San Dieguito River Park - Riverscape
Riverscape
the San Dieguito River Park Newsletter
March 2010
In This Issue
Wagon Ride, Sikes
Santa Ysabel West
Twilight, Raptor Ridge
Lake Hodges, East Arm
Habitat Restoration
Trail Restoration
Habitat Rehabilitation
Boardwalk - Lagoon
MARCH EVENTS

Wagon Ride, Sikes
Sat, March 13
11:00am - 2:00pm

Trail Restoration
Sunday, March 14
8:00am - 11:00am

Hike Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve West
Sunday, March 14
1:00pm - 4:00pm

Habitat Rehabilitation
Saturday, March 20
8:00am -11:00am

Twilight, Raptor Ridge
Saturday, March 27
6:00pm - 8:30pm

All month
Self Guided Hike
Boardwalk - Lagoon
Quick Links...
DOWNLOAD
.PDF TRAIL MAPS
FROM THE
LINKS BELOW:

GUIDED HIKES
Get out and get active!  Join one of these guided hikes . . .
HISTORIC WAGON RIDE TOUR
Saturday, March 13
11:00am - 2:00pm
Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride on a portion of the historic Mule Hill Trail, starting at the Sikes Adobe Farmhouse (undergoing reconstruction) and continuing past Mule Hill to the historic Bernardo townsite.

Led by a Docent, wagon rides are round trip and last approximately 45 minutes.

Cost:  $10.00 adults, $5.00 Children: in support of the San Dieguito River Park's Friends of the Sikes Adobe.

Click here for a Wagon Ride map.
Santa Ysabel Open Space WestSANTA YSABEL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE WEST
Sunday, March 14

1:00pm - 4:00pm
Sponsored by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy.  Reservations are required - please contact hikes@sdrvc.org or 858-674-2275 X12 to reserve a space and for directions.

The West section of Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve is now open to the public.  We'll explore the new trail through the Preserve's rolling hills which is dotted with Engelmann Oaks and hopefully some early wildflowers!  This hike will be up to 5.5 miles round trip if we can cross Santa Ysabel Creek.  Bring water and be prepared for changing weather.  Light rain will not cancel.

Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve West
Sunday, March 14.  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Distance:  Up to 5.5 miles.
Difficulty:  Moderate, one steep climb.
Map to Staging Area:  Google Map.
Duration:  About 3 hours.
TWILIGHT HIKE TO RAPTOR RIDGE
Saturday, March 27
6:00pm - 8:30pm

Join River Park Ranger Ken Colburn on a unique twilight hike to Raptor Ridge in the San Pasqual Valley.  

There is a whole different feel to the evening and we'll see habitat and plants that aren't always visible in the daylight hours.  Layer clothing, wear sturdy closed toe shoes and bring a flashlight.  We'll be hiking up to "Raptor Ridge" a spot that looks out over the entire San Pasqual Valley and the Wild Animal Park.  Please reserve through barbara@sdrp.org.  Bring your friends and families! 

Ysabel Creek Staging Area to Raptor Ridge
Saturday, March 27.  6:00pm - 8:30pm
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Difficulty:  Moderate, some elevation gain
Trail Map:  PDF
Trail Map:  Google Maps

LAKE HODGES, EAST ARM
Hikers looking across Bernardo BaySaturday, April 3
3:00pm - 4:30pm

Hike through varied terrains and past a waterfall.  Learn about Native American uses for plants in this area rich in Kumeyaay history.

Lake Hodges East Arm
Saturday, April 3.  3:00pm - 4:30pm
Distance:  About 3 miles.
Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate.  Dirt trail.  Some up/down hill.
Meet:  Bernardo Bay Natural Area.
Hike Sponsor:  The San Diego Natural History Museum "Canyoneers".

Trail Map: .pdf
Parking/Staging area:  Google Map
BIRD WATCHING WITH PHIL PRYDE
Phil Pryde leading bird watching hike at Lake Hodges, Bernardo Bay.Saturday, April 10
9:00am - 11:00am

Join San Dieguito River Park's most avid birder Phil Pryde on the South Shore Lake Trail adjacent to the Piedras Pintadas for some great bird watching!  Phil Pryde, also known for his work with the San Diego Audubon Society, will point out where "home" is to hundreds of avain species that reside or visit year round.  On the Pacific Flyway this region is an ideal bird watching locale.

Meet at the Rancho Bernardo Community Park at the Ed Brown Senior Center.  Bring water and binoculars and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Rated EF for Easy and Fun.

Bird Watching with Phil Pryde
Saturday, April 10.  9:00am - 11:00am
Distance:  About 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy, some elevation change.

Click here for a map to the Ed Brown Senior Center (was Joslyn Senior Center) and for the probable Bird Watching Route.
The Dust Devil Crew at work.RIVER PARK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
 Your volunteer efforts are important to the San Dieguito River Park.  The restoration of our Park's trail system and the creation of wildlife habitat are essential.  Weekend work projects are designed to be hands-on.

Special Work Projects will begin at the San Dieguito Lagoon end of the Park in April 2010 and will take place every fourth Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. 
 
No reservations are necessary, but if you are with a group or would like to schedule a special work project for your group (minimum of 20 participants) please contact Barbara@sdrp.org.  Please wear closed-toe shoes and a hat or sunscreen.  If you have work gloves, please bring them.  If not, we have some for you to borrow!  For school or scout credit hours please let the Ranger on duty know that you need a time slip.  If you are under 16 years of age you must have an adult with you or make prior special arrangements. We welcome all your help and hard work!
 
All Trail Restoration Work Projects take place every second Sunday of each month.  All Habitat Rehabilitation Work Projects take place the third Sunday of each month.  Please check the activity calendar for detailed information.
Trail Restoration is fun.Trail Restoration Project:
Sunday, March 14 
8:00am - 11:00am


We will be working to fix Del Dios Gorge trail tread in the areas that were most affected by the rain storms, addressing drainage issues, clearing vegetation, and getting the trail back up to River Park standards before the official opening in the spring.

Please wear closed toe shoes and a hat or sunscreen.  Reservations are not necessary unless you are coming with two or more individuals.  As a courtesy to us so that we may bring enough tools, water, and snacks, please call 858-674-2275, X14 to let us know your name and how many in your party.

This March 14 work party is now at capacity.  Thanks!  Please join our future work parties.
 
Habitat Rehabilitation is important. Habitat Rehabilitation Project
Saturday, March 20 
8:00am - 11:00am


We will be working to improve the area for two very vulnerable bird species -- the coastal cactus wren and the California gnatcatchers, both still recovering from the 2007 fires.  Please wear closed toe shoes and a hat or sunscreen.  We provide tools, training, water, and snacks.

Although reservations are not necessary, if you are coming with two or more persons please let us know by leaving a message at 858-674-2275 X14.  If you need school or scout credit hours please let the ranger know.
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Each month we feature a San Dieguito River Park Trail
for you to enjoy.
The Boardwalk Lagoon Trail in Del Mar.SAN DIEGUITO BOARDWALK AND LAGOON TRAIL.
Hike along the edge of the San Dieguito Lagoon.  Enjoy birds, scenic views and a sense of peace in busy Del Mar!  Bring binoculars and a camera for this easy walk on the Boardwalk Lagoon trail.  Interpretive signage will teach you about the lagoon and the San Dieguito River Park.

The San Dieguito Boardwalk and Lagoon Trail is an important section of the Pacific Flyway.  Bring your binoculars so that your bird watching opportunity will be maximized.  The San Dieguito River Park offers a brochure titled Birds of the San Dieguito Lagoon.  To obtain a copy stop by one of the kiosks or request that one be mailed to you.

San Dieguito Boardwalk and Lagoon Trail
Distance:  1.75 miles one way, 3.5 miles round trip.
Difficulty:  Easy
Elevation change:  None
For: Hikers, Bikers, and Equestrian (part way).  Dogs are permitted on leashes.
Parking:  Limited at Grand Ave. pier and abundant at San Andres Dr.
Map:  .pdf
Map:  Google Map
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 your wonderful park.

We love open space!

The San Dieguito River Park Staff