Dear ,

We hope you had a wonderful summer - we sure did!
Of course, for us, the summer weather will continue for awhile longer...but (hopefully) the intense heat will die down and we can enjoy a little more time in nature!

Don't forget that reservations for River Valley Fest are  OPEN! Preparations are in full swing as October approaches, and we are so excited for this year's program, featuring keynote speaker Ronald R. Swaisgood, Ph.D., and music from Gregory Page and Skye Ladd. Remember, a wonderful way to share your passion for the River Park and Conservancy is to pass along the invitation to friends and family.


Thank you for your continued support of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and the San Dieguito River Park! Don't forget to renew your Conservancy membership and invite your friends, too!
Photo by Aaron Chang
News & Updates
Reservations Are Open!

Conservancy Receives Grant from Malk Nature Fund
We're excited to announce that the Conservancy was awarded a two-year, $30,000 grant from The Malk Nature Fund to cover the cost of environmental review and permit processing for Phase 3 of the River Path Del Mar!

The first two phases of the City's River Path Del Mar Extension Project installed pedestrian pathways along the north side of San Dieguito Drive, from Jimmy Durante Boulevard to the Grand Avenue Bridge. Phase 3 is now being proposed to complete one of the last remaining segments of the City's Scenic Loop Trail by extending a half-mile section of the River Path from the Grand Avenue Bridge to Crest Canyon Trail.

Thank you Malk Nature Fund!!

Update on Hodges Reservoir Oxygenation Project
The City of San Diego has provided an update on this project. The current project status and updates can be found here. Please take note of the dates when trail access may be impacted.


Rate the Conservancy on Great Nonprofits!
If you love our work then tell the world! Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community. GreatNonprofits - the #1 source of nonprofit stories and feedback - is honoring highly regarded nonprofits with their 2019 Top-Rated List. 

Won't you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a brief story of your experience with us? All content will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. 

It's easy and only takes 3 minutes! Go here to get started!

Bird of the Month: Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (AKA "Crab-Eater")
by Senior Ranger David Hekel

The San Dieguito Lagoon has had a very unique visitor for the past couple of months. More solitary and often more secretive than the Black-crowned Night-Heron, the Yellow-crowned is still quite common. Particularly in coastal regions, this bird often feeds by day as well as by night. Its stout bill seems to be an adaptation for feeding on hard-shelled crustaceans.

While not as slender as a typical heron, the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron's smooth purple-gray colors, sharp black-and-white face, and long yellow plumes lend it a touch of elegance.

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons usually walk slowly, using a bent-over posture when foraging, and fly with slow wingbeats. They can be seen at the lagoon close to Jimmy Durante Blvd., usually at low tide hunting for their favorite snack.
Congrats Coast to Crest Trail Challengers!
Three-time finisher Stephanie Prolong at the Lake Hodges Overlook
2 people completed the Coast to Crest Trail Challenge in August!

Congratulations to:
Megan  Breidenstein
Stephanie Prolong

 

Learn more about the Coast to Crest Trail Challenge here.
Coming Up
9/8 - Farmers Market at Sikes Adobe Special Sunday

Join us for our once-a-month "Special Sunday" at the Farmers Market, once again featuring Jim Coffee and his street organ "Misty," presenting an OLDE TYME MUSIC STREET ORGAN PERFORMANCE!

Our "Special Sundays" include features not found at the market on other Sundays.

The little street organ "Misty" fills the air with enticing and inspiring melodies. The animated and engaging monkey named "Monty" entertains anyone nearby. It's easy for anyone within earshot to begin tapping their feet and swaying to the rhythm of the nostalgic and whimsical tunes being played. There is nothing electronic. Jim's street organ is a real organ, handcrafted by Jim Coffee himself.  Hand-pumped air flows through organ pipes and brings smiles to faces as well as  feelings of merriment and wonder.

The North San Diego / Sikes Adobe - Certified Farmers Market is located on the grounds of the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead. The Certified Farmers Market is held at this location every Sunday, rain or shine. Small, local, and traditional, this authentic, old-fashioned Farmers Market features local small family farms, local artisans and local small businesses. The Certified Farmers Market contributes to the ongoing support of the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead.


WhenSaturday, September 8th, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead

9/14 - Climate Change, San Diego, and You

What are the likely effects of global climate change (GCC) around the world, across the United States, and within the San Diego region? Is where you live in any danger? Is there evidence that GCC is already affecting the San Diego region? What steps should we be taking?

Professor Emeritus Phil Pryde first started teaching about greenhouse gas effects at SDSU in the 1980's and has followed the topic ever since. This will be an illustrated, objective look at what we know and don't know about global climate change and its possible effects locally.

Philip R. Pryde, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus at SDSU where he taught for 32 years. His research specializations included water resources, energy resources, and the environmental effects of economic development. He started teaching about greenhouse gases in the 1980's and has followed the topic ever since. He developed a slide show about climate change in 2006 and recently digitized this presentation. Phil has traveled to numerous locations relevant to climate change (arctic regions, low-lying oceanic islands, etc.). He has chaired the San Diego County Planning Commission, and served on the board of the San Diego County Water Authority.

Registration is required, and space is limited. Please email SDRVC Education Manager, Ana Lutz, with any questions at [email protected] or (858) 755-6956.

We can't wait to see you there!


WhenSaturday, September 14th, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Where: Del Mar Branch Library
Register

9/14 - Full Moon Hike at Bernardo Bay Trail

Join the Conservancy for a full moon hike on the the Bernardo Bay Trail. This 2.4-mile loop trail is rated easy.

The Bernardo Bay Trail is located at Lake Hodges, designated a globally Important Bird Area in 1999. The reservoir, created when the San Dieguito River was dammed in 1918, is now a critical stop-over for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. The hillsides around the lake are dominated by coastal sage scrub and recognized as one of the largest, and last, strongholds of the federally-threatened California gnatcatcher.


WhenSaturday, September 14th, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Where: Bernardo Bay Trails Staging Area
Register

11/2 - Volunteer Training for Sikes Adobe Docents and Dust Devils

The River Park is hosting a training session for two exciting volunteer opportunities!

If you have a special interest in historical education, come be a docent at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead! Docents help convey what the pioneer farm experience in Southern California was like, using the Sikes Adobe as the stage. Volunteers learn about the architectural history of the farmhouse, the history of the Sikes family, and the agricultural history of the late 1800s. They also learn tips and techniques for being a docent and learn theory of interpretation. In return, docents commit to leading tours for the public and helping with special events.

OR

Work side by side with Park Rangers on a weekly basis! Get up close and personal with the dirt and plants as part of the Dust Devil team. Provide invaluable help with important projects throughout the Park, such as building/maintaining trails and restoring/managing habitat. This is a great way to learn more about the inner workings of the River Park.

For more information, or to reserve your spot for the training, contact the Manager of
Interpretation and Outreach, Leana Bulay at [email protected] or (760) 716-1214.

We can't wait to see you there!


WhenSaturday, November 2nd, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Where: Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead 
September Events

Sundays, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29:
North San Diego Certified Farmers Market & Farmhouse Tours
Saturday, 9/7:
Nature Touch Table

Nature Education Series: It's All About the Bugs

Birds and Brews Hike in Crest Canyon
Sunday, 9/8:
Volunteer Trail Maintenance

Olde Tyme Music Street Organ Performance at the Farmers Market
Saturday, 9/14:

Saturday, 9/21:
Nature Touch Table

San Dieguito Lagoon Bird Walk

California Coastal Cleanup Day

VMF Volunteer Orientation



Sunday, 9/22:
Im-press-ive Plants of the Park

Canyoneers Hike at Del Dios Gorge
Saturday, 9/28:
Lake Hodges Bird Walk

Family Discovery Day