image of segment of Ritchie Creek on property

Connecting
our community

Creating
a river park system

Conserving
our natural & cultural resources

Our mission is to take action to reimagine the 52 mile-long San Diego River as a natural, cultural and recreational treasure by actively engaging people through volunteerism, educational programming, advocacy and philanthropy and championing the creation of a river-long parkway from the mountains to the ocean.

Last 12 Months at a Glance

Illustration of trash can
Pounds of trash removed
Illustration of trees
Native plants & trees planted
Illustration of pencil and ruler
Students served through educational programs
Illustration of hand holding plant leaf.
Acres of land actively managed & conserved
Two men work with rakes to take care of and preserve the land along the San Diego River

Our Work

We actively conserve the River and its habitat, because a healthy river means a healthy community.

A group of hikers take a break near a bridge in Eagle Peak Ranch
Photo by Matthias Blume

Discover the River

Explore the San Diego River’s unique geography, history, and wildlife.

A group of San Diego River Park Foundation volunteers gathers to receive information and instructions.
Photo by Randy

Volunteer

Support our mission for a clean and healthy river by getting involved.

StreetTrees

Help Transform This Mission Valley Parkway! $1300 Left to Raise

Make a donation and join the effort to transform this weedy patch to a beautiful entry to Grant Park in Mission Valley.

  • Give $10 and become a Friend of Grant Park
  • Give $125 and be recognized on a beautiful Donor Appreciation Artwork
  • Give $1000 and become a Park Patron

Volunteers Continue to Document a Significant Reduction in People Experiencing Homelessness in the San Diego Riverbed During the Spring Homeless Census

April 24, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alexa Lewis-Rosenfeld, San Diego River Park Foundation, alexa@sandiegoriver.org, 619-307-0268   In the early dawn hours of April 10th and 11th, 2026, 49 community members came together […]

woman getting river sample

Have You Seen the State of the River Report Yet?

In this report you will find helpful information on:

  • The health status of the San Diego River
  • Key indicators of river health and how they are measured
  • How trash, invasive plants, and urban development affect the river
  • How SDRPF is working to end homelessness
  • What strategies are working to improve river health and the partnerships needed for success
  • Ways to join the movement to create a healthier future for our river

Volunteer Opportunities & Fun Educational Events

Join us for these upcoming events along the river in Ocean Beach, Mission Valley, and Julian!

  • 5/30: Family Nature Discovery Day: Pollinators
  • 6/2, 6/16, & 6/30: San Diego River Habitat Restoration
  • 6/6 & 6/20: Mission Valley Garden Club
  • 6/13: Community River Cleanup
  • 6/18: Preserve Stewards
  • 6/27: SD River Community Art Day
  • Every Tuesday: River Readers Nature Storytime

Grant Park

Located in the heart of Mission Valley is a 17 acre property that is known as Grant Park. With the San Diego River running through the property it is a wonderful place to engage in not only learning about the 52 mile river but also about the incredible ecosystem that is associated with it. From pine covered forest in the mile high mountains to the rich diversity which is the San Diego River Estuary, Grant Park seeks to advance regenerative nature and celebrate the river's past, present and future. It is owned and managed by The San Diego River Park Foundation, rather than being a public park.

Thank you to the amazing River Trail Action Crew volunteers who collected vital data during the Pedestrian and Bike Audit with our partner Circulate Planning & Policy on March 13th.

The results identified a critical "fracture point" where the San Diego River Trail abruptly ends, forcing users onto hazardous high-traffic roads. The audit data is now being used by the community to advocate to close the gap, build the West Valley Crossing, and create a viable alternative transportation route for the region.

If you'd like to join the movement, don't miss our next River Trail Action Crew on 5/29 to help survey and steward the San Diego River Trail.

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