San Dieguito River Park - Riverscape
Riverscape
the San Dieguito River Park Newsletter
January 2010
January Events
Sunday, January 10
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Trail Restoration
Bernardo Bay

Saturday, January 16
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Habitat Rehabilitation
Ysabel Creek

Saturday, January 16
9:00 - 3:00
Hike
Santa Ysabel Creek Gorge (reservation only)

Saturday, January 17
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Hike
Crest Canyon

Wed, January 27
9:00 - noon
Hike
Del Dios Gorge Trail


GeoCache with the SDRP Rangers in Highland Valley
Saturday, January 30

8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
GeoCache Hike
Highland Valley Trail
February Events
Saturday, Feb 6
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Hike
Lake Hodges North Shore

Sunday, February 14

8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Trail Restoration
Bernardo Bay Natural Area

Saturday, February 20
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Habitat Rehabilitation
Ysabel Creek

Saturday, February 27
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Bike Ride
Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge

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Happy New Year 2010 from the San Dieguito River Park!

The restoration of our Park's trail system and the creation of wildlife habitat are essential projects in order to provide a quality experience for all River Park visitors.  Trails are restored to ensure that there is safe recreation and little intrusion into the surrounding natural environment. 

Habitat is restored to create more places for wildlife to exist and to offer a more genuine experience while visiting this vast open space park stretching from the gateway at the lagoon in Del Mar to the summit of Volcan Mountain in Julian.
You Can Help!  
You are welcome to attend any or all Volunteer Work Projects!
 We provide tools and training and water!  
Did You Know You Could Earn School or Scout Credits?
You must be age 16 years and older or in the company of an adult to participate.  Email [email protected] for more information.
Trail Restoration Project:
Sunday, January 10th and Sunday, February 14th: 
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Location:  Bernardo Bay Natural Area
Since the completion of the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge there has been a heightened need to improve the trail that runs along the south shore of Lake Hodges.  Work will consist of moving rock and recreating trail tread in one location and creating a rock retaining structure and re-establishing the trail in another.  
Directions to Work Site:  Exit I15 at West Bernardo Drive/Pomerado Road.  Go West 0.25 miles and park in large "Bernardo Bay Natural Area" parking area on right.  There is a sign.  This is the staging area for the Piedras Pintadas Trail.
Habitat Rehabilitation Project
Saturday, January 16th and Saturday, February 20th: 
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Location:   Ysabel Creek Road Staging and Parking Area
Before the 2007 fires, the conserved lands around Lake Hodges, and in San Pasqual Valley, were considered core population strongholds for two very vulnerable species:  California gnatcatchers and coastal cactus wren.  Lake Hodges area supported 235 pairs of gnatcatchers and 90 pairs of wrens in the 1990s. Work to expand these refuges includes planting, watering, weeding, and trash removal.

Directions to Work Site:  Exit I15 on Via Rancho Parkway, following signs to the Wild Animal Park.  Go past the Wild Animal Park and the San Diego Archaeological Center and turn right onto Bandy Canyon Road.  Continue for about 2.75 miles and turn right at Ysabel Creek Road.  The area is visible from the road. 
GUIDED HIKES
Get out and get active!  Join one of these guided hikes . . .

Santa Ysabel Gorge hikeThe first is hosted through the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy in the completely undeveloped Santa Ysabel Creek Gorge at the eastern end of the Park.  This hike on Saturday, January 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is by reservation only and is part of the San Dieguito Exploration series -- $35 for members and a benefit of new membership at the $50 level.  Refreshments are provided.  For more information please call (858) 755-6956 or email [email protected].  Your Membership in the SDRVC supports the San Dieguito River Park!

Crest Canyon HikeThe San Diego Natural History Museum "Canyoneers" are offering an interpretive nature walk on Sunday, January 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Crest Canyon at the coastal end of the San Dieguito River Park in Del Mar.  No reservations are required.  Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and bring your water and binoculars or plant and bird guides!
From I-5 exit west on Via de la Valle, turn left (south) onto Jimmy Durante Blvd.  Just after crossing the bridge over the San Dieguito River, turn left (east) onto San Dieguito Drive.  Continue through to the stop sign, and park on the shoulder.

GeoCache with SDRP RangersOn Saturday, January 30th from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the Highland Valley Trail, the SDRP Rangers will offer a rain-date hike for those of you who missed the geo-caching hike in December!  This is one of the most beautiful little trails in the Park's mid-section.  No reservations or GPS equipment is necessary - just come have fun and see how people "cache and carry"!  All ages welcome.  
Exit I-15 at West Bernardo Drive/Pomerado Road and go east.  Turn left at traffic light onto Highland Valley Road.  Make an immediate right into large parking and staging area.

Join the SDRP Trail Patrol
Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer Trail Patroller for the River Park?

Join us on an exclusive guided hike and trail assessment exercise with Senior Ranger Dave Hekel on Wednesday, January 27th at 9:00 a.m. till noon on the Del Dios Gorge Trail from Rancho Santa Fe to the Lake Hodges Dam.  If you are not currently a Trail Patroller or Sentinel for the Park, please email [email protected] to reserve your spot.


The San Dieguito River Park is a partnership that includes You!  We hope that You will make it a point to spend time both enjoying and supporting this wonderful park.
Sincerely,
 

San Dieguito River Park Staff