This event is an additional survey of Temescal Creek from Eagle Peak Ranch into Forest Service Land, which will be led by lead volunteer Bill Martin. This section of trail is considered difficult and involves backcountry trekking.
Our Headwaters Assessment is an annual event during which volunteers survey the headwaters of the San Diego River to gather data that informs land management decisions in the watershed. This assessment involves strenuous backcountry hiking through pristine wilderness, encompassing varied rough terrain and requiring bushwhacking. The San Diego River's headwaters comprise dozens of small streams that converge to form the 52-mile-long San Diego River. Volunteers observe threatened and endangered species, hydromodifications, non-native invasive species, and more. Additionally, this year, we will also be collecting eDNA samples on each of the sections we survey, which will be used to identify fish species such as rainbow trout.
This event entails strenuous hiking. Many of the streams and tributaries in the San Diego headwaters are unexplored, and the terrain can be challenging, uneven, and unfamiliar. Hiking will involve a mix of on-trail hiking and bushwhacking. Please wear a hat and sunscreen, long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy closed-toed shoes. Additionally, bring plenty of drinking water and snacks, up to four litters of water.
Similar to last year, our focus is on documenting the Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), an endemic freshwater turtle in central and southern California. Its population is rapidly declining due to illegal capturing and collection, as well as threats posed by non-native species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has classified this species as a 'Species of Special Concern.' Knowledge of the turtle's locations will aid in our management plan to protect them.
