Community Events From: The San Diego River Park Foundation

Volunteer: OMAC OB - Estuary Ride (SECOND FRIDAYS)


SECOND FRIDAYS (9-10:30am)

OMAC OB - Estuary Ride

Who: One-Mile Action Crew, All Wheels Welcome!

Location: Ocean Beach Estuary / San Diego River Trail

Parking & Meeting Spot: Robb Field Skate Park at the parking lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MbJFiFwpbF2gmhJy8 Nearest address is 2525 Bacon Street



One-Mile Action Crew (O-MAC) is a passionate group of riders, dedicated to the hands-on stewardship of the SD River Trail by tackling focused improvements one mile at a time. Our core activities are to show up, cleanup, and fixup the San Diego River Trail & Bikeway.

Come make new friends, combine light exercise with impactful social good, and finish your rewarding community effort with a celebratory coffee social at Coffee Cycle Roasting on Voltaire.

The Route: Nature Meets Urban Infrastructure

Experience a unique segment of the river trail that highlights both the beauty of our local ecosystem and the importance of protected pathways.

Scenic & Wildlife: This route winds through a stunning estuary, offering prime viewing for diverse wildlife and critical bird habitats.

Car-Free Riding: The trail is completely separated from vehicle traffic, allowing for a safer, more focused group ride.

Terrain Note: To stay separated from traffic, the trail passes beneath several roadways. Expect short declines and inclines at these underpasses.

The Urban Interface: As we ride, we will pass through areas with an urban interface. You may encounter neighbors experiencing homelessness living along the riverbed; we ask all O-MAC volunteers to remain respectful and mindful of these shared public spaces.

All Wheels Welcome!

We are excited to have a diverse crew on the move. To ensure everyone has a safe and smooth experience, please note the following:

For Our Skaters: This path is rated Easy to Intermediate, and because the terrain varies, we highly advise using gummy/soft wheels for better grip and vibration dampening. We do not always have a Skate Lead for OMAC events. You will always be paired with another rider, but it won't necessarily be a roller skater - therefore this event is recommended for a fairly confident street/trail skater. We are also looking for a regular Skate lead volunteer. Would love to chat more, come join us!

Safety First: At a minimum, we strongly recommend wearing knee pads and wrist guards.

Action Item: A WHEELS SURVEY will be sent to your email ahead of the event. Please complete the survey to let us know what wheels you'll be riding. This data is important for our logistics planning.

See you on the trail!


Program: Education


SECOND FRIDAYS (9-10:30am)

OMAC OB - Estuary Ride

Who: One-Mile Action Crew, All Wheels Welcome!

Location: Ocean Beach Estuary / San Diego River Trail

Parking & Meeting Spot: Robb Field Skate Park at the parking lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MbJFiFwpbF2gmhJy8 Nearest address is 2525 Bacon Street



One-Mile Action Crew (O-MAC) is a passionate group of riders, dedicated to the hands-on stewardship of the SD River Trail by tackling focused improvements one mile at a time. Our core activities are to show up, cleanup, and fixup the San Diego River Trail & Bikeway.

Come make new friends, combine light exercise with impactful social good, and finish your rewarding community effort with a celebratory coffee social at Coffee Cycle Roasting on Voltaire.

The Route: Nature Meets Urban Infrastructure

Experience a unique segment of the river trail that highlights both the beauty of our local ecosystem and the importance of protected pathways.

Scenic & Wildlife: This route winds through a stunning estuary, offering prime viewing for diverse wildlife and critical bird habitats.

Car-Free Riding: The trail is completely separated from vehicle traffic, allowing for a safer, more focused group ride.

Terrain Note: To stay separated from traffic, the trail passes beneath several roadways. Expect short declines and inclines at these underpasses.

The Urban Interface: As we ride, we will pass through areas with an urban interface. You may encounter neighbors experiencing homelessness living along the riverbed; we ask all O-MAC volunteers to remain respectful and mindful of these shared public spaces.

All Wheels Welcome!

We are excited to have a diverse crew on the move. To ensure everyone has a safe and smooth experience, please note the following:

For Our Skaters: This path is rated Easy to Intermediate, and because the terrain varies, we highly advise using gummy/soft wheels for better grip and vibration dampening. We do not always have a Skate Lead for OMAC events. You will always be paired with another rider, but it won't necessarily be a roller skater - therefore this event is recommended for a fairly confident street/trail skater. We are also looking for a regular Skate lead volunteer. Would love to chat more, come join us!

Safety First: At a minimum, we strongly recommend wearing knee pads and wrist guards.

Action Item: A WHEELS SURVEY will be sent to your email ahead of the event. Please complete the survey to let us know what wheels you'll be riding. This data is important for our logistics planning.

See you on the trail!


Program: Education

Community Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 92107

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: River Days and Nature Nights: Build a Big Brown Bat Buddy

Build a Big Brown Bat Buddy—Then Join a Bat Walk Along the San Diego River!
Craft, learn, and discover the magic of our local bats along the San Diego River.

Disclaimer: “Big” Brown Bats are actually quite small!

 

Join us for a creative, hands-on afternoon celebrating one of our river’s most important nighttime neighbors—the Big Brown Bat! While they are considered “big” compared to other local bat species, these fascinating mammals weigh less than an ounce and are surprisingly small.

 

During this workshop, you will create your own needle-felted Big Brown Bat to take home. Then, bring your new bat buddy along for an evening Bat Walk, where you will experience bats in action and learn how they support the health of the San Diego River, our neighborhoods, and the broader ecosystem.

 

Spend the afternoon exploring the essential role of the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) while crafting your own nocturnal companion—and continue the adventure after dark!

 

EVENTS:
• Needle Felting Workshop – May 16, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Evening Bat & Moth Walk – May 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Separate sign-up required)

 

LOCATION:
River Center at Grant Park, 2310 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

 

NEEDLE FELTING WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Create your own felted bat modeled after a real Big Brown Bat. Along the way, you will learn fun bat facts, discover why bats matter, and explore how they help keep our ecosystem healthy, all while creating something truly unique.

 

This workshop is a great fit for children who:
Enjoy crafts and creative projects
• Can follow instructions and stay engaged
• Have the focus and patience to complete a project
• Thrive in structured, hands-on learning environments

 

All Ages Welcome!  Suggested Age: 8+
(You know your child best—they may surprise you when inspired by wildlife!)

 

SAFETY NOTE:
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
• Needle felting involves sharp tools. Participants should be comfortable following instructions
• If a child is not able to safely participate, we ask that they be escorted from the activity

 

COST:
Free (Donations toward supplies are greatly appreciated)

 

Space is limited—reserve your spot early and don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature, creativity, and the nighttime world of bats!

Program: Education

Build a Big Brown Bat Buddy—Then Join a Bat Walk Along the San Diego River!
Craft, learn, and discover the magic of our local bats along the San Diego River.

Disclaimer: “Big” Brown Bats are actually quite small!

 

Join us for a creative, hands-on afternoon celebrating one of our river’s most important nighttime neighbors—the Big Brown Bat! While they are considered “big” compared to other local bat species, these fascinating mammals weigh less than an ounce and are surprisingly small.

 

During this workshop, you will create your own needle-felted Big Brown Bat to take home. Then, bring your new bat buddy along for an evening Bat Walk, where you will experience bats in action and learn how they support the health of the San Diego River, our neighborhoods, and the broader ecosystem.

 

Spend the afternoon exploring the essential role of the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) while crafting your own nocturnal companion—and continue the adventure after dark!

 

EVENTS:
• Needle Felting Workshop – May 16, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Evening Bat & Moth Walk – May 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Separate sign-up required)

 

LOCATION:
River Center at Grant Park, 2310 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

 

NEEDLE FELTING WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Create your own felted bat modeled after a real Big Brown Bat. Along the way, you will learn fun bat facts, discover why bats matter, and explore how they help keep our ecosystem healthy, all while creating something truly unique.

 

This workshop is a great fit for children who:
Enjoy crafts and creative projects
• Can follow instructions and stay engaged
• Have the focus and patience to complete a project
• Thrive in structured, hands-on learning environments

 

All Ages Welcome!  Suggested Age: 8+
(You know your child best—they may surprise you when inspired by wildlife!)

 

SAFETY NOTE:
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
• Needle felting involves sharp tools. Participants should be comfortable following instructions
• If a child is not able to safely participate, we ask that they be escorted from the activity

 

COST:
Free (Donations toward supplies are greatly appreciated)

 

Space is limited—reserve your spot early and don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature, creativity, and the nighttime world of bats!

Program: Education

Community Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 16, 2026

Zip Code: 92108

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: River Days & Nature Nights Bat Walk & Moths Under the Moonlight - Saturday, 5/16/26

Join us for a fun River Days adventure as we launch into bat and moth season and listen and look for bats and moths while we stroll along the river.  We will delve into our nighttime world to eavesdrop on eerie echolocation calls using bioacoustics and attract moths to our UV lighting station to observe them up close. 

All ages are welcome to join us for this hair-raising event. Sign up early as space is limited, and our Nature Nights events fill up quickly!

Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, a camp chair for the later mothing portion and wear long pants and close toed shoes.

River Days is our annual 9-day celebration of the San Diego River! SDRPF and an estimated 20 partners host fun nature outings, volunteer opportunities, art activities, bike rides, hikes, and much more along all 52 miles of the river.

The celebration kicks off with the 5K Walk for Wildlife and Fun Run on May 9th. JOIN US! To see the full River Days schedule, click here. 

About our Presenters: 

Don Endicott is a retired civilian research engineer and executive in the field of Navy Communications and Network Technologies in San Diego, but Don discovered a second career as a volunteer naturalist. He is a National Association of Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide and Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Guide as well as public educator for the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Humane Society as a member of Project Wildlife’s “Bat Team”. Don presents multi-media talks on bats and mountain lions at regional venues such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, and Agua Caliente County Park. He was recognized as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s volunteer Naturalist of the Year in 2018. He contributes full spectrum bat echolocation call recordings to the San Diego Natural History Museum and Wildlife Acoustics, a bioacoustics monitoring systems company, where they have been incorporated into reference libraries for species identification. He is a field contributor to herpetofauna surveys and monitors nesting peregrine falcons for the National Park Service and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Don is co-author of 50 Best Short Hikes San Diego (Wilderness Press, 2018) with the late Jerry Schad.

Hector Valtierra is an avid moth enthusiast, and will be setting up a mothing station for us. When he isn't out looking for moths and other insects, Hector works as a microbiology and general biology professor at San Diego community colleges. He is also an avid iNaturalist user and wildlife photographer.


Consider donating to support our bat conservation program! Follow this link to learn more—every bit of support helps us protect more bats!

  

Program: Education

Join us for a fun River Days adventure as we launch into bat and moth season and listen and look for bats and moths while we stroll along the river.  We will delve into our nighttime world to eavesdrop on eerie echolocation calls using bioacoustics and attract moths to our UV lighting station to observe them up close. 

All ages are welcome to join us for this hair-raising event. Sign up early as space is limited, and our Nature Nights events fill up quickly!

Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, a camp chair for the later mothing portion and wear long pants and close toed shoes.

River Days is our annual 9-day celebration of the San Diego River! SDRPF and an estimated 20 partners host fun nature outings, volunteer opportunities, art activities, bike rides, hikes, and much more along all 52 miles of the river.

The celebration kicks off with the 5K Walk for Wildlife and Fun Run on May 9th. JOIN US! To see the full River Days schedule, click here. 

About our Presenters: 

Don Endicott is a retired civilian research engineer and executive in the field of Navy Communications and Network Technologies in San Diego, but Don discovered a second career as a volunteer naturalist. He is a National Association of Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide and Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Guide as well as public educator for the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Humane Society as a member of Project Wildlife’s “Bat Team”. Don presents multi-media talks on bats and mountain lions at regional venues such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, and Agua Caliente County Park. He was recognized as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s volunteer Naturalist of the Year in 2018. He contributes full spectrum bat echolocation call recordings to the San Diego Natural History Museum and Wildlife Acoustics, a bioacoustics monitoring systems company, where they have been incorporated into reference libraries for species identification. He is a field contributor to herpetofauna surveys and monitors nesting peregrine falcons for the National Park Service and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Don is co-author of 50 Best Short Hikes San Diego (Wilderness Press, 2018) with the late Jerry Schad.

Hector Valtierra is an avid moth enthusiast, and will be setting up a mothing station for us. When he isn't out looking for moths and other insects, Hector works as a microbiology and general biology professor at San Diego community colleges. He is also an avid iNaturalist user and wildlife photographer.


Consider donating to support our bat conservation program! Follow this link to learn more—every bit of support helps us protect more bats!

  

Program: Education

Community Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 16, 2026

Zip Code: 92108

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: River Days Bird Walk at Grant Park **All Ages** - Sunday, 5/17/26

Embark on a fun-filled walk with bird experts Cindy Pencek and Ian Swirka to observe and count the amazing biodiversity of birds that call this section of the river home! You'll not only experience the joy and relaxation of connecting with nature, but will also contribute to conservation efforts through reporting observations on iNaturalist!  

You'll also be able to check out our River Studio at Grant Park, where we're creating a unique nature education center and eco-park that will serve over 10,000 students annually and empower the next generation of environmental stewards. 

We hope you can join us! Kids are welcome, with adult supervision.

Please note after May, we are moving our wonderful Bird Walk event listings to our Experiences Calendar on SDRPF's main website. To sign up for Bird Walks from June 2026-December 2026 please visit the Experiences Calendar! 

Parking: Please park in the Grant Park parking lot. Access is via the intersection with the stoplight across from iFly Indoor Skydiving.  p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Helvetica Neue'} span.s1 {font: 9.0px Menlo} span.Apple-tab-span {white-space:pre}


 


Program: Education

Embark on a fun-filled walk with bird experts Cindy Pencek and Ian Swirka to observe and count the amazing biodiversity of birds that call this section of the river home! You'll not only experience the joy and relaxation of connecting with nature, but will also contribute to conservation efforts through reporting observations on iNaturalist!  

You'll also be able to check out our River Studio at Grant Park, where we're creating a unique nature education center and eco-park that will serve over 10,000 students annually and empower the next generation of environmental stewards. 

We hope you can join us! Kids are welcome, with adult supervision.

Please note after May, we are moving our wonderful Bird Walk event listings to our Experiences Calendar on SDRPF's main website. To sign up for Bird Walks from June 2026-December 2026 please visit the Experiences Calendar! 

Parking: Please park in the Grant Park parking lot. Access is via the intersection with the stoplight across from iFly Indoor Skydiving.  p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Helvetica Neue'} span.s1 {font: 9.0px Menlo} span.Apple-tab-span {white-space:pre}


 


Program: Education

Community Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 17, 2026

Zip Code: 92108

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Family Field Trip Community Event, BIRDS - Saturday, 7/10/26


Explore. Discover. Connect.

Introducing Natural LAW Field Trips for the Whole Family!

Land • Air • Water – Your Family’s Adventure Starts Here!

 

For years, parents and chaperones have joined us on student field trips and shared one consistent wish: “I wish they offered these field trips for adults too!” 

So, we listened.

 

The San Diego River Park Foundation is thrilled to invite families of all ages to experience our immersive Natural LAW Education Program—a series of hands-on learning adventures designed to deepen your connection to the San Diego River, its rich ecology, and its cultural significance.

These field trips are FREE, fun, and crafted to create meaningful outdoor memories together while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

 

Explore the Natural LAW Programs

Each themed field trip uncovers a different dimension of the natural world. Families rotate through interactive stations, discovering the hidden stories, adaptations, and science that bring our local ecosystems to life.

 


Upcoming Family Field Trip:

 

Location: 2310 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026

 

Arrive: 9:45 am

Program Start: 10:00am
Program End: 12:00pm

 

AIR: Beyond Feathers at Grant Park

With more than 500 bird species calling San Diego home, the sky is alive with diversity!
Join us for:

A guided Bird Walk through the vibrant San Diego RiverLessons on bird identification and behaviorInsights into habitats, adaptations, and migration

You’ll see (and hear!) the river in a whole new way as you uncover the hidden world of our feathered neighbors.


 

Punctuality: Please arrive a few minutes before the event. Groups arriving late will not be able to experience the entire program.

 

Responsibility: Please be aware of your surroundings, as the safety and discipline of children are your primary responsibility. Promote listening, foster excitement, focus, curiosity, and engagement. Encourage observation rather than providing direct answers. 

 

Please step away to take phone calls to deter distraction.

 

Environmental Safety: For safety, please remain vigilant, attentive, and engaged. Natural terrain may present unique challenges. We will reasonably accommodate special needs with the understanding that some of the wilderness terrain may pose challenges. 

 

Dress for Outdoor Success: 

·      Closed-toe shoes and long pants

·      Comfortable clothes that can get wet, dirty, or muddy.

·      Jacket and/or rain jacket (if needed).

·      Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat. - Bring a filled reusable water bottle.

 

Leave No Trace: Please respect the park and program areas. Ensure you leave these spaces cleaner than you found them, and dispose of all trash properly.

 

Lunch: A shaded picnic area may be available. Please note that the San Diego River Foundation does not provide lunch or supervision during lunch. Please practice Leave No Trace principles at the San Diego River Park and at all outdoor locations.




Program: Education


Explore. Discover. Connect.

Introducing Natural LAW Field Trips for the Whole Family!

Land • Air • Water – Your Family’s Adventure Starts Here!

 

For years, parents and chaperones have joined us on student field trips and shared one consistent wish: “I wish they offered these field trips for adults too!” 

So, we listened.

 

The San Diego River Park Foundation is thrilled to invite families of all ages to experience our immersive Natural LAW Education Program—a series of hands-on learning adventures designed to deepen your connection to the San Diego River, its rich ecology, and its cultural significance.

These field trips are FREE, fun, and crafted to create meaningful outdoor memories together while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

 

Explore the Natural LAW Programs

Each themed field trip uncovers a different dimension of the natural world. Families rotate through interactive stations, discovering the hidden stories, adaptations, and science that bring our local ecosystems to life.

 


Upcoming Family Field Trip:

 

Location: 2310 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026

 

Arrive: 9:45 am

Program Start: 10:00am
Program End: 12:00pm

 

AIR: Beyond Feathers at Grant Park

With more than 500 bird species calling San Diego home, the sky is alive with diversity!
Join us for:

A guided Bird Walk through the vibrant San Diego RiverLessons on bird identification and behaviorInsights into habitats, adaptations, and migration

You’ll see (and hear!) the river in a whole new way as you uncover the hidden world of our feathered neighbors.


 

Punctuality: Please arrive a few minutes before the event. Groups arriving late will not be able to experience the entire program.

 

Responsibility: Please be aware of your surroundings, as the safety and discipline of children are your primary responsibility. Promote listening, foster excitement, focus, curiosity, and engagement. Encourage observation rather than providing direct answers. 

 

Please step away to take phone calls to deter distraction.

 

Environmental Safety: For safety, please remain vigilant, attentive, and engaged. Natural terrain may present unique challenges. We will reasonably accommodate special needs with the understanding that some of the wilderness terrain may pose challenges. 

 

Dress for Outdoor Success: 

·      Closed-toe shoes and long pants

·      Comfortable clothes that can get wet, dirty, or muddy.

·      Jacket and/or rain jacket (if needed).

·      Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat. - Bring a filled reusable water bottle.

 

Leave No Trace: Please respect the park and program areas. Ensure you leave these spaces cleaner than you found them, and dispose of all trash properly.

 

Lunch: A shaded picnic area may be available. Please note that the San Diego River Foundation does not provide lunch or supervision during lunch. Please practice Leave No Trace principles at the San Diego River Park and at all outdoor locations.




Program: Education

Community Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jul 11, 2026

Zip Code: 92108

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Family Field Trip Community Event, TRACKING & FIELD - Saturday, 10/10/26



Explore. Discover. Connect.

Introducing Natural LAW Field Trips for the Whole Family!

Land • Air • Water – Your Family’s Adventure Starts Here!

 

For years, parents and chaperones have joined us on student field trips and shared one consistent wish: “I wish they offered these field trips for adults too!” 

So, we listened.

 

The San Diego River Park Foundation is thrilled to invite families of all ages to experience our immersive Natural LAW Education Program—a series of hands-on learning adventures designed to deepen your connection to the San Diego River, its rich ecology, and its cultural significance.

These field trips are FREE, fun, and crafted to create meaningful outdoor memories together while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

 

Explore the Natural LAW Programs

Each themed field trip uncovers a different dimension of the natural world. Families rotate through interactive stations, discovering the hidden stories, adaptations, and science that bring our local ecosystems to life.

 

 

Upcoming Family Field Trip:

 

Location: 2310 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

 

Arrive: 9:45 am

Program Start: 10:00am
Program End: 12:00pm

 

LAND: Tracking and Field at Grant Park

Assume the role of a keen detective investigating the rich tapestry of wildlife and plant life that thrive along the river. Delve deep into the intricate relationships that sustain this vibrant ecosystem.

Learn to identify animals by the signs they leave behindDiscover an animal's feeding habits by examining their teethUncover the Predator-Prey dynamics and relationshipReveal the natural checks and balances regulating the wild

Sharpen your observational skills and witness firsthand how organisms interact, mutually influence one another, and collectively contribute to the harmony and resilience of the riparian ecosystem.


 

Punctuality: Please arrive a few minutes before the event. Groups arriving late will not be able to experience the entire program.

 

Responsibility: Please be aware of your surroundings, as the safety and discipline of children are your primary responsibility. Promote listening, foster excitement, focus, curiosity, and engagement. Encourage observation rather than providing direct answers. 

 

Please step away to take phone calls to deter distraction.

 

Environmental Safety: For safety, please remain vigilant, attentive, and engaged. Natural terrain may present unique challenges. We will reasonably accommodate special needs with the understanding that some of the wilderness terrain may pose challenges. 

 

Dress for Outdoor Success: 

·      Closed-toe shoes and long pants

·      Comfortable clothes that can get wet, dirty, or muddy.

·      Jacket and/or rain jacket (if needed).

·      Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat. - Bring a filled reusable water bottle.

 

Leave No Trace: Please respect the park and program areas. Ensure you leave these spaces cleaner than you found them, and dispose of all trash properly.

 

Lunch: A shaded picnic area may be available. Please note that the San Diego River Foundation does not provide lunch or supervision during lunch. Please practice Leave No Trace principles at the San Diego River Park and at all outdoor locations.

Program: Education



Explore. Discover. Connect.

Introducing Natural LAW Field Trips for the Whole Family!

Land • Air • Water – Your Family’s Adventure Starts Here!

 

For years, parents and chaperones have joined us on student field trips and shared one consistent wish: “I wish they offered these field trips for adults too!” 

So, we listened.

 

The San Diego River Park Foundation is thrilled to invite families of all ages to experience our immersive Natural LAW Education Program—a series of hands-on learning adventures designed to deepen your connection to the San Diego River, its rich ecology, and its cultural significance.

These field trips are FREE, fun, and crafted to create meaningful outdoor memories together while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

 

Explore the Natural LAW Programs

Each themed field trip uncovers a different dimension of the natural world. Families rotate through interactive stations, discovering the hidden stories, adaptations, and science that bring our local ecosystems to life.

 

 

Upcoming Family Field Trip:

 

Location: 2310 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

 

Arrive: 9:45 am

Program Start: 10:00am
Program End: 12:00pm

 

LAND: Tracking and Field at Grant Park

Assume the role of a keen detective investigating the rich tapestry of wildlife and plant life that thrive along the river. Delve deep into the intricate relationships that sustain this vibrant ecosystem.

Learn to identify animals by the signs they leave behindDiscover an animal's feeding habits by examining their teethUncover the Predator-Prey dynamics and relationshipReveal the natural checks and balances regulating the wild

Sharpen your observational skills and witness firsthand how organisms interact, mutually influence one another, and collectively contribute to the harmony and resilience of the riparian ecosystem.


 

Punctuality: Please arrive a few minutes before the event. Groups arriving late will not be able to experience the entire program.

 

Responsibility: Please be aware of your surroundings, as the safety and discipline of children are your primary responsibility. Promote listening, foster excitement, focus, curiosity, and engagement. Encourage observation rather than providing direct answers. 

 

Please step away to take phone calls to deter distraction.

 

Environmental Safety: For safety, please remain vigilant, attentive, and engaged. Natural terrain may present unique challenges. We will reasonably accommodate special needs with the understanding that some of the wilderness terrain may pose challenges. 

 

Dress for Outdoor Success: 

·      Closed-toe shoes and long pants

·      Comfortable clothes that can get wet, dirty, or muddy.

·      Jacket and/or rain jacket (if needed).

·      Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat. - Bring a filled reusable water bottle.

 

Leave No Trace: Please respect the park and program areas. Ensure you leave these spaces cleaner than you found them, and dispose of all trash properly.

 

Lunch: A shaded picnic area may be available. Please note that the San Diego River Foundation does not provide lunch or supervision during lunch. Please practice Leave No Trace principles at the San Diego River Park and at all outdoor locations.

Program: Education

Community Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 10, 2026

Zip Code: 92108

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Outdoor Education Volunteer

Would you like to share your outdoor knowledge and/or education? Do you love getting both adults and kids excited about nature? We'd love to have you on our team!

Field Trips:

We often put on field trips for children's groups, which include a nature walk, collecting bug samples in the river, then looking at them under a microscope and identifying them. We need someone who can "make sense of nature" - someone who is listening to and absorbing their surroundings and making sense of it, so they can help education the children. Examples of this are saying "This is stinging nettle, don't touch this!" or "This is edible!".

We offer field trips Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We typically need volunteers for a 3.5 hour window, starting between 8:30am and 9:30am. We typically hold field trips in Ocean Beach or Mission Valley. If you'd like to volunteer for a specific event rather than for field trips, you can go to the Education Program Page and sign up for our upcoming events.

If you don't have a lot of outdoor knowledge, we still need your help! Volunteering can be as simple as staying with the tent and guarding belongings, or assisting with educational activities (training provided).

Docents:

We are looking to start expanding on our educational opportunities, and potentially offering tours along the San Diego River. If you have knowledge of the San Diego River, have experience in the docent field, or are even just willing to learn, we'd love to have you! You don't have to be an expert in the field - but if you have knowledge and would love to share it with our current and future generations, sign up here and we'll get in contact with you regarding how you can help!

 

  

Program: Education

Would you like to share your outdoor knowledge and/or education? Do you love getting both adults and kids excited about nature? We'd love to have you on our team!

Field Trips:

We often put on field trips for children's groups, which include a nature walk, collecting bug samples in the river, then looking at them under a microscope and identifying them. We need someone who can "make sense of nature" - someone who is listening to and absorbing their surroundings and making sense of it, so they can help education the children. Examples of this are saying "This is stinging nettle, don't touch this!" or "This is edible!".

We offer field trips Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We typically need volunteers for a 3.5 hour window, starting between 8:30am and 9:30am. We typically hold field trips in Ocean Beach or Mission Valley. If you'd like to volunteer for a specific event rather than for field trips, you can go to the Education Program Page and sign up for our upcoming events.

If you don't have a lot of outdoor knowledge, we still need your help! Volunteering can be as simple as staying with the tent and guarding belongings, or assisting with educational activities (training provided).

Docents:

We are looking to start expanding on our educational opportunities, and potentially offering tours along the San Diego River. If you have knowledge of the San Diego River, have experience in the docent field, or are even just willing to learn, we'd love to have you! You don't have to be an expert in the field - but if you have knowledge and would love to share it with our current and future generations, sign up here and we'll get in contact with you regarding how you can help!

 

  

Program: Education

Community Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92110

Allow Groups: No