San Dieguito River Valley Land Conservancy

Assist the San Dieguito River Park to accelerate the completion of the 70-mile Coast-to-Crest Trail, which spans from the beach in Del Mar to the crest of Volcan Mountain in Julian.

During 2021, SDRVC provided $144,100 as the required match for a State of California Propsition 68 grant to the San Dieguito River Park JPA to build a one-mile segment of the Coast to Crest Trail in Osuna Valley.

Assist with programs that rehabilitate, maintain and protect the natural resources (habitats, land, rivers, streams, historical etc.) within the San Dieguito River Valley by controlling invasive species and restoring native vegetation. The Conservancy engages over 400 volunteers annually in stewardship projects. Information about current stewardship projects is available at http://sdrvc.org/current/invasives-management.

Support outdoor education programs for both youth and adults within the diverse San Dieguito River Valley landscape. Programs include: in-the-field seminars on the biology, geology, hydrology and cultural history of the San Dieguito River Valley; expert-led hikes; and lectures. More information is available at: http://sdrvc.org/current/esp/ and http://sdrvc.org/support/directed-giving/environmental-education/. Conservancy staff also particpate in school-based environmental programs and student projects.

We are busy translating our field visits to virtual educational events. Already we have received funding from SDGE and Genentech for our new Through the Lens educational program which includes photos of wildlife from our motion activated cameras placed strategically in our preserves.

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy protects and restores the San Dieguito River Valley and assists in the implemention of the 94,000-acre planned San Dieguito River Park. In addition the Conservancy educates the public about the natural, recreational and historical resources the River Park provides. Our donors are the heart of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. Donor support makes up 70% of our basic operations with each dollar donated to the Conservancy being leveraged 15 times through public, private and corporate grants.

Citizen science takes advantage of the fact that visitors to the River Park are constantly observing their surroundings as they hike, bike or ride their horse on our trails. This program offers residents, volunteers, trail users and other outdoor enthusiasts a way to actively contribute to the betterment of their local outdoor spaces; they can be a field scientist for a day. It also offers students, when combined with school and university programs, a great way to get hands-on learning opportunities.

in 2021 we will gather our Citizen Scientists to conduct baseline biological surveys on our newly acquired 117-acre Del Dios Preserve.

The River Path Del Mar provides a scenic overlook of the San Dieguito Lagoon and River, complete with interpretive signage of the flora and fauna of the River and Lagoon. The existing trail goes from Jimmy Durante Blvd westwards to the coast and parallels the south edge of the River, providing beautiful water views and information regarding this important wetland and natural resource. Parking is currently provided for trail access at a lot immediately east of the City's Public Works yard. In May 2016, the River Path was extended from Jimmy Durante Boulevard to the Old Grande Avenue Overlook.

The City of Del Mar and Conservancy are working to complete Phase 3 of the River Path extension from the Overlook to the Crest Canyon Preserve trailhead, estimated to be completed in 2024.

The purpose of the Watershed Explorers Program is to provide an opportunity for students to get outdoors and learn what a watershed is and why its health is important for preserving wildlife and plants, supplying water and keeping water clean. As they experience the outdoors, traveling from Volcan Mountain 55 miles west to the San Dieguito Lagoon, students develop a "sense of place" and appreciation for the environment - recognizing they play a role in keeping the natural community a thriving ecosystem.