Community Events From: The San Diego River Park Foundation

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.

Parking: Please park in the Grant Park 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}

Find other Bird Walk at Grant Park event dates HERE!

 

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River Clean-Ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and doing some trail blazing then this may be the perfect fit for you.

Each year, San Diego River Park Foundation volunteers remove more than 200,000 pounds of trash from our River. Without our amazing volunteers, this trash would be left to pollute native animal habitats, create unsightly piles in our parks and public spaces, leach contaminants into the water, and could be washed out into our ocean and beaches!

Location: Not yet announced 

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the event:

Please arrive at 8:45am to get checked in on time and allow time for parking. Be sure to dress in clothes that can get a little dirty - long pants are required and long sleeves are highly recommended. A hat, sunscreen, or any other types of sun protection are also recommended for all of our outdoor events.  Closed toe shoes are required. No sandals, Tom's or other flats. You must wear sturdy tennis or hiking shoes. In order to reduce single-use plastics, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle with water to drink. Please note that light rain will not cancel this event. We will provide all tools and supplies for you to use. Community Service hours can be verified for those who need them. For safety reasons, no pets are allowed at this event. There are no restroom facilities at this location. Please plan accordingly.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP AS A GROUP: Please email us at volunteer@sandiegoriver.org, or have each person in the group sign up individually.

 

 

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.

Parking: Please park in the Grant Park 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}

Find other Bird Walk at Grant Park event dates HERE!

 

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.

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.

Parking: Please park in the Grant Park 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}

Find other Bird Walk at Grant Park event dates HERE!

 

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River Clean-Ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and doing some trail blazing then this may be the perfect fit for you.

Each year, San Diego River Park Foundation volunteers remove more than 200,000 pounds of trash from our River. Without our amazing volunteers, this trash would be left to pollute native animal habitats, create unsightly piles in our parks and public spaces, leach contaminants into the water, and could be washed out into our ocean and beaches!

Location: Not yet announced 

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the event:

Please arrive at 8:45am to get checked in on time and allow time for parking. Be sure to dress in clothes that can get a little dirty - long pants are required and long sleeves are highly recommended. A hat, sunscreen, or any other types of sun protection are also recommended for all of our outdoor events.  Closed toe shoes are required. No sandals, Tom's or other flats. You must wear sturdy tennis or hiking shoes. In order to reduce single-use plastics, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle with water to drink. Please note that light rain will not cancel this event. We will provide all tools and supplies for you to use. Community Service hours can be verified for those who need them. For safety reasons, no pets are allowed at this event. There are no restroom facilities at this location. Please plan accordingly.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP AS A GROUP: Please email us at volunteer@sandiegoriver.org, or have each person in the group sign up individually.

 

 

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.

Parking: Please park in the Grant Park 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}

Find other Bird Walk at Grant Park event dates HERE!

 

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River Clean-Ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and doing some trail blazing then this may be the perfect fit for you.

Each year, San Diego River Park Foundation volunteers remove more than 200,000 pounds of trash from our River. Without our amazing volunteers, this trash would be left to pollute native animal habitats, create unsightly piles in our parks and public spaces, leach contaminants into the water, and could be washed out into our ocean and beaches!

Location: Not yet announced 

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the event:

Please arrive at 8:45am to get checked in on time and allow time for parking. Be sure to dress in clothes that can get a little dirty - long pants are required and long sleeves are highly recommended. A hat, sunscreen, or any other types of sun protection are also recommended for all of our outdoor events.  Closed toe shoes are required. No sandals, Tom's or other flats. You must wear sturdy tennis or hiking shoes. In order to reduce single-use plastics, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle with water to drink. Please note that light rain will not cancel this event. We will provide all tools and supplies for you to use. Community Service hours can be verified for those who need them. For safety reasons, no pets are allowed at this event. There are no restroom facilities at this location. Please plan accordingly.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP AS A GROUP: Please email us at volunteer@sandiegoriver.org, or have each person in the group sign up individually.

 

 

Flyer Flyers

Want to help outreach and work on your own time? Help us spread our flyers around town! 

The majority of this work will take place in Mission Valley, putting up flyers at outdoor kiosks and local businesses. This is perfect for someone who wants to make an impact with a flexible schedule.

Flyer drop off locations are typically pre-determined, but let us know if you think we should flyer at a place you don't already see on the list! NOTE: Flyer drop off locations will be sent to you AFTER meeting in person or virtually on Calendly.

--->To get set up flyering with us, click here to make an appointment with Die Spittle, Manager of Volunteer Programs.After that, this event will be used to track your hours (we will give you a tutorial on how to do this).

About the San Diego River Park Foundation:

Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit, environmental organization dedicated to the restoration of the San Diego River and creation of the San Diego River Park System. More info at www.sandiegoriver.org.

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.

Parking: Please park in the Grant Park 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}

Find other Bird Walk at Grant Park event dates HERE!

 

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with our River Assessment Field Team!

The River Assessment Field Team (R.A.F.T.) performs reconnaissance on different segments of the San Diego River and documents trash sites using a smartphone-based mapping app. The data that the team collects is used by trash removal teams, researchers, community members and policy makers. 

R.A.F.T. also works to end homelessness in the riverbed and considers this an intersectional issue with environmental stewardship. Volunteers help collect data on encampment locations and share it with our homelessness outreach partners so they can locate individuals who need help with housing placement and other social services. We also hand out care kits to provide hygiene items, water, and snacks to people living in the riverbed. Sign up for the twice-weekly surveys below to help with these efforts. We also create care kits and conduct 3 census events per year. If you are interested in getting added to a care kit party interest list click here.  If you are interested in receiving notifications on upcoming census events, please click here. 

R.A.F.T. is best-suited for repeat volunteers over the age of 18 who are available on Tuesday or Friday mornings. Volunteers are requested to attend 2-8 events per month. Due to the nature of these events, we do not authorize community service hour verification. Locations are chosen one week in advance and are shared via email. Some locations have challenging access, sometimes requiring that volunteers walk through dense vegetation, bend over under trees and vegetation, or climb down steep embankments. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required. Sun protection and water are highly recommended. Volunteers should also be aware that they are likely to encounter individuals experiencing homelessness.

Prior to the first outing, participants must complete a virtual training (30 min) which goes through our data collection methods and protocols on how to use the Mappler K3 smartphone app, which connects to our online database here.

All RAFT events are led by a staff member or trained volunteer. Leaders provide on-site training to all participants. Details for each event (including the meeting location) are given via email the week before.

We would love to have you come join RAFT! By volunteering to document river threats, you can be a citizen scientist and help improve the future of our river.

After applying for the R.A.F.T. team through this event, our team will review your application and add you to the team. At this point, R.A.F.T. events will be visible to you, and you will also begin to receive emails regarding location and details.

The River Rescuers are a fun group of dedicated volunteers! This group of repeat volunteers currently meet on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. They support the Clean and Green Team by doing pre-event and post-event site visits, removing trash sites that are not suited for a large community clean-up or too difficult to reach. They are a small but mighty team!

Clean-ups take place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Unlike our much larger, more accessible Clean & Green events, River Rescues are small, informal, fast-paced, and often unsupervised. They are designed for experienced repeat volunteers over the age of 18 with a true passion for cleaning the San Diego River. River Rescues may be volunteer-led without River Park staff present.

The adventurous River Rescue team often targets locations that may not be appropriate for our larger community events. Some locations have challenging access and long hauls, sometimes requiring that volunteers walk through dense vegetation, climb down steep embankments, or haul trash up to ¾ mile. The majority of the trash they clean up has been left behind by individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can expect a challenging morning of removing items such as mattresses, clothing, shopping carts, and often unsavory items such as needles.

Due to the nature of these events, we do not authorize community service hour verification for River Rescues. Locations are chosen one week in advance and are shared via email. Chosen locations are based on need, using trash data collected by our assessment team. Due to the high risk of Hepatitis A exposure, we strongly encourage volunteers to be vaccinated for the Hepatitis A virus prior to participating.

If you don’t need community service hours and are up for the challenge, this is a great opportunity for volunteers looking to work hard, get outdoors, and make new friends. Some of the volunteers have been doing so with us for over a decade!

Handy and looking for a community beautification project? The Point Loma Native Plant Garden has a solid platform railing overlooking the garden meadow, but still is in need of some final improvements! To ensure the highest standard of safety, we are looking to add additional horizontal beams to finish this railing that started life as two different Eagle Scout projects over the years. You source and cut the wood at home and we'll meet you at the Point Loma Native Plant Garden to assist in installation and painting!

 

Reach out if this sounds like a project you or your family/club/group would love to complete!

Tools Needed:

8-foot pressure-treated two by fours, cut to size. - Approximately $10.98 each

 

Tools Supplied:

Screws Cordless Drill Paint

When one of the murals needs some sprucing up, we call the Art Restoration Team! This is a great opportunity for emerging artists, community artists, and families to create something larger than themselves and spend some quality time along the river!

If you want to join A.R.T., let us know by signing up above! We will contact you when there is an A.R.T. event coming up, if there are none already listed under the Murals program page.

While we put on clean-up events throughout the riverbed, people often want to make a difference in their own neighborhood - which may not be close to the river. This Bingo Card gives you plenty of challenges, from doing a clean-up during sunset to creating your own clean-up playlist. If you get bingo, or even better, complete the entire sheet, you can get a prize - just don't forget to take pictures for each challenge as proof!

 

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!

 

  

Part of a business, organization, group, or club and looking to make a difference in your community? Look no further, Project in a Box is brimming with some great ideas thought up by members from every part of the San Diego River Park Foundation community. We currently manage 3 native plant gardens, 10 murals, and 52 miles of river, so there are always opportunities to make an impact with Project in a Box!

Project in a Box examples:

River Projects Invasive plant removal Clean-ups Pollution monitoring Garden Projects Identify and inventory native plant garden Seed collecting / bank Revamping drainage / erosion control New signage for fauna Gardening / trimming / weeding / watering Plant propagation  Mural restoration Mural touch up Graffiti removal Building projects Benches Owl boxes Bat boxes Bee boxes Garden Bridges Seed Bank

If any of these projects sound like something you'd like to get you and your group's hands on, or if you have a new idea of your own, please email us at Shane@sandiegoriver.org so we can give you further guidance! PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS EVENT, SPECIFIC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE UNDER INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES.