San Dieguito Riverscape Newsletter, Sept and Oct. 2009  
      We hope that you've had a great summer!  We've been lining up activities for you to enjoy now that the thermometer is dropping; and here are events on the immediate horizon.  As always our website is available to refresh your memory...
Riley crosses the Rainbow Bridge
Riley, hard at work at SDRP


     Riley
, the River Park Cat Extraordinaire,  passed away on Sunday, September 6th, 2009.  We estimate his age to have been about 18!  He was our greatest treasure rescued during the Witch Creek Fire two years ago when the offices burned down.  The River Park had been his home for many years and he always welcomed the attention and affection visitors lavished on him!  He will be greatly missed.

Goodbye, Dear Riley.
San Dieguito Lagoon Center
     The San Dieguito River Park has created a forum to receive comments and encourage discussion about the design of the proposed San Dieguito Lagoon Center, to be located in the City of San Diego, south of Via de la Valle and east of San Andres. 
     The concept plans are being designed by RNT Architects and Spurlock-Poirier Landscape Architects.  Funding for this phase of design is from the Sempra Foundation to the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. 
     We encourage you to review the plans and simulations and proposed interpretive themes at http://sdrp.org and then comment.  The blog site can be reached either from the San Dieguito River Park home page (http://sdrp.org) or directly at http://sandieguitolagooncenter.blogspot.com.  Comments are being collected now before the design phase is completed.  Please let us hear from you before September 30th.

Wealth of Wildlife Sereis
Visit Kruisin Kritters
The "Wealth of Wildlife" series, a joint effort between the San Dieguito River Park and Kruisin' Kritters,
focuses on wildlife in our backyard and what they do for us and for our environment.  Reservations are not required.  All ages are welcome to attend.  These free live presentations begin at 2:30 in the afternoon and are ideal for students, scouts, and lovers of wildlife!

"GRR, Growl, Howl, and Squeak!"

Saturday, September 12th at 2:30 p.m.

"Creepy Critters"
Saturday, October 17th at 2:30 p.m.

Turtles and Tortoises, Our Waterways and Deserts
Saturday, November 14th at 2:30 p.m.

Invasive Animals
Saturday, December 12th at 2:30 p.m.

     Have you encountered any of San Diego's native animals?  We invite you to come and meet these critters up close!  These free and informative programs will also cover:
  • Habitat loss
  • Close encounters with wild kritters and what to do when it happens
  • Where to turn for help
  • Who to contact for injured wildlife assistance
  • Why wild animal babies should never be taken for pets or sold
  • How to protect your pets without harming wildlife
     Meet at the San Dieguito River Park temporary offices which are located at 14103 Highland Valley Road (the San Pasqual Water Reclamation Facility)

     To get here exit Interstate 15 at West Bernardo Drive/Pomerado Road and go east.  Turn left at the traffic light at Highland Valley Road.  Drive about two miles, turn south through the gate.  Look for the banner!
Bicycle Demo Day
Cycles Demo Day at North Lake Hodges Trails in Escondido,  Saturday, Sept. 12th!

      Join Titus Cycles, BeyondBikes, and The San Diego Mountain Bike Association (SDMBA) Saturday September 12th from 9am to 4pm at the North Lake Hodges Trails for San Diego's Titus Demo Day. The demo will be held at the Sunset Dr. Trailhead staging area just off Via Rancho Parkway on the East side of the 15 Freeway in San Diego.

     Titus Cycles will have 20+ bikes on-hand for the demo, including FTM's, El Guapo's, Racer X's and more.  Beyond Bikes  will have deals on prebuilt Titus dream bikes at incredible demo day ONLY prices!  Cyclists mark your calendar, and join us Saturday Sept 12th for some fun in the sun.  Remember to bring YOUR pedals, shoes, and a helmet for the demo.

Directions: Sunset Drive Trailhead:
     From I-15, exit Via Rancho Parkway, go East. Take a right at Sunset Drive (1st stop light) & park either down at the parking lot by the cul de sac, in the large dirt lot, or along the street.  Look for the trailer.  See you there!

     Plus $5 Raffle tickets (cash only) toward winning The ultimate $6000 Titus El Guapo Bike (which will be on hand).  Raffle to benefit the SDMBA.
San Dieguito River Park Bicycle Hike
Sunday, September 20th     8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.          Bernardo Bay Natural Area

Riding bikes near Lake Hodges on the San Dieguito River Park trail.
     Get out your bicycle and join River Park Senior Ranger David Hekel on a bicycle hike across the 990 foot long Lake Hodges Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge! 
     We will meet at the Bernardo Bay Natural Area on the south end of the bridge and do a quick loop around the fisherman's trail and then down the road to the bridge.  This ride is for beginning and intermediate bicyclists.  Email [email protected] for additional information.

     Exit West Bernardo/Pomerado Road from I-15 and head west for � mile. Look for "Bernardo Bay Natural Area" sign and parking area on right side of road.
Friends of the Sikes Adobe
Important Notice:
Sikes Adobe at the San Dieguito River Park in Escondido, CAThe next meeting of the "Friends of the Sikes Adobe" will be held on
Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the San Dieguito River Park Office
14103 Highland Valley Road, Escondido
Help build this organization to support our historic site.
BE A FRIEND, BRING A FRIEND!
Please contact Anne Cooper if you have questions: (858) 674-2275, ext 19
 or [email protected]
Marine Exploration Day
     The young and the young at heart can enjoy Marine Exploration Day sponsored by the Del Mar Foundation on Sunday, September 20th, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  at the Powerhouse Community Center in Del Mar.  This is a great hands-on learning experience that will include tide pool creatures, talks about whale migration, lagoon restoration, beach safety, native seed ball making, puppet shows and crafts.
     Adult supervision is required.  The event is free for residents of 92014 (with photo ID) or $10 per child for non-residents payable at the door in cash or check.
Roaring '20s Lawn Party
     Join the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy for fun, food and music at a Roaring '20s Lawn Party Fall Fundraiser on Sunday, October 11th.  The event will celebrate 23 years of preserving open space and wildlife habitat in the San Dieguito River Valley and will mark the 20th anniversary of the San Dieguito River Park!
     For more information call (858) 755-6956 or visit www.sdrvc.org.
Enjoy Halloween Archaeology at the Sikes Adobe
Saturday, October 31st, 2009
Sikes Adobe "Hallowe'en Archaeology"
9 til 11 a.m.

Enjoy Halloween at Sikes Adobe     Come to the Sikes Adobe, now under reconstruction, for some spooky spading in the soil surrounding the construction zone.  Join volunteer archaeologists, and then participate in a scavenger hunt!  Anne Cooper, Museum Manager, invites you to sharpen your detective skills along the trail!  Prizes and candy at the end of the hunt!  Please be sure to dress for a hike, and bring your own water.

     This activity is limited to 15 participants, ages 6 to 12 years, and is by reservation only.  Adult supervision is required.  Please contact Anne Cooper either by telephone (858) 674-2275 ext. 19, or by email.
San Dieguito River Park Trail and Habitat Restoration
     Restore and rehabilitate your body while restoring San Dieguito River Park Trails and while rehabilitating San Dieguito River Park Habitat.  It's a win/win! 
     A side benefit of this volunteer work is fresh air, nature, and other nice volunteers.  Work with the Rangers every second Sunday and third Saturday from 8 a.m. till noon.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.  JOIN US!
Visit the Volunteer Opportunities section of our website
San Dieguito River Park Trail Maps
SDRP TRAIL MAPS AVAILABLE ONLINE!
Contact the San Dieguito River Park
San Dieguito River Park
14103 Highland Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025
858-674-2270