Chaparral, Estuaries, & Grizzly Bears: | May 17 l 10 am
Richard W. Halsey, Writer, Naturalist,Director, California Chaparral Institute
It is hard to believe that herds of grizzly bears roamed the shoreline of the San Dieguito estuary. Once bordered by beautiful, dense stands of chaparral, the estuary still provides a rich habitat for thousands of species. Join us as we discover the importance of this natural treasure and why it represents such a vital link to nature for all Californians. Enjoy a spirited, witty and moving discussion about connecting with nature followed by a hike at the lagoon with Richard W. Halsey. Sign Up!
Stories, Art & Nature l May 17 l 2 pm
Susan Middleton, Librarian, La Jolla Country Day, Reflection Guide for Exploring Our Sense of Place Program & Annie Osborn, Art Teacher
Your children will be enthralled by lively readings of "Play With Me" by Marie Hall Ets and "On Meadowview Street" by Henry Cole - both inspired by childrens' interaction with nature. Between readings, participants will create art projects to take home. After the program we will lead a brief hike along the lagoon to see and hear wildlife in nature. Sign Up!
Coastal Hike and Yoga on the Beach | May 18 | 8:30 am
Susan McCrea, Certified Yoga Instructor, Band Member of Soul Seduction
This is the perfect start to your Sunday. Join us for a half hour hike to North Beach followed by a rejuvenating 45-minute yoga session and a half hour hike back. All levels are welcome. Please bring a mat or towel and drinking water. Sign Up!
REI Backcountry Skills | May 18 | 10am - 2 pm
Sunny Chang, Outdoor School Instructor at REI
Practice the basic principles of navigation with a map and compass including reading contour lines, colors and features of a topographical map. Discuss how to build a fire, protect against poor weather conditions and learn the basics of surviving a night in the wild. Bring a bag lunch and something to drink! Sign Up!
Beetles, Ants, Butterflies & More | May 24 | 10 am
Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Dir. Conservation Education, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research & Leana Bulay, Ranger, River Park JPA
Insects are some of the smallest but most abundant life in the San Dieguito River Valley. They represent the bulk of our planet's animal diversity and biomass! In fact, insects are responsible for keeping much of the watershed functioning. Learn about these fascinating little creatures and participate in a series of activities with live insects, butterflies, caterpillars and more. Sign Up!
Helen Woodward's Summer Critter Camp Demo | May 31| 2 pm
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Do your kids loooove animals? Join one of our ANIMAL-azing instructors as they give you a "sneak peak" of some of the coolest animals we have at our Summer Critter Camps! Let our feathered, furry, and scaly "teachers" inspire thought, knowledge and wonder in your little camper! Learn more about Critter Camp at www.animalcenter.org/education Sign Up!
Trail Runners Boot Camp and Lagoon Run l June 7 l 8:30 am
Dr. Victor Runco, Clinical Director, San Diego Running Institute
For 14 years, Dr. Runco has been training and treating San Diego runners, Ironman athletes and ultra-marathon runners. He is the "Chief Running Officer" of Dirt Devil Racing and is an avid trail runner. Gain insight into the world of trail running, trail racing and how to find all of the amazing trails we have in San Diego, including the Coast to Crest Trail. You will learn how trail running differs from road running, how to be prepared (not sorry) and gain more confidence and experience in your trail running. Sign up!
Sky Hunters - Birds of Prey l June 7 l 1 pm
Nancy Conney, Director Sky Hunters Raptor Rehabilitation and Education
See live, non-releasable birds of prey up close! Raptors live in our communities and play an important role in maintaining a balance in nature. Learn about their habitats, what they eat, lifespan, family size and more. Find out why many of these hunting birds are threatened and what you should and should not do if you find a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal. Sky Hunters is a rescue sanctuary, rehabilitating and educating people about the conservation of birds of prey.
Sign Up!
Butterfly & Hummingbird Friendly Garden l June 14 l 10 am
Marcia Van Loy, UCCE Master Gardener
Discover the joy of growing a hummingbird and butterfly friendly garden. Learn the steps to create a beautiful, healthy and thriving nature wonderland. Discussed will be benefits to your garden, the types of plants and habitat that provide food sources and shelter and how you can keep the environment safe for these creatures. Marcia is a sought-after speaker and has shared her depth of knowledge with many regional gardening organizations. Her garden is a Certified Wildlife Habitat and was featured in the San Diego Home and Garden Magazine's April 2013 edition. Reference material will be provided.
Sign Up!
The Pond Habitat | June 14 | 1 pm
Kindergarten Students, High Tech Elementary North County
Come join the Kindergarten Pond Protectors to learn all about our local ponds! This is a perfect event for families. Hear an original children's book created by High Tech Elementary students about ponds and the creatures that live there. Learn about local habitat and species at the lagoon and join us for a short guided hike with interpretive stations. Sign Up!
Bird Watching & Walk l June 21 l 8 am
John Haddock, Buena Vista Audubon Society, Whelan Lake Bird Walk
You see them and you hear them everywhere, but how many birds can you identify? Birding can be daunting, especially for beginners. Get tips to help you think like a naturalist! Enjoy a brief talk followed by a hike to discover birds of the San Dieguito Lagoon and learn about the local ecosystem. Sign Up!
The Living Coast | June 21 | 1 - 2 pm
Tina Matthias, Program Manager Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast provides student-focused education through STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Learn about coastal environments, climate change and human coexistence with our natural resources using a watershed model and interaction with native critters. Sign Up!
Coastal Hike and Yoga on the Beach | June 22| 8:30 am
Susan McCrea, Certified Yoga Instructor, Band Member of Soul Seduction
Start your day with fresh air and exercise at the coast! Join us for a half hour hike to North Beach followed by a rejuvenating 45-minute yoga session and a hike back. All levels are welcome. Please bring a mat or towel and drinking water. Sign Up!
Yoga at the Lagoon l June 28 l 9 - 10 am
James Danoff-Burg Ph.D., Yoga Instructor, Conservancy Board Member
Create inner peace and balance with yoga in nature. This 90-minute, gentle yoga session explores a series of Earth-themed Viniyoga poses flowing one into the next. With a spectacular view of the lagoon, you are certain to attain both inner and outer harmony and peace. Please bring a mat. All levels welcome. Sign Up!
Introduction to Wildlife Tracking | June 28 | 11 am
Fred Kramer and Bob MacDonald, San Diego Tracking Team
The San Diego Tracking Team (SDTT) is dedicated to promoting the preservation of wildlife habitat in San Diego County through citizen-based wildlife monitoring coupled with environmental education programs. For over 20 years, SDTT-trained volunteers have conducted wildlife tracks and sign surveys to evaluate the health of ecosystems in the San Diego region. Get an introduction to the art of tracking the seldom-seen wildlife that lives in the San Dieguito River Valley. Hands-on activities will provide an opportunity to see and compare animal tracks in the dirt. Sign Up!
Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Grows Earth Heroesİ| June 28 | 2 pm
Ms. Smarty-Plants™ from The Water Conservation Garden
Join Ms.Smarty-Plants™ to save water and the planet! Your children will take an interactive journey with magic, music and fun through the water cycle, conservation, plant adaptations and much more. Each student will plant a drought tolerant plant to take home with them and take the Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Earth Hero Pledge. Ideal for kids K - 6th grade. We can change the world with our own two hands!
Groups Welcome. Sign Up!
Ranger Led Walk at the Lagoon l July 12 l 9-10:30 am
San Dieguito River Park Ranger
The entire family will enjoy this walk along the San Dieguito Lagoon led by a River Park ranger. Topics will include the lagoon restoration project as well as plant and wildlife identification.You will also get updates on current River Park projects and volunteer opportunities. Come discover the beauty of the lagoon with us! Meet at the San Andres Drive Interpretive Kiosk at the end of the cul-de-sac. Sign Up!
The Human Equestrian Bond l July 12 l 2 pm
Julia Erickson, Breeder & Owner of Freedom Song Ranch
Julia started a breeding operation in the mountains of Julian before moving it to Escondido. She is an expert in Arabians, Andalusians, and the cross between these, Hispano-Arabe. Julia will discuss how breeders are using DNA and genetics to create "designer horses." She will be bringing a very rare Golden Andalusian and their pony, Princess, who will delight you with some of her tricks and her precocious personality! Sign Up!
Equestrians in Nature l July 19 l 2 pm
Patty Heyden, Back Country Horsemen
The Backcountry Horsemen of California-San Diego (BCHC-SD) is dedicated to preserving trails and the back country through practicing and teaching "Leave No Trace" and "Gentle Use Principles." As volunteers for agencies like the US Forest Service, the BCHC-SD is available to pack in tools and supplies using horses and mules, into areas where motorized vehicles are prohibited. Learn where the trails are and what equestrians can do to minimize human impact in our natural resources. Live horses will be at the presentation.
Sign Up!
Coastal Hike and Yoga on the Beach | July 20| 8:30 am
Susan McCrea, Certified Yoga Instructor, Band Member of Soul Seduction
This is the perfect start to your Sunday. Join us for a half hour hike to North Beach followed by an invigorating 45-minute yoga session and a half hour hike back. All levels are welcome. Please bring a mat or towel and drinking water. Sign Up!
Exploring Nature Photography l July 26 l 8 am-2 pm
Jim Coffee, James Coffee Studios
Photograph the San Dieguito Lagoon with photographer Jim and Cheryl Coffee. After a short presentation, participants will explore and photograph the San Dieguito Lagoon from 7 different locations. Participants should bring their cameras (still or video), extra batteries and a bag lunch. The excursion will last approximately 6 hours, with participants driving and walking to the different lagoon locations. Sign Up!
Making it even more special, the Birdwing Grand Opening event takes place during Lagoon Days, an annual 3-day event during which 600 third-grade students from 