Living Coast Discovery Center
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Educational Programs
Since 1987, the Living Coast Discovery Center has provided a living interpretive experience while promoting coastal resource conservation and environmental stewardship through education. Our vision is a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation. The Living Coast is an educational zoo and aquarium that focuses on local animals from the San Diego region and provides a unique opportunity for guests to explore the nature trails, learn about coastal resource conservation, and experience native wildlife up-close. Through partnerships with the City of Chula Vista and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Living Coast conducts nature-based educational programs and collaborative research within the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Many of the animals at the Living Coast are injured or imprinted (reliant on human care) and cannot be released into the wild. Environmental lessons come alive and become instantly relevant as visitors of all ages interact with exhibits that feature native wildlife including avian species (shore birds, owls, and eagles), aquatic species (sharks, fish, and sea turtles), and terrestrial species (tortoises, snakes, and reptiles). Annually, the Living Coast welcomes over 85,000 visitors including over 29,000 school children who participate in field trips and explore more than 30 interactive exhibits.
Composting
1. Sunday Backyard Composting Workshop
Every Sunday 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Free with paid admission, Free for members
This is an introductory workshop that covers all the basics and answers everybody's individual questions about home composting. Participants leave with all the knowledge they will need to start composting at home. After attending our composting workshop, Chula Vista residents may purchase one of these bins at a subsidized price.
2. Master Composter Training Course
Held twice a year in the Spring and Fall, once a week for 6 weeks -
This is a six week course in which participants become experts in composting and healthy soil. This course is intended especially for those already working with composting and gardening in some capacity and wanting to increase their knowledge and learn how to teach it to others. However, no advanced knowledge is necessary. The class is very helpful for people in landscaping or gardening professions, the restaurant industry, environmental non-profits, teaching positions, municipal and other public sector spheres. Although, homeowners are encouraged to attend as well.
The course includes hands-on composting experience, exciting guest lectures, field trip and networking opportunities. Students learn about vermiculture and build a worm bin to take home with them.
Students receive their Master Composter certificate, issued by the City of Chula Vista, students must complete 30 hours of volunteer service either at the Discovery Center, an outreach event, school/community garden, etc.
3. We will provide compost lectures at community functions, consulting with businesses wanting to implement composting systems at their facility, and composting is incorporated into the curricula of several of our day camp programs.
Endangered Species Captive Breeding & Release Program
Unique to the Sweetwater Marsh is the appearance of the light-footed Ridgway’s rail, an endangered bird that thrives in wetland habitat. The Living Coast is the only zoological institution in the world where the general public can view and learn about this species. Through collaboration with USFWS and other partners, over 500 rails have been zoological bred and released into the wild since 2001.
Where we work
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Our Sustainable Development Goals
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Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Living Coast Discovery Center
Board of directorsas of 02/08/2024
Sara Giobbi
Andy Yuen
U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Liaison to Board
Sara Giobbi
General Dynamics NASSCO
Chris Lewis
The Lewis Group, Inc.
Sam Cardoso
Wheelhouse Credit Union
Susan Fuller
Retired,Fuller’s Plumbing Service
Kendall Helm
San Diego Gas & Electric
Christopher Carroll
Kevin Browne
Collins Aerospace
Lydia Pellecer
BAE Systems
Sanya DeVore
Mission Federal Credit Union
Risa Baron
Republic Services
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
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