Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events
FEBRUARY 2026
We all play a part in preventing stormwater pollution. Here are some ways to get involved in February 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: Surfrider Foundation San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper, San Diego River Park Foundation, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR), San Diego Canyonlands, San Dieguito River Park, Friends of Ruffin Canyon, Friends of Rose Creek, Friends of Famosa Slough, San Diego Bird Alliance, Escondido Creek Conservancy, Green Oceanside, City of San Diego, UC San Diego Natural Reserve System, and Keep America Beautiful.
Now through July 4, 2026 – Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup – Learn more or pledge.
February 3
February 5
February 6
February 7
February 10
February 12
February 13
February 14
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9am to 11am – Friends of Famosa Slough Work Party. Learn more or RSVP.
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9am to 11am – Friends of Rose Creek Native Plant Garden Work Party. Learn more or register.
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Beautification Project at Spring Valley Community Center. Learn more.
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Tree Planting at Flinn Springs County Park. Learn more.
February 15
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10am to 12:30pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – LOVE SD San Dieguito County Park Cleanup and Habitat Restoration Day. Learn more.
February 16
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Park Beautification and Cleanup at Hilton Head County Park. Learn more.
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Ramona Grasslands County Preserve - Invasive Non-Native Plant Removal at the Santa Maria Creek. Learn more.
February 17
February 18
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8am to 12pm – San Diego River Park Foundation Planting with Preserve Stewards at Boulder Creek Preserve. Learn more or sign up.
February 19
February 20
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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 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 Rose Creek – Rose Creek Habitat Restoration. Learn more or RSVP.
February 21
February 24
February 26
February 27
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9am to 11am – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Trail Cleanup Event – Garfield Street Trailhead/Hubbs Trail. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – TRNERR Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers. Learn more or sign up.
February 28
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9am to 11am – ILACSD Watershed Warriors: Spring Valley – Eucalyptus County Park. Learn more or register.
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9am to 11am – Surfrider Foundation Seaport Village Cleanup. Learn more or register.
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9am to 11am – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Trail Cleanup Event – Garfield Street Trailhead/Hubbs Trail. Learn more or sign up.
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9am to 12pm – San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy Gonzales Canyon Habitat Restoration. Learn more or get free tickets by selecting the 2/28 date.
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9am to 12pm – County of San Diego Parks and Recreation – Potrero County Park Cleanup & Restoration Project. Learn more.
Monthly/Ongoing or On Your Own Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events:
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Tuesdays and Fridays, 8am to 11am – 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 – 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.
 The Water Conservation Garden – The following events will be offered in February. Sponsored by Otay and Helix Water Districts, Sweetwater Authority, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, and the County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program.
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February 13, 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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February 28, 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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February 28, 9:30am to 11am – Free 2026 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.
University of California Cooperative Extension’s (UCCE) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program – The following events will be offered in February.
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February 11, 9am to 4pm – Small-Scale Urban Agriculture Production Workshop – Carlsbad Flower Fields – As a grower or aspiring farmer, attend this workshop to learn about the fundamental aspects of urban agriculture production. Topics include land access, crop selection, food safety and postharvest management, and more. Additionally, this workshop will present the findings of the Small-Scale Urban Agriculture Project. Learn more or register.
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February 18, 3pm to 4pm – Ag Experts Talk Webinar Series – Epidemiology and Control of the Invasive Red Leaf Blotch Disease of Almond – Learn about the main symptoms of red leaf blotch disease in almond including seasonal symptom progression as well as disease management strategies. Topics include cultural practices as well as fungicide efficacy and optimal timing of fungicide applications. Learn more or register.
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February 19, 12pm to 1pm – Urban & Community Webinar Series – Diseases and Disorders in Vegetable Gardens – Learn how to identify and manage diseases and disorders ranging from powdery mildew to sun scald. Learn more or register.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) Master Gardeners of San Diego – The following events will be offered in February.
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February 11, 10am to 11am – Garden Talk: Horticultural Myths – A Master Gardener will speak to the Point Loma Garden Club all about common horticultural myths and what actually works. Site location: All Souls’ Episcopal Church/Bach Collegium, 1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego. Learn more.
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February 26, 1:45pm to 2:45pm – Garden Talk: Natural Pesticides and You – A Master Gardener will speak to the Vista Garden Club about ‘natural’ pesticides and what you need to know when you look for 'organic' ways to control pests. Site location: Gloria McClellan Senior Center. Learn more.
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February 28, 8am to 4pm – Community Garden Leaders Day – Attend to hear from key topic experts, share best practices, and network with Counterparts County-wide. Site location: TLC Community Garden, 11240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. Learn more or register.
Monthly (First Wednesday), 12pm to 1pm – Lunch & Learn Master Gardener Q&A Sessions – San Diego County Operations Center Demonstration Garden – Attend this monthly session to get science-based answers and practical advice from UCCE’s experts to Californians on topics such as integrated pest management, nutrition, and agricultural economics. Site location: San Diego County Operations Center, Suite 201, 9335 Hazard Way, San Diego. Learn more and sign up for the February Q&A.
Alta Vista Botanical Garden – Kids in the Garden Classes – February 14, 10am to 12pm – ($5 fee, includes entry to the Garden) – Kids and their families are invited to attend Saturday classes featuring hands-on activities, incredible edibles, conservation lessons, and tours of the gardens. Topics vary by month with February’s theme being Nature Drawings and Watercolors. Learn more or pre-register with Farmer Jones at farmerjonesavbg@gmail.com.
Landscape and Water-Savings Webinars – A series of landscape and water-savings webinars will be offered in February 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 or co-hosted by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). See calendar and learn more or register.
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California Friendly & Native Plant Landscape Training – Learn how to design a yard using the four principles of gorgeous and watershed-wise landscaping. Topics include building healthy soil, capturing rainwater, selecting climate-appropriate and native plants, and use of high-efficiency irrigation.
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Transforming Lawns: A Sustainable Approach – Learn how to transform your yard into a beautiful, sustainable, and water-efficient landscape. Topics include selecting climate-appropriate plant palettes, planning a new landscape that thrives with less water, and exploring sustainable landscape techniques, functions, turf removal options and rebates. In-person event offered in partnership with City of Escondido.
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Garden Design Workshop – Learn how to identify critical steps for successfully designing a watershed-wise landscape. Topics include creating a successful planting plan, developing a palette of climate-appropriate plants, and sizing and siting the rainwater capture area.
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Irrigation & Controller Basics: Smart Watering – Learn how to optimize water use, improve plant health, and reduce runoff by understanding the relationship between soil, water, and system performance. Topics include an overview and basics of irrigation systems, typical irrigation problems and troubleshooting, weather-based controllers, programming essentials, and more.
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SoCal Gas Pro Series – Fire-Ready Landscapes: What We are Doing Now – (Note: this is a 3-hour webinar) – Professional landscapers will learn practical steps to reduce a landscape’s vulnerability to fire. Topics include fire-wise maintenance practices focusing on plant selection, placement, and proper irrigation. You’ll also get an overview of Zone Zero regulations and how to deal with ‘toxic’ landscapes. Offered in partnership with Southern California Gas Company. See calendar and learn more or register.
The following topic will be hosted by California American Water. See calendar and learn more or register.
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Designing a Resilient California Garden – Learn about alternative groundcover options for replacing ornamental lawn areas, including keeping the existing lawn in place and creating a “Polyculture” green space. Topics include the importance of polycultures and diversity, how to select a blend of groundcovers for greater resiliency and soil health, transition steps, and irrigation management.
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.
San Diego Botanic Garden – Monthly SAPLinGS Sessions – Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in February, 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.
 Solana Center for Environmental Innovation Waste Reduction Events – The following events will be offered in February.
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February 4, 2pm to 3pm – Commercial Food Waste Compliance Webinar – Learn strategies to understand the financial and local impacts of food waste on your business and the environment. Topics include how organic waste legislation (SB 1383) affects your business, guidance on food donation, liability protection, tax incentives, and practical tips to divert food waste at your business. Funded by County of San Diego. Learn more or register.
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February 7, 14, and 21, 9:30am to 12pm – Mid-Scale Composting 3-Week Course – In-Person Event ($25 fee) – Learn about mid-scale composting for farms and ranches with significant quantities of organic materials, including manure. Topics include composting basics, neighbor-friendly composting, best-management practices, permitting considerations, and m Sponsored by the County of San Diego Recycling. Site host: The Water Conservation Garden. Learn more or register.
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February 26, 1pm to 2pm – Food Compliance at Schools Webinar – Learn about the local impacts of food waste on your school and the environment and practical tips on how to divert food waste. Topics include how organic waste legislation (SB 1383) affects your school, and guidance on food donation, liability protection, and tax incentives. You’ll also learn how to implement education-specific waste prevention strategies and set up a successful edible food recovery program. Funded by County of San Diego. 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.
I Love a Clean San Diego – The following events will be offered in February.
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Clothing and Accessories Swap Events – Attend these swap events to slow down our consumption and exchange some clothing and accessories. These will help divert fabrics from our local landfills and recirculate them back into the San Diego community.
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Compost Giveaway at Los Peñasquitos Ranch House – February 7, 8am to 12pm – Attend this free compost pick-up event for City of San Diego residents only. Sponsored by the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. Site location: Los Penasquitos Ranch House. Learn more or register.
SD Environmental Services One-Day Collection Event – City of San Diego – February 7, 9am to 1pm – A household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event will be held at San Diego Miramar College, 10440 Black Mountain Road (parking lot 2), San Diego. Learn more.
Zero Waste San Diego – The following Zero Waste events will be offered in February.
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13th Annual Zero Waste Symposium, February 18, 9am to 5pm – Virtual and In Person Event ($$ fees vary) – This year's Symposium will highlight recent local policy developments, organizations, and businesses pioneering impactful circular solutions across food systems, and community engagement through rapid-fire presentations. Topics include SB1383 regulation, California policy updates, sustainable packaging, reuse and repair programs, and more. Circular innovation brainstorming and networking opportunities will also be provided. Registration closes February 13th. Site location: San Diego County Operations Center 5520 Overland Road. Learn more or register.
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San Diego Fixit Clinics – Learn how to reduce waste by fixing things instead of throwing items away at the following Fix-It Clinics in February. 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 Monthly Compost Pile Turnings – Various days, timeslots, and cities – 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.
Living Coast Discovery Center – The following composting events will be offered in February.
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February 1 and 15, 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 February 1st and 15th workshops.
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February 22, 11:30am to 12:30pm – Vermicomposting Workshop – Learn how vermicomposting can convert waste into fertilizer for your garden, including how to build and care for your own worm bin and worms. Learn more or register.
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8 de febrero, 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.
 Escondido Creek Conservancy Welcome to the Watershed Series! – February 7, 9am to 12pm – 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 or flower walk, hiking, biking, or nature photography. Learn more or reserve a spot.
Nature Collective at San Elijo Lagoon – The following educational events will be offered in February. Learn more or reserve your spot.
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Discovery Tour – February 7, 10am to 11:30am – Get a guided tour of the salt marsh, mudflats, and native plants of the San Elijo Lagoon.
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Wildlife Tour – February 14, 9am to 11am – Discover lots of waterfowl playing hide-and-seek with us among the lagoon waters. We may find mushrooms along the way. We will also visit four distinct plant communities at Harbaugh Seaside Trails.
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve – Family Fun Day Free County Event – February 1, 10am to 12pm – Pack up the kids and head to San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center for nature-themed crafts and activities, including our TRACK Trail program. The whole family will enjoy exploring Nature Center exhibits, the surrounding grounds and loop trail. Plan ahead and enjoy a picnic on the upstairs observation deck! Sunday Family Funday is a free event in which a different aspect of nature is explored each month. Learn More.
San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy – Monthly Walk and Talk @ Pamo Valley – February 27, 9am to 12pm – SDRVC joined by SDR Park Ranger Felipe for a relaxing walk and talk exploring the beautiful Pamo Valley. Meet at the Orosco Ridge Trailhead, Forest Route 12S04, Ramona, CA. Learn more or register here.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation 2026 Summer Discovery Camps – Registration opens February 9 ($$) – Discovery Camps feature hands-on, educational lessons, and activities around a central theme designated for that camp week. All camps take place outdoors in our Nature Nodes, and are filled with nature walks, animal interactions, and crafts. Camp groups are split by age ranges and capped at 12 campers per group with 1 teacher. Camp is for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. More information coming soon. Register early as camps fill up quickly. Learn more or register.
ILACSD Love the Earth: Environmental Myth Busters Trivia Night – February 12, 6:30pm to 8pm –Celebrate the month of love and show how much you love the earth by testing your sustainability knowledge at this environmental trivia event. Topics include pollution facts, proper recycling and waste sorting, and zero waste living tips. You’ll also learn about environmental issues in San Diego and beyond. Sponsored by the City of San Diego. Site location: Juneshine Scripps Ranch. 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 December.
UC San Diego Extended Studies Industrial Stormwater Compliance Workshop – February 25 and 26, 8:30am to 4pm ($450 estimated fee) – This intensive 2-day workshop provides the comprehensive training needed to learn about the Industrial General Permit and steps needed to ensure compliance. Course fee includes materials, instruction by CASQA certified Trainers of Record (ToRs), lunch, refreshments, a field trip to the Nimitz Marine Facility in Point Loma (on Day 1), and a Certificate of Completion. Learn more or register.
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve – Junior Rangers Program Ongoing Kids’ Educational Event – Saturdays 11am to 12pm – 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 February 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th dates.
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 February 7th (bilingual), 14th, 21st, and 28th 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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