September Events----
9/6 9am- 11am Point Loma Native Plant Garden
Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden for a morning of caring for this garden. Learn about native flora and see how beautiful a water wise garden can be. Tools provided. No experience is necessary. Contact Richard at 619.297.7380 or by Email
More Info
9/6 9am-Noon Friends of Ruffin Canyon Volunteer Work Party
Details and Directions
9/13 9am-11am Friends of Dog Beach Clean Up
This event takes place the 2nd Saturday of every month. Join the friends as they care for San Diego's favorite off-leash, dog friendly beach at the mouth of the San Diego River. Directions
9/13 9am-Noon Famosa Slough Wetlands Restoration
Help the Friends of Famosa Slough to care for one of the few remaining coastal wetlands.
9/13 8am-11am Tierrasanta Canyon Restoration
More Info
9/13 8am-Noon Habitat Restoration Crew at Mission Trails Regional Park
Get your exercise for the day AND help make a difference for the park's native plant community at the same time! Info
9/13 1pm-3pm Old Town State Park Native Plant Garden Work Party
Volunteers are needed to help maintain and care for this very special garden. No experience necessary. More Info
9/13 1pm-2pm Presidio Park Tour
Info
9/18 5:30- - 8PM 7th Anniversary Celebration - A Night to Remember
It is the event of the year! Mark your calendars and plan on joining the fun. Food, drink, and lots of river park people. This year we are limiting to just 400 people so get your RSVPs in early. Send your name and that of your guests to RSVP@sandiegoriver.org or call 619-297-7380.
We will have a fantastic silent auction and raffle. So bring your checkbooks and cash! All proceeds go to benefit the River Park Foundation programs. Our annual awards will be presented and we promise no long speeches! Just good food, beer, wine and beverage, great friends and fellow river park supporters. Suggested donation $10 collected at the door. Our thanks to the sponsors Sudberry Properties, Allied Waste and Sunroad Enterprises and all the auction item donors. Sponsorship opportunities remain at just $500 and $1000. Call 619-297-7380 for details.
9/20 9am-Noon CLEAN AND GREEN TEAM EVENT --Coastal Cleanup Day at Cottonwood Grove---
As part of the 24th annual International Coastal Cleanup Day , you are needed to help remove trash and debris from the San Diego River. Help us reach the goal of 100 volunteers and clean 20 acres of the Mission Valley Preserve. Meet at Cottonwood Grove off of Hotel Circle Place. To sign up, call the River Park office at 619.297.7380 or email
9/20 9am - Noon-- Coastal Cleanup Day in Santee --
Site detail are being finalized. Join the efforts to work toward a healthy river in Santee. Join the Friends of Santee's River Park as part of the annual Coastal Cleanup Day. Yes, everything upstream eventually ends up at the coast! Contact the River Park Foundation office at 619.297.7380 for information.
9/20 9am - Noon Mission Valley Preserve Garden
Join the Friends of Mission Valley Preserve for their regularly scheduled gardening of a wonderful native plant garden. No experience needed. Tools and supplies provided.
Details
9/20 Famosa Slough Bird Walk
9/20 8am-Noon Habitat Restoration Crew at Mission Trails Regional Park
Get your exercise for the day AND help make a difference for the park's native plant community at the same time! Info
9/20 9am-Noon Friends of Buchanan Canyon Restoration Event
Info
9/21 9am-11am Point Loma Native Plant Garden
Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden for a morning of caring for this garden. Learn about native flora and see how beautiful a water wise garden can be. Tools provided. No experience is necessary. Contact Richard at 619.297.7380 or by Email
More Info
9/27 9am-Noon CLEAN AND GREEN TEAM EVENT--RIver Cleanup at the Mission Valley Preserve--
In celebration of National Public Lands Day, the Clean and Green Team will return to the Mission Valley Preserve North Side to remove trash and debris from the river. Help us as we continue to make our river and community healthy again. We won't give up until our river is CLEAN!
To sign up, call the River Park office at 619.297.7380 or email
9/27 9am-Noon Friends of the River Mouth Event
9/27 8am-Noon Park Beautification at Mission Trails Regional Park
Info
Every Wednesday and Thursday starting at 8am Lakeside River Park Restoration Projects
Info
----October Events----
10/4 9am-11am Point Loma Native Plant Garden
Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden for a morning of caring for this garden. Learn about native flora and see how beautiful a water wise garden can be. Tools provided. No experience is necessary. Contact Richard at 619.297.7380 or by Email
More Info
10/4 9am-Noon Friends of Ruffin Canyon Restoration Event
Details and Directions
10/11 9am-Noon CLEAN AND GREEN TEAM EVENT -- River Cleanup in Santee
Details to be posted soon.
To sign up, call the River Park office at 619.297.7380 or email
10/11 9am-Noon Friends of Dog Beach Clean Up
This event takes place the 2nd Saturday of every month. Join the friends as they care for San Diego's favorite off-leash, dog friendly beach at the mouth of the San Diego River. Directions
10/11 8am-11am Friends of Tierrasanta Canyon Work Party
More Info
10/11 8am-Noon Habitat Restoration Crew at Mission Trails Regional Park
Get your exercise for the day AND help make a difference for the park's native plant community at the same time! Info
10/11 1pm-3pm Old Town State Park Native Plant Garden Work Party
Volunteers are needed to help maintain and care for this very special garden. No experience necessary. More Info
10/12 1pm-2pm Presidio Park Tour
Info
10/18 9am -11am Mission Valley Preserve Garden
Join the Friends of Mission Valley Preserve for their regularly scheduled gardening of a wonderful native plant garden. No experience needed. Tools and supplies provided.
Details
10/18 Famosa Slough Bird Walk
10/18 8am-Noon Habitat Restoration Crew at Mission Trails Regional Park
Get your exercise for the day AND help make a difference for the park's native plant community at the same time! Info
10/18 9am-Noon--HIGHLIGHT EVENT--Friends of Buchanan Canyon Restoration Event
Volunteers are needed to help us continue the efforts to restore this wonderful open space area.
Info
10/19 9am-11am Point Loma Native Plant Garden
Join the Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden for a morning of caring for this garden. Learn about native flora and see how beautiful a water wise garden can be. Tools provided. No experience is necessary. Contact Richard at 619.297.7380 or by Email
More Info
10/25 8am-Noon Park Beautification at Mission Trails Regional Park
Info
Every Wednesday and Thursday starting at 8am Lakeside River Park Restoration Projects
Info
----Information for Regular Events----
Famosa Slough Saturday work parties
Call Jim or Barbara Peugh 619-224-4591
Meets at the corner of West Point Loma Blvd. and Famosa Blvd.
These are on the 2nd Saturday of odd-numbered months (Jan, March, etc.)
Famosa Slough Bird Walks
3rd Saturday of every month. Contact Jim or Barbara Peugh 619-224-4591. Bird walks meet at the kiosk on Famosa Blvd. near West Point Loma Blvd.
Estuary Events with the San Diego Audubon Society
Meet on road that runs on the north side of the Estuary. From Sea World Drive turn south on South Shores Park and then right on the frontage road. Look for the check-in table. Wear long pants and long sleeves and bring sun protection (and your binoculars too!).
Call the Audubon office at 619-682-7200.
Cleanup at the Least Tern Nesting Site
The group will meet at Mariner's Point on the south side of West Mission Bay Drive, across from the Bahia Hotel. Drive all the way to the south, till the road ends, and park in the dirt parking lot.
Wear work clothes (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, hat, and sturdy shoes) and sunscreen. If you have them, bring work gloves and weeding tools or clippers. Refreshments will be provided. *We welcome students needing service hours, and groups or organizations. For more information, call Jim Peugh, (619) 224-4591, or the Mission Bay Park Rangers, (858)-581-7602.
Silverwood Work Party
We'll meet in the parking lot at Silverwood - 13003 Wildcat Canyon Road; From San Diego go east on 1-8 to Highway 67 exit in El Cajon. (From North County, take Hwy. 52 south to Mission Gorge east. Go through Santee. After Magnolia, stay in right lane and veer to left after going under bridge.) Go north on 67 to Lakeside. In Lakeside, take Mapleview east (right) one block to Ashwood Street. Turn left. Ashwood becomes Wildcat Canyon Road. From the Ashwood-Mapleview turn, go 4.8 miles to Silverwood, on the right and marked by a large yellow mailbox.
If you have them, bring large pruning shears. Also, bring gloves, some sunscreen, and wear old clothes, as you may come in contact with carbon on burned vegetation.
RSVP by calling Phil Lambert at 619-443-2998 or via email. We need to have everyone RSVP that plans to attend this one.
Dog Beach San Diego
Take I-8 west to the end in Ocean Beach, which becomes Sunset Cliffs Blvd. (look for the Ocean Beach entry sign). Turn right at the light on West Point Loma Blvd., turn right on Voltaire Street into the Dog Beach parking lot.
Mount Gower Open Space Preserve
Mount Gower is in San Diego Country Estates east of Ramona. Take 67 towards Ramona, go east on Dye Road (just south of Ramona city). Follow Dye all the way to San Vincente Road. Turn right on San Vincente, go all the way to San Diego County Estate. Turn left on Gunn Stage Rd., go all the way to the end and into the entrance of Mount Gower.
Contact Ranger Patty Heyden at 619-956-4707
Mission Trails Regional Park
Call the visitor center 619-668-3275 or visit www.mtrp.org
Mission Valley Preserve Restoration and Enhancement
Conservation Coordinator, Mike Kelly
Meeting Areas:
Native Plant Garden. Look for the kiosk at Friars Road and Napa Street which marks the entrance to the garden. If taking the trolley, use the Morena station and walk over to the kiosk across Friars Road. the garden is on the west side of the Mission Valley YMCA parking lot.
Sefton Field Entrance - Cottonwood Grove. This entrance is located on the southeast corner of the Preserve. From I-8, take the Taylor Street / Hotel Circle exit to Hotel Circle Place on the north side of the freeway. Take Hotel Circle Place west (past the Hunter Restaurant) to Sefton Park ball fields. Drive through Sefton Field and look for the entry gate at the far west side. Pass into the Preserve to Cottonwood Grove.
West End. Meet at the east end of the access road that runs along the river at Friars Road. Take Sea World Drive to South Shores, turn south toward the River. At the River, turn left and continue to the end. Park in the area along the road.
Trolley Parking Lot. Take the trolley to the Morena/Linda Vista Station and meet at the parking lot on Friars Blvd. If driving, the lot entrance is just west of Napa Street on Friars Road.
Friends of the San Diego River Mouth
Contact Lindsay Goodwin at 858-488-3849
Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the parking lot at Dog Beach. Take I-8 west to Sunset Cliffs Blvd., turn right on Voltaire Street. Go into the parking lot at the end of the street and look for a "Friends of" sign at the grassy area.
*Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty!
*Work gloves, tools, and snacks are provided
Friends of Ruffin Canyon
The First Saturday of each month, join us for a Canyon Care restoration event from 9:00am until noon in our beautiful dedicated natural park. From our meeting place in the parking lot on the east side of William Howard Taft Middle School, 9191 Gramercy Drive (at the south end of Ruffin Road), we may go to a different part of the canyon. The 928 bus serves this spot. Bring gloves and hand tools if you have them, but loaners are available. Wear hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and long sleeves. Water and snacks are provided (your own cup is useful). We certify community service hours! Different hours or more sedentary volunteer opportunities are also available. Call Bonnie Hough, Chair of FRC, at 619-840-8327.
Friends of Buchanan Canyon
Friends of Buchanan Canyon meet at 9:00 a.m. the 3rd Saturday of each month at Johnson and Hayes in University Heights.
Directions
Contact Eric Bowlby at 619-284-9399
Friends of Tierrasanta Canyons
The Friends group schedules a cleanup of invasive plants in Tierrasanta open space on the second Saturday of each month. Cleanup takes place from 8:00 - 11:00 am, and volunteers are always needed Directions to the cleanup site will be found across from Von's at the corner of Remora Street and Santo Road on the morning of the cleanup. Or call Tierrasanta resident Roberta Froome at 858-627-0682 (rfroome1@yahoo.com) in advance.
Santee
Are you interested in getting involved in Santee? The San Diego River Park Foundation is looking for interested community members to help the City of Santee care for Mast Park and adjacent areas. Contact Richard at 619-297-7380 Visit the Friends of Santee's River Park for more information.
Eagle Peak Preserve
This 516 acre wildlife preserve is located on Eagle Peak Road west of Pine Hills. Continue on Eagle Peak Road to 1/2 mile before its end at Saddleback (the trailhead for Cedar Creek Falls). Volunteers are needed for monthly monitoring activities. If you live in the area and are interested in being a Preserve Steward and being on-call to check on the Preserve, contact Rob Hutsel at 619-297-7380.
Directions
Walkabout International Events
San Diego River Walk. Meet at the Mission Valley Trolley Station. From I-8 take the Mission Center Rd. exit to Camino del Rio North. Go east as far as Westfield drive (near Macy's). The road now becomes Park in the Valley Drive. The station is clearly marked and is just west of Starbucks and Woodfired Pizza. Explore, at a moderate pace, both east and west of the trolley station looking for bird life. Contact Verna 619-276-3055.
Wilderness Walk: Mount Fortuna. The hike will be at Mission Trails Park from Padre Dam on Oak Canyon Trail (some trees survived the Cedar Fire), up on Fortuna Mountain and down through another riparian area that didn't get burned, down by the visitor center, and along some other loop trails. The hike is about 10 miles and will be strenuous uphill on the north side of Fortuna Mountain which parallels Hwy. 52. From Mission Gorge Road, turn on Father Junipero Serra Trail and continue to the entrance to Old Mission Dam parking. Contact Bill 619-264-1299.
Sunrise at Lake Murray. Meet at Art and Isabel at the Baltimore entrance. Take I-8 to the Lake Murray Dr. exit. Go north to Baltimore, turn left and go 2 blocks. An optional breakfast follows. For more info call (619) 582-3370.
Point Loma Native Plant Garden
Directions - Take I-8 or Sea World Drive to their west end. Follow sign to Nimitz Blvd. Stay on Nimitz past West Point Loma Blvd. and take the Famosa/Catalina Blvd. exit. Turn right onto Famosa Blvd. (Famosa Blvd becomes Catalina Blvd.). Turn right at the traffic light onto Voltaire Street. Turn right onto Mendocino Blvd. The Reserve is located at Mendocino Blvd & Greene St, San Diego, CA 92107. Park on the adjacent residential streets.
Click here to learn more about the PLNPG
Contact the San Diego River Park Foundation's Volunteer Coordinator at 619-297-7380.
Inaja
For further information on a given event contact Rob Hutsel.
Friends of the Normal Heights Planning Committee
Meeting place: Cul-de-sac at end of Eugene Place, off East Mountain View/35th Street, north of Adams Avenue. For more information contact John at (619) 807-8346.
Presidio Park Tours
2nd Sunday of each month1pm-2pm—Park Rangers lead an outdoor tour on significant history of Presidio Park every second Sunday of the month from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Tours meet in front of the Serra Museum and are free of charge. Please note that the Serra Museum is not included on the tour and admission fees do apply to enter the museum.
Lakeside River Park Events
Every Wednesday--Native plant Nursery Group Info
Every Thursday--Weed Warriors Info
Mission Trails Regional Park Events -
2nd Saturday of each month -- Get your exercise for the day AND help make a difference for the park's native plant community at the same time!
How? By coming out to lend a hand on our Habitat Restoration Crew.
When? 2nd Saturday of each month, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
3rd Saturday of each month 8am-noon-- Come join our Trail Improvement Crew, on the 3rd Saturday of each month and help improve the condition of your park trails.
4th Saturday of each month 8am-noon Get your exercise for the day AND help beautify your park at the same time! Crew meets on the 4th Saturday of each month by the flagpoles in front of the Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. and works until approximately 12:00 p.m. (weather permitting).
For all events volunteers meet by flag poles in front of the Visitor Center.
*Please bring work gloves and wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended on sunny days. Water and donuts provided! For more information, please call (619) 668-3281.
Old Town State Park Native Plant Garden
Second Saturday of each month from 1pm-3pm starting in July. Volunteers are needed to help care for and maintain this special native plant garden that was recently restored and replanted in April with the help of of the River Park Foundation's Community Enhancement Team. No Experience necessary. Bring your gloves and gardening tools.
The Old Town State Park Native Plant Garden is located across the street from the Old Town Transit Center. It is south of Taylor St., and east of Congress St. Parking is usually available, and free in the lot immediately to the east--on Calhoun Street, off Taylor St. Map
Other Opportunities
Eagle Peak Preserve Monitoring and Management Team
We are taking a break for the summer heat. Monthly monitoring will start again in October or November based upon the weather. If you are interested in being notified of these trip or would like more information, contact Rob Hutsel at the River Park Foundation at 619-297-7380 or by email. Visit Eagle Peak Preserve. The Preserve is located about 8 miles west of Julian on Eagle Peak Road. Activities include trail building, habitat management, wildlife survey.
Do you have an upcoming event regarding the San Diego River? Please let us know the details, and we will post it on our web site. Thanks.
