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List of Activities
El Monte Early Morning Birding
El Monte County Park is recognized as a birding hotspot with an impressive array of birds. Join Ranger Arnold, an experienced birder, to catch those winged creatures in action! We’ll…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
Habitat Restoration Crew
How can you get your exercise for the day while helping to improve the natural habitats in Mission Trails at the same time? By coming out to lend a hand…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park
Volcan Mountain Summit Hike
Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve offers great hiking through 2,900 acres of beautiful mixed conifer forests. Join the Volcan Mountain Foundation for a guided, 5.2 mile hike to the summit. The…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers and Volcan Mountain Foundation
Restore Rueda Canyon
In 2017, San Diego Canyonlands was awarded a Prop 1 grant through the San Diego River Conservancy to restore and enhance Rueda Canyon. Almost 400 non-native palm trees were removed…
Presented by Friends of Tierrasanta Canyons and San Diego Canyonlands
Guided Nature Walk from Kumeyaay Lake Campground
Join an MTRP Trail Guide on a guided nature walk and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history, and ecology of the park. Explore the park’s east side on the…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Guides
Outdoors Indoors: Collaborative Art Project
Ever wanted to help paint a community mural? Now's your chance! Join us at Parkway Plaza over the weekend to paint a temporary mural of a riparian environment for mall…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and Parkway Plaza
Dog Beach Clean Up
The San Diego River Mouth needs your help! Join fellow animal lovers and volunteers as they work to pick up litter at Dog Beach and the surrounding area, keeping it…
Presented by Friends of Dog Beach and Dog Beach Dog Wash
Clean & Green River Clean Up
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…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation
IMPACT Invasive Species Removal Work Party
You can help improve habitat for wildlife at Mission Valley Preserve, a 52-acre wildlife preserve right in San Diego! Volunteers will help to remove non-native invasive plant species, clearing the way…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation
San Diego River Ramble Guided Walk
Take a hike with a San Diego River Park Ranger. Learn about the history of the San Diego River and Mission Valley on this easy, 3-mile round trip walk. Leashed,…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and City of San Diego, Open Space Division
Hike Behind the Scenes at the River Park – Postponed
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN. PLEASE JOIN US ON JUNE 8 AT 9AM. Come along on a guided hike behind the scenes of the River Park! Lakeside's…
Presented by Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy
Famosa Slough Wetland Restoration
The Famosa Slough is an important wetlands habitat right in urban San Diego! This 37-acre park is home to many different species of birds and animals. Volunteers will help to restore…
Presented by Friends of Famosa Slough
Beach Cleanup – Weather Pending
THIS EVENT MAY BE RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER. UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE BY 8AM ON SATURDAY, 5/11. Did you know that there are 5.2 trillion pieces of plastic floating…
Presented by Surfrider Foundation
Rancho Mission Canyon Environmental Stewardship
You can help beautify and restore habitat in Rancho Mission Canyon, creating habitat for local wildlife and keeping the San Diego River seasonal waterways clean. Volunteer activities include: invasive plant…
Presented by San Diego City Open Space Canyon Rangers
Family Friendly Mountain Biking Skills Course
The San Diego Mountain Biking Association in partnership with Sprockids San Diego will be hosting a mountain biking skills course at Big Rock Park in Santee! The event will help…
Presented by San Diego Mountain Biking Association and Sprockids
Temescal Creek Headwaters Assessment – Postponed
DUE TO THUNDERSTORMS, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL 6/1. PLEASE CONTACT VOLUNTEER@SANDIEGORIVER FOR MORE INFORMATION. Pack up the car and head just north of Julian for an easy hike…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation
Wildlife Tracking at Kumeyaay Lake
Did you know there could be signs of wildlife right under your nose? Join the San Diego Tracking Team to learn how to identify these signs and find out which…
Presented by San Diego Tracking Team
Open House: Creative Reuse @ Art FORM San Diego
Art FORM instills art education and environmental stewardship through creative reuse. Come visit their Creative Reuse Store in Normal Heights from 10 am - 2 pm! Become inspired, gather reusable…
Presented by Art FORM San Diego
Flinn Springs Touch Table
Visit our touch table where you will learn about the plants and animals of Flinn Springs. We’ll have animal pelts to touch, and some real animals to meet and hold.…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
Star Party at Mission Trails Regional Park
Join MTRP Trail Guide and amateur astronomer, George Varga, and his telescope at the far end of the Kumeyaay Lake Campground’s Day Use Lot. No white light flashlights near the…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park
Star Party at Oakoasis County Preserve – CANCELLED
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. For a similar event, we recommend checking out the Full Moon Hike at Louis Stelzer County Park on May 18. To…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
Outdoors Indoors: Collaborative Art Project
Ever wanted to help paint a community mural? Now's your chance! Join us at Parkway Plaza over the weekend to paint a temporary mural of a riparian environment for mall…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and Parkway Plaza
Mother’s Day San Diego River Garden Work Party
Join us as we continue to care for one of the first parks in Mission Valley! Volunteers will be working on light gardening activities such as planting, watering, weeding, trail…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation
Silverwood Tributaries and Riparian Habitat Exploration
The oak-shaded tributaries of the San Diego River are of great ecological importance to the river's watershed. Join Silverwood's Resident Naturalist Phil Lambert to learn all about these special places.…
Presented by San Diego Audubon Society
Fly Fishers’ Casting Clinic
The San Diego Fly Fishers invite you to Lake Murray to receive personalized training by experienced instructors! A perfect way for children to play and learn at the same time. …
Presented by San Diego Fly Fishers Club
Guided Nature Walk from the Visitor Center
Join an MTRP Trail Guide on a guided nature walk and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history, and ecology of the park on one of these scenic trails: •…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Guides
Sunday Oakoasis Stroll
Come see the 2,200 new trees recently planted at Oakoasis Preserve! This is a nice and moderately challenging walking opportunity that the whole family can enjoy – especially adults and…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
Native American Flute Circle
Come see the San Diego Native American Flute Players in the outdoor amphitheater on the back terrace of the Visitor Center on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 1…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation
Guided Bird Walk – Visitor Center Loop Trail
Join MTRP birders Jeanne Raimond and Millie Basden for a guided bird walk along the Visitor Center Loop Trail. The walk will pass through a variety of habitats, so expect…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park
Adventure 16 Backpackers’ Swapmeet
A special event for all of you outdoor enthusiasts! This event features a camping gear swapmeet (free space to sellers), vendor fair, parking lot sale and more! Whether you are…
Presented by Adventure 16 San Diego
San Diego Plein Air Painters Workshop
Spend a quiet morning capturing the natural beauty of the San Diego River on canvas. Beginner-intermediate artists welcome. You’ll receive tips from local professional and hobbyist painters! Bring your own…
Presented by San Diego Plein Air Painters Meetup
Tecolote Canyon Weed Warriors
You can help beautify a native plant garden at Tecolote Nature Center, keeping the area beautiful for visitors and creating habitat for local wildlife! Volunteer activities include: trail maintenance, invasive…
Presented by Tecolote Nature Center
Coastal Habitat Restoration
You can help save one of the last Coastal Dune Habitats in San Diego! This special ecological area at the mouth of the San Diego River is home to threatened…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation
Hike to the Source of the River
Have you ever wondered where the San Diego River starts? Find out by joining this 5-mile moderate hike with an elevation gain/loss of approximately 500 feet. You'll traverse a beautiful…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and San Diego County Rangers
Habitat Heroes @ Anza Native Schoolyard Habitat
Native plant gardens not only serve as important habitats for local wildlife, but they are also an incredible way to connect kids to nature! The San Diego River Park Foundation…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and Earth Discovery Institute and Anza Elementary School
Lake Cuyamaca Hike with the Ramblers
Looking for a chance to socialize and explore the outdoors with new friends? The Julian Woman’s Club Ramblers will be taking a hike at Lake Cuyamaca and they invite you…
Presented by Julian Woman’s Club Ramblers
Nature Story & Craft with a Ranger
Children ages 5-10 are invited to join Ranger Heidi for a nature story, followed by an arts-and-craft project related to the theme of the story. Meet at the Kumeyaay Lake…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park
Kumeyaay Ethnoecology Guided Hike
Learn how the Kumeyaay thrived in San Diego County's backcountry and how they used and took care of Flinn Springs County Park. Join us for an easy, 1-mile guided hike…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
Tracks and Scat – What Animal Left That?
Join a Ranger on a moderate hike along the trails and creek to discover evidence of night-time activity. This is a 1-mile hike with an elevation gain/loss of approximately 500…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
CA Native Plant Workshop: Milkweed, Monarchs & Butterfly Friends
On May 18, join Moosa Creek and other local gardening enthusiasts for a California Native Plant workshop at Mission Hills Nursery! We will explain the essential elements needed to attract…
Presented by Moosa Creek Nursery and Mission Hills Nursery
Volcan Mountain Family Discovery Day
Bring the family out to VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center for a day of nature exploration, fun activities and short hikes--for kids of all ages! Discover the verdant conifer and…
Presented by Volcan Mountain Foundation
Alpine Guided Hike: Native Plants & Wildflowers of Wright’s Field
Join the Back Country Land Trust for an easy, 2-mile guided hike of Wright’s Field Ecological Preserve, including an exploration of Alpine Creek's headwaters. This secluded tributary flows through the…
Presented by Back Country Land Trust
Guided River Walk
Join us in Mission Valley for a moderate, guided walk along our San Diego River. This walk will follow the River along the north trail from the Fashion Valley Mall…
Presented by Walkabout International
Open House: Flora & Fauna of the San Diego River
From mountains to the ocean, San Diego county is known for its incredible biodiversity. Come learn about the flora and fauna of our region and how we can protect it!…
Presented by Santee Historical Society and Project Wildlife and The Zen of Monarch Butterflies
Open House: Creative Reuse @ Art FORM San Diego
Art FORM instills art education and environmental stewardship through creative reuse. Come visit their Creative Reuse Store in Normal Heights from 10 am - 2 pm! Become inspired, gather reusable…
Presented by Art FORM San Diego
Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, and River Crafts
Travel back in time to experience Mission Valley's agricultural past with a petting zoo and pony rides! Your little ones can interact with the animals and join in some river-themed…
Presented by Mission Valley Library
Famosa Slough Nature and Bird Walk
Bird-watchers and nature lovers are invited to join an easy, guided bird walk with great views of a variety of birds residing in this salt marsh habitat. Meet at the…
Presented by Friends of Famosa Slough
Clean Water Mobile Learning Lab
Explore how the quality and availability of water affects the quality of our lives by visiting the Wyland Foundation's Mobile Learning Lab, a state of the art 1,000 sq. ft.…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and City of El Cajon and Wyland Foundation
Full Moon Hike
There are a limited number of full moons you can see in your life. Let this be one! Meet at the parking lot at Stelzer park for a moderate night…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
Trail Improvement Crew
You are invited to volunteer on the Trail Improvement Crew, held on the third Sunday of each month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will meet at the Day…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park
Endangered Species Day at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary
Join us at San Diego Audubon's Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary on May 19. Guided nature tours will be offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., highlighting the rare and threatened species…
Presented by San Diego Audubon Society and Endangered Species Coalition
River Trail Group Bike Ride – POSTPONED
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR A RESCHEDULED DATE. Looking for some new places to ride with some camaraderie on the way? Join…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation
Family Boulder Creek Bonanza Outdoor Exploration – POSTPONED
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. PLEASE JOIN US ON JUNE 1 AT 9AM. Look for frogs, meet animals face-to-face, learn about harvesting a wild salad, and…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and Michelle Renaud and Alicia Berg
Point Loma Native Plant Garden Workparty
Come join the River Park team as we work to enhance and beautify this hidden gem in Point Loma. Volunteer activities include watering, weeding, trail maintenance and more! You will…
Presented by San Diego River Park Foundation and Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden
Fly Fishers’ Casting Clinic
The San Diego Fly Fishers invite you to Lake Murray to receive personalized training by experienced instructors! A perfect way for children to play and learn at the same time. …
Presented by San Diego Fly Fishers Club
Guided Nature Walk from the Visitor Center
Join an MTRP Trail Guide on a guided nature walk and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history, and ecology of the park on one of these scenic trails: •…
Presented by Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Guides
Snakes and Skins Touch Table
Come and learn about the snakes, tortoises, and other animals that inhabit your local parks; touch live snakes, feel real animal pelts, and learn about the difference between native vs.…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers
Sunday Oakoasis Stroll
Come see the 2,200 new trees recently planted at Oakoasis Preserve! This is a nice and moderately challenging walking opportunity that the whole family can enjoy – especially adults and…
Presented by San Diego County Rangers