Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events
October 2025
We all play a part in preventing stormwater pollution. Here are some ways to get involved in October and help protect our local waterways! All events are free unless otherwise indicated.
Ongoing beach and community cleanups help protect the County’s waterways from stormwater pollution and can help preserve water quality for years to come. The County thanks the following beach and community cleanup event partners for their ongoing support in preventing stormwater pollution: I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD), Surfrider Foundation San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper, The San Diego River Park Foundation, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR), San Diego Canyonlands, San Dieguito River Park, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, Friends of Ruffin Canyon, Friends of Rose Creek, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, California State Parks Foundation, City of San Diego, City of Chula Vista, ASCENDtials, San Diego Bird Alliance, Preserve Calavera, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Escondido Creek Conservancy, Nature Collective, Friends of Sunset Cliffs, Spring Valley Community Alliance, and Keep America Beautiful.
Now through July 4, 2026 – Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup – Learn more or pledge.
October 2
October 3
October 4
October 5
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10:15am to 11:30am – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Black’s Beach Cleanup Event. Learn more here. To register, click on the ‘check availability’ button and select the 10/5 date.
October 7
October 9
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8am to 10am – The San Diego River Park Foundation Grant Park Community Stewards. Learn more or sign up.
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3pm to 5pm – San Diego Coastkeeper Weeknight Cleanup & Meetup – Fiesta Island, Mission Bay. Learn more.
October 10
October 11
October 12
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Various check-in times – Annual Batiquitos Lagoon Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup Event. ($$ fees vary). Learn more or purchase tickets.
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10:15am to 11:30am – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Silver Strand Beach Cleanup Event. Learn more here. To register, click on the ‘check availability’ button and select the 10/12 date.
October 14
October 15
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8am to 12pm – The San Diego River Park Foundation – Preserve Stewards at Boulder Creek. Learn more or sign up.
October 16
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8am to 10am – The San Diego River Park Foundation Grant Park Community Stewards. Learn more or sign up.
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8:30am to 12:30pm – San Diego River Park Foundation Water Quality Monitoring: West County. Learn more or sign up.
October 17
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8:30am to 12:30pm – San Diego River Park Foundation Water Quality Monitoring: East County. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 11am – San Diego Canyonlands Sips & Sagebrush at Mission Hills Canyon. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – San Diego Bird Alliance and Friends of Rose Creek – Rose Creek Habitat Restoration. Learn more or RSVP.
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers. Learn more or sign up.
October 18
October 19
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12:15pm to 1:30pm – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Highway Cleanup at 5/Mission Bay Beach Club. Learn more here. To register, click on the ‘check availability’ button and select the 10/19 date.
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12:15pm to 2:00pm – ASCENDtials Climate Cares Highway Cleanup Event – Coronado Route 75. Learn more here. To register, click on the ‘check availability’ button and select the 10/19 date.
October 21
October 23
October 24
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – San Diego Bird Alliance and Friends of Famosa Slough Habitat Restoration and Maintenance. Learn more or register.
October 25
October 26
October 28
October 30
October 31
Monthly/Ongoing or On Your Own Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events:
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Tuesdays and Fridays, 8am to 11am – The San Diego River Park Foundation River Assessment Field Teams (RAFT). Learn more or sign up.
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Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am to 12pm – San Dieguito River Park Dust Devils Habitat and Trail Restoration Events – Inland and Coastal Trails. Learn more.
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Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am to 11am – The San Diego River Park Foundation River Rescue Cleanups. Learn more or sign up.
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San Diego Surfrider Foundation Ongoing Solo Cleanups. Learn more.
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Coastkeeper San Diego Six Cleanup Challenge, Flexible Dates/Times. Learn more and see the list of challenge sites.
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ILACSD Adopt-A-Beach/Adopt-A Canyon Program, Flexible Dates/Flexible Times – Adopt a beach or canyon and lead independent cleanups on your schedule. Learn more and adopt a location.
Water Efficient Landscape Dual Certification Program – San Diego – October 14, 21, and 28, 8am to 3pm ($50 refundable deposit) – The California Landscape Contractors Association and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California now offer a one-of-a-kind certification and educational opportunity for landscape professionals in Southern California. This joint effort combines the CLCA Water Management Certification Program with the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper program to offer the landscape industry an opportunity to obtain two nationally recognized EPA WaterSense Professional Certifications with one course and one written test. Presented in three six-hour classes, these workshops will offer CEUs for your current certifications and provide you with a participation certificate. These workshops are free and available only to those within the Metropolitan Water District’s service area. Presented in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and County of San Diego. Course hosted at County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa. Learn more or register.
University of California Cooperative Extension’s (UCCE) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program – The following events will be offered in October.
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October 4, 10am to 11:30am – Healthy Garden-Healthy Home Hybrid Community Workshop – Growing Fresh Herbs for Cooking: Herb Garden Pests & Diseases – Learn how to grow herbs in containers, recognize common pests and plant diseases, and safely prevent pests and diseases. In-person workshop location: San Diego County Operations Center, Suite 201, 9335 Hazard Way. Zoom workshop also available. Learn more or register.
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October 15, 3pm to 4pm – UC Ag Experts Talk Webinar Series – Update on Major Olive Pests and their Management in California – Receive an overview of the current knowledge of major olive pests and their management. Topics include recent updates on the biology, ecology, monitoring, and integrated pest management approaches for these pests. Learn more or register.
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October 16, 12pm to 1pm – Urban & Community Webinar Series – Tree and Shrub Pests – Learn about common pests of landscape trees and shrubs, their management, and tips for proper plant care to reduce pest problems. Learn more or register.
The Water Conservation Garden –– The following events will be offered in October. Water-Wise Free Workshops are sponsored by the County of San Diego’s Water Protection Program. Other events are sponsored by Otay and Helix Water Districts, Sweetwater Authority, and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
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October 10, 9am to 4pm – Free-Day Fridays – Attendees will receive free admission on the second Friday of every month. Activities include mini-tours, arts & crafts, community partner booths, scavenger hunts and prizes, and more. Learn more.
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October 18, 5pm to 7:30pm – The Garden Goes Batty ($$ fees vary) – Come to the Garden for an evening of bat-themed tricks, treats and fun! Join Ms. Smarty-Plants for her special Halloween show, Smarty-Plants Goes Batty! Listen to a youth band perform Halloween-themed music. The evening’s events also include trick-or-treat stations scattered throughout the trails, hands-on activities, interactive displays, and fun learning opportunities. Learn more and purchase tickets.
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October 25, 9am to 4pm – Monthly Water District Wave-In Day – On the last Saturday of every month, free admission to the Garden is offered to customers of supporting water districts for a day of learning about sustainable living and water-wise gardening. Enjoy workshops, community partner booths, and water-wise exhibits that help you improve your individual impact on the planet. Learn more or register.
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October 25, 9:30am to 11am – Free 2025 County Water-Wise Workshops – Planting Slopes for Beauty, Stability and Resiliency – Join Master Gardener Debby Dunn in learning how to transform your garden into a lush, low-water pollinator haven using the right plants. Topics include what to plant, where to plant it, and why, with a special emphasis on hillside planting. Irrigation, stormwater runoff, and healthy soil topics will also be discussed. Learn more or register.
Catching H2O – The following events will be offered in October.
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October 11, 9am to 10am – Greywater & Rainwater Capture Workshops - San Diego – Learn how you can save water and money, help keep waterways clean, and grow plants without reliance on municipal water. This workshop will cover both greywater and rainwater harvesting topics. Graywater topics include plumbing accessibility, amount of greywater you’re producing, best way to use this water in your yard, and more. Rainwater harvesting topics include amount of water your roof is generating, amount of space rainwater tanks take up, tips on how to use less water, and available rebate programs. Organizer and site location: Walter Anderson Nursery, San Diego. Learn more.
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October 19, 9am to 10am – Rainwater Collection Workshop - San Diego – Rainwater harvesting helps conserve resources and supports a healthy garden during dry spells. Attend this event to learn how to set up rainwater collection systems for your garden, including legalities, storage, and usage tips. Site location: City Farmers Nursery, San Diego. Learn more.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources – 2025 Growing Garden Educators In-Person Event, San Diego – October 11, 8am to 3:30pm ($25 fee, lunch included) – Attend this day-long conference covering a broad range of speakers and hands-on workshops to help you create, manage, and teach in your school garden and other outdoor spaces. Topics include creating native gardens, learning about gardening books for children, irrigation workshop, breakout sessions and more. Site location: Whitman Elementary School, San Diego. Learn more or register.
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Fall Fun Festival – October 11, 10am to 3pm – This year’s festival includes a plant sale, kids crafts and activities, craft vendors, live music, and a home-constructed scarecrow contest. Pick up scarecrow supplies in advance! Food will also be available for sale. Learn more.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) – 2025 Fall Native Plant Sale at Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, Escondido – October 18, 9am to 3pm – Attend to explore a diverse selection of native plants and seeds. Also, get personalized advice on selecting and caring for them. Visit with partnering organizations and vendors for tips, advice and merchandise. Learn more.
Landscape and Water-Savings Webinars – A series of landscape and water-savings webinars will be offered in October hosted by various regional water agencies. Dates and times vary. All events will be virtual and free unless otherwise noted.
The following topics will be hosted by California American Water. See calendar and learn more or register:
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Drip Irrigation Fundamentals – Learn how to save your landscape by understanding soil moisture balance, key components of a properly installed drip system, typical problems with drip and how to avoid them, and developing a successful maintenance practice.
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Weed & Pest Management – Learn how to manage pests organically. Topics include using an integrated pest management (IPM) program, developing strategies to prevent pest problems, and managing weeds and regrowth without chemicals, and non-toxic solutions for pest control.
San Diego Botanic Garden Monthly SAPLinGS Sessions – Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in October, 10am to 12pm – Children are invited to join for Science, Art, and Play in Garden Spaces (SAPLinGS) activities. Topics vary by month and will focus on a different plant or nature-based theme. Science activities engage kids with cool hands-on learning that stimulates curiosity. Art activities focus on projects that spark the imagination. Learn more.
WaterSmart Residential Landscape and Irrigation Events – The San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Program is providing past recordings of 3-Hour Landscape Workshops. View past workshops.
I Love a Clean San Diego – The following waste-reduction events will be provided during the month of October.
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation Waste Reduction Events – The following events will be offered in October.
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October 4, 10am to 12pm – Manure Composting for Livestock Owners - Bonita – Learn how composting livestock manure can protect your local watershed, prevent pollution in waterways, and produce a fantastic soil amendment. Topics include the basics of composting, local regulations, how to prevent odors and flies, and more. Funded by the County of San Diego. Site location: Sweetwater Community Garden. Learn more or register.
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October 5, 10am to 11:30am – Green Living Tour – San Diego Climate Week ($10 suggested donation) – Learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle with easy steps to address issues through demonstrations and a 1-hour tour. Topics include water conservation, waste reduction, soil health and composting with worms, and an eco-demonstration garden. Learn more or register.
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October 11, 9:30am to 11:30am – Backyard Composting and Bokashi Basics Workshop - San Diego Botanic Garden ($$ fees vary; includes Garden admission) – Learn the basics of traditional composting and get an introduction to bokashi, a fermentation method that preserves your food scraps until you’re ready to compost them. Site location San Diego Botanic Garden. Learn more or register.
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October 14, 5pm to 7pm – All About Composting with Worms Workshop - Linda Vista – Learn about the benefits of vermicomposting (composting with worms) and turning food waste into a natural fertilizer for your plants. Topics include appropriate tools and materials, steps to start a vermicompost bin, how to feed your worms and which foods are suitable, and more. Funded by the City of San Diego Environmental Services. Site location: Linda Vista Library. Learn more or register.
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October 18, 2pm to 4pm – Gardening Practices that Save Water - Fallbrook – Learn how to create a less thirsty and more environmentally-friendly landscape. Topics include climate-appropriate planting, soil types and gardening styles, using mulch and compost to build healthy soil that conserves water, and managing irrigation efficiently. Funded by the County of San Diego. Site location and host: Fallbrook Library. Learn more or register.
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October 23, 6pm to 7pm – Food Hacks that Prevent Waste Webinar – Learn practical and successful methods for reducing food waste and diverting from the landfill. Topics include tips for buying only what you need, eating what you buy, and avoiding throwing away food. Learn about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of food waste. You will also learn where and how food is being wasted in the U.S. and around the world. Sponsored by the City of San Diego Environmental Services. Learn more or register.
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October 25, 10am to 11:30am – Composting with Aerated Static Piles Workshop - Ramona – This workshop will address how to use an Aerated Static Piles (ASPs) to compost manure, crop residues, and food scraps for land with a small number of livestock and small to medium-sized farms or orchards. Topics include the benefits of and best system for composting manure and other on-farm materials, how to use ASPs to simplify composting, managing pest and smell concerns with neighbors, and ensuring compliance with San Diego County ordinances and/or Healthy Soils Program requirements. Funded by the County of San Diego. Site host and location and host: Ramona Grange. Learn more or register.
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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Household Pickup Service ($10 fee for people under 65; free for people 65 and over) – A HHW pick-up service is being offered to residents in San Diego County. Accepted items include electronic waste, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, batteries, fuel, smoke detectors, cleaning products, paint and more. 125 pounds or 15 gallons (whichever one comes first) can be picked up at one time. Call CleanEarth at 800-714-1195 to schedule a pickup and confirm what items are accepted. Learn more.
Living Coast Discovery Center – The following composting events will be offered in October.
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5 de octubre, de 11:30am a 12:30pm – Taller de Compostaje Bilingüe / Bilingual Composting Workshop (Dual-language event in English and Spanish) – Aprenda los conceptos básicos sobre cómo comenzar su propia pila de compostaje y convertir los desechos de alimentos en tierra rica en nutrients. Asista a estos talleres in situ, gratis con la entrada. También se encuentran disponibles talleres de video pregrabados. Patrocinado por la Ciudad de Chula Vista. Obtenga más información o regístrese.
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October 12 and 19, 11:30am to 12:30pm – Sunday Compost Workshops – Learn the basics on how to start your own compost pile by attending these on-site workshops. Pre-recorded Compost Workshop videos are also available. Sponsored by the City of Chula Vista. Learn more or sign up for the October 12th and 19th
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October 26, 11:30am to 12:30pm – Vermicomposting Workshop – Learn how to build and care for your own worm bin. Learn more or register.
Unincorporated Residents of San Diego Residential Waste Cleanup Event - Julian – October 11, 8am to 12pm – Unincorporated residents of Julian can dispose of bulky items and recycle electronic waste, broken appliances, mattresses and box springs, and more. The event will also include free mulch for takeaway, paper shredding services, and will accept reusable items for donation. No household hazardous waste, tires, and construction materials allowed. Offered in partnership with the County of San Diego and EDCO. Site location: Julian Library/High School (1850 CA-78, Julian). Learn more.
San Diego Fixit Clinics – Learn how to reduce waste by fixing things instead of throwing items away at the following Fix-It Clinics in October. Bring broken or non-working items for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. Workspace, specialty tools, and guidance to help you take apart and troubleshoot your item will be provided. Clinics hosted by SD Fixit Clinic with the help of many other zero waste partners.
South Bay Sustainable Communities Network – The following events will be offered in October.
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October 12 and 26, 8:30am to 11:30am – Compost Turning Workshops/Hands-On Learning – Learn how to turn and harvest a backyard compost system. Bring your gloves, hat and food scraps! Learn more or RSVP to the October 12th and 26th
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October 19, 1:30pm to 3pm – Worm Compost 101 – Learn the benefits of having a worm bin, how to set it up and take care of your worms, and how to make worm tea. Take home a completed worm bin with worms included! Sponsored by the City of Chula Vista. Learn more and sign up.
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Various days, timeslots, and cities – Monthly Compost Pile Turnings – Attend these monthly turnings of South Bay Sustainable Communities Network soil saver compost bins at select compost hub locations throughout South San Diego County. Compost hubs are also available to community members to drop off food scraps. Scroll to the bottom of home page to check calendar for hub locations and dates.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources – Ask a UC Master Food Preserver Live Q&A Webinar – October 19, 4pm to 5pm – A panel of volunteers specializing in freezing, dehydrating, canning and food safety will be available to answer your questions. They will also share their tips so you can safely and successfully preserve food at home. Learn more or register.
SD Environmental Services One-Day Collection Events – City of San Diego – October 25, 9am to 1pm – A household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event will be held at Balboa Park, lower inspiration parking lot. Learn more.
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR) – Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM) Events – Through October 19, 2025 – The following events will be offered as part of TRAM.
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October 3, 2:30pm to 5:30pm – San Diego Climate Week South Bay Anchor Event – Attend this interactive walk and panel at the Tijuana River Estuary to learn about the unique ecosystem and discuss the transboundary water crisis. Activities include a guided nature walk, a panel discussion focusing on a complex bi-national water pollution crisis, and hands-on experience with San Diego Coastkeeper to identify and document various aspects of the estuary. Offered in partnership with multiple water quality and protection advocates. Learn more.
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October 3, 3pm to 5pm – Exploring Ecosystems and Water Justice in the Tijuana River Valley and Estuary – As part of TRAM, learn about climate change monitoring in the unique ecosystem of California’s largest coastal wetland and engage in conversations about the transboundary water pollution crisis. Site location: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, Imperial Beach.
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October 4, 8:30am to 10:30am – Bilingual Watershed Walk at Tijuana River Valley Regional Park – Discover the borderlands and the water that connects us all on this 2-mile guided bilingual hike. Learn about the Tijuana River watershed, water pollution, and the wildlife that call it home. Offered in partnership with San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Coastkeeper, and more. Learn more or register.
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From the River to the Ocean: Tecate as Invisible Guardian of the Pacific – Explore the critical role of Tecate within the Tijuana River watershed, highlighting its function as an upstream regulator of water quality, sediment transport, and ecosystem health.
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Los sábados de 8:30am a 11:30am – Sábados en el Jardin – Le invitamos a vistas guiadas, talleres, y plantación de plantas nativas todos los sábados en el Jardín de Amistad en el lado mexicano que está dentro del Friendship Park. Organizado por:Friends of Friendship Park. Más información.
Saturdays 11am to 12pm – Junior Rangers Program – Ongoing Kids’ Educational Event – Kids ages 8 through 12 are invited to take part in discovering the rich heritage preserved in parks. They will participate in hands-on activities and can earn awards such as pins, certificates, and patches as they progress through the program! Learn more by clicking on the October 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th dates.
Nature Collective – San Elijo Lagoon Discovery Tour – October 4, 10am to 11:30am – Get a guided tour of the salt marsh, mudflats and native plants of the San Elijo Lagoon. Learn more or reserve your spot.
Escondido Creek Conservancy – The following events will be offered in October.
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October 4, 9am to 12pm – Welcome to the Watershed Series! – Enjoy nature and learn about the work the Conservancy is doing to protect special places throughout the Escondido Creek Watershed. This free monthly activity could include a gentle nature of flower walk, hiking, biking, or nature photography. Learn more or register through the ‘details’ tab.
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October 25, 8:30am to 3pm – 2nd Annual Outdoor Education Elevated Fundraiser ($$ fees vary) – Attend this community festival and fundraiser focusing on nature-inspired activities, all to benefit enhancing and expanding access to outdoor education. Event includes children’s activities, hikes, speakers, lunch (included in ticket price), and more! Learn more or purchase tickets.
American Water Works Association – WaterSmart Innovations Conference, Reno, NV – October 7 through 9 (Schedule and $$ Fees Vary) – Discover new ways to protect and conserve our most precious resource - water - through innovative technologies, strategies, and programs. Conference includes pre-conference workshops and facility tours, student and young professional highlights, exhibit hall, and opportunities for networking. Learn more or register.
San Diego Coastkeeper - Watershed Watch, Mission Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program – Be part of a team of passionate individuals interested in protecting our waterways. Join San Diego Coastkeeper’s Mission Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program and participate in monthly field days to collect water samples at ten sites in Mission Bay. The following events will be offered in October.
Buena Vista Audubon – The following events will be offered in October:
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October 12, 11am to 12:30pm – Kids’ Nature Clubhouse and Trail Exploration – School-aged children and their families are invited to complete a nature-inspired craft and explore the lagoon trail with a different focus each month. The 1/2 hour trail adventure starts from the Nature Center at 11:00am. Learn more.
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October 27, 10am to 10:45am – Preschool Nature Storytime – Join the Nature Center for nature-themed stories for preschool children, aged 2 ½ to 5 years. There will be a story, songs, fun crafts, and special themes each month. Learn more.
Center for Watershed Protection – 2025 Webcast Series: Webcast 8: Impacts of Climate Change on Rainwater Harvesting Systems – October 15, 1pm EDT ($159 fee non-member). Note the time on the website is posted as Eastern Time. Scroll to webcast 8 to learn more or register.
Nature Collective Fall Festival - San Elijo Lagoon – October 19, 10am to 1pm – Attend this family-friendly Fall Festival and explore nature’s amazing and quirky creatures at the Lagoon! The day’s events will include exploring tide pools, learning about native plants, kids’ activities, and more. Sponsored by San Diego Parks and Recreation. Learn more or reserve your spot.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation – Preschool Playdates Outdoor Program – Daily program Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5:30pm ($$ fees vary) – All children ages 3 to 5 are invited to join the daily program for nature-themed lessons and activities. Each day will include environmental education and literacy, a craft made from recycled materials, outdoor play, and more. You can register for individual days or the entire week. Early release options are available at 1pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Topics vary by month with the October topic being Long, Long Ago. Learn more or register.
The Living Coast Discovery Center – Sweetwater Safari Hike Series – Saturdays, 11:30am to 12pm – Join the Center every Saturday to explore the Sweetwater Marsh Trail on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Here you will learn about the history of the Marsh, salt marsh ecosystem, plants, and wildlife thriving in this protected space. Learn more or sign up for the October 4th (bilingual), 11th, 18th, and 25th hikes.
El Living Coast Discovery Center – Caminata Safari de Sweetwater Bilingüe – Los sábados de 11:30am a 12:30pm – ¡Acompáñenos todos los sábados a explorar el sendero de la marisma de Sweetwater en el refugio silvestre nacional de la bahía de San Diego! Aprenderemos sobre la historia de la marisma de Sweetwater, el ecosistema de la marisma salada, y las plantas y vida silvestre que prospera en este espacio protegido. Mochilas con actividades divertidas, incluyendo lupas y binoculares, serán disponibles para que las familias participantes lo usen mientras estén en la caminata. Obtenga más información o regístrese.
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