San Diego River Days 2026

Art Reception at Santa Ysabel Art Gallery "Art of the River" by San Diego River Artists Alliance
2026-05-09 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, 30352 CA-78, Santa Ysabel, 92070, United States
Presented by the San Diego River Artists’ Alliance
The exhibition features art of the river and its watershed by the San Diego River Artists Alliance including oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, glass, pencil and pastel, fiber arts, ceramics, paper tapestry and photography.
A percentage of sales is donated to the San Diego River Park Foundation.
You might want to make a Backcountry Day of it.
Start at the Eagle Peak Ranch Preserve Hike, 9 am – 12:00 pm. Next explore some of Julian and Santa Ysabel’s shops, then stop at the Santa Ysabel Nature Center, https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SantaYsabelNatureCenter.html, and last come to our ART RECEPTION, from 4 – 7 pm! Or heck, it’s worth a drive to just come to the ART RECEPTION.
No RSVP required, but we would still like to know if you plan to attend.

Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve East Wildflower Hike
2026-05-10 08:00 - 13:00 | Santa Ysabel East Open Space Preserve, 500 Farmer Rd., Julian, CA, 92036, United States
Presented by the San Diego River Park Foundation and County of San Diego Parks and Recreation
Join Senior Program Manager Natalie Borchardt and County Park Ranger Doug Andrews for a scenic hike as we explore the oak woodlands and native grasslands near the source of the San Diego River at Santa Ysabel East Open Space Preserve.
On this 8-mile out-and-back hike, we will travel through oak woodlands, native grasslands, and vibrant fields of wildflowers. Along the way, we will identify native wildflowers, revel in their bright colors and fragrant smells, and celebrate the beauty of spring together!
This hike is rated as moderate difficulty.
REGISTER
Event Location: Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve trailhead off Farmer Rd.
Additional Notes:

Family Friendly (all ages welcome), as long as all hikers are prepared for the distance. Contact us with specific questions.
Closed-toe shoes required
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) recommended
Bring your own reusable water bottle
Bring your own snacks and lunch for a scenic picnic
Participating in this event will include walking on uneven terrain and/or some stooping and bending

San Diego River Mouth Habitat Restoration
2026-05-12 08:00 - 11:00 | 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, 92107, United States
Join us for a hands-on volunteer opportunity to explore the San Diego River Estuary and support the restoration of this sensitive and vital habitat. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants, improving conditions for native wildlife and pollinators, enhancing water quality, reducing erosion, and protecting endangered species such as the California Least Tern. Your efforts will help create a healthier, more accessible natural space for the entire community.
This is a rewarding opportunity to get outside, try out field work, connect with fellow nature lovers, and make a meaningful impact on a fragile ecosystem. Tools will be provided; you’re welcome to bring your own gloves or safety glasses.
Please Note:The meeting location is near the listed address. We will gather at the small grassy area between the main parking lot, the San Diego River Bikeway, and the Ocean Villa Inn.
REGISTER HERE:
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the event:

Attire: Long Pants and closed-toe shoes are required
Items to Bring: Reusable water bottle, hat, other forms of sun protection
Weather: Light rain will not cancel the event
For safety reasons, no pets are allowed at this event
There are no restroom facilities at this location.
No experience necessary!
Family friendly with parental supervision!

River Days Grant Park Community Stewards
2026-05-14 08:00 - 10:00 | 2310 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108, 2310 Camino Del Rio North
Get outside, connect with your community, and help bring a new eco-park to life! Join us for a fun and meaningful morning at Grant Park during River Days, where you’ll enjoy the fresh air, meet great people, and make a real difference. This beautiful new nature education center and park is providing free STEAM and environmental learning experiences to thousands of underserved students each year, while providing an exciting array of nature programming for the community.
Together, we’ll help create a welcoming green space in the heart of Mission Valley through vegetation removal and weeding, trash pick-up, graffiti removal, and occasional planting.
REGISTER HERE:
What to Bring & Know Before You Go:

Tools if you have them (trash grabbers, loppers, hand pruners, shovels, gloves)
Long pants and closed-toe shoes (required)
Reusable water bottle, hat, and sun protection
Light rain will not cancel the event
No pets allowed for safety reasons
Restrooms are available on site
All ages welcome; youth under 16 require supervision (ages 16–17 need a parent signature)

River Days Mission Valley Garden Club
2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 | 2310 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108, 2310 Camino Del Rio North
Get outside for River Days and join a welcoming community as we bring native plant gardens to life at our exciting new eco-park in Mission Valley! Roll up your sleeves to help plant natives, weed, water, mulch, and support our native seed library. You’ll leave knowing you helped create vital wildlife habitat and a vibrant green space for students and neighbors in the heart of our city.
Whether you’re passionate about native plants and pollinator gardens, eager to learn, or simply want to make a difference alongside others, the Mission Valley Garden Club is for you. No experience needed! Stay tuned for special educational talks with native plant experts at select events.
REGISTER HERE
What to Bring & Know:

All tools are provided, but feel free to bring your favorites
Attire: long pants and closed-toe shoes required
Other items: reusable water bottle, hat, sun protection
Weather: light rain will not cancel the event
No pets allowed for safety reasons
Restrooms available on site
All ages welcome; youth under 16 require supervision, and ages 16–17 need a parent signature

Community River Cleanup
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00
Looking for a hands-on volunteer opportunity that supports a healthy river and connects you with like-minded people? Join our core volunteer team for a San Diego River clean-up and help remove trash that threatens wildlife, water quality, and public spaces. Each year, volunteers remove more than 200,000 pounds of trash from the River—work that directly prevents pollution from reaching our ocean and beaches.
If you don’t mind getting a little dirty and enjoy active outdoor work, this is a rewarding way to make a visible impact while spending time outside.
Location: To be announced
REGISTER HERE:
What to Know Before You Go:

Please arrive by 8:45 am to allow time for check-in and parking.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty; long pants are required and long sleeves are recommended.

Closed-toe, sturdy shoes (tennis or hiking shoes) are required.

Bring a reusable water bottle to help reduce single-use plastics.

Light rain will not cancel the event.

All tools and supplies will be provided.

Community service hours can be verified.

For safety reasons, no pets are allowed.

There are no restroom facilities at this location—please plan accordingly.

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Bird Walk at Grant Park
2026-05-17 08:00 - 09:30 | 2310 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108, 2310 Camino Del Rio North
Join bird experts Cindy Pencek and Ian Swirka for a guided walk along the San Diego River to observe and count the diverse bird species that call this area home. This relaxing, educational outing offers a chance to connect with nature while supporting conservation by recording observations on iNaturalist.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the River Studio at Grant Park, an emerging nature education center and eco-park designed to serve more than 10,000 students each year and inspire future environmental stewards.
Kids are welcome with adult supervision. We hope you can join us for this engaging community science experience!
After the Bird Walk, join Sky Hunters and their raptor animal ambassador for an engaging presentation on raptors on the Conrad Prebys Stage immediately following the bird walk.
REGISTER HERE:
Parking:Please park in the Grant Park parking lot. Access is via the intersection with the stoplight across from iFLY Indoor Skydiving.

Sky Hunters Event
2026-05-17 10:00 - 11:00 | 2310 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108, 2310 Camino Del Rio North
Join us after the morning Bird Walk for a special live raptor presentation with Sky Hunters. This engaging program offers a rare opportunity to see a rescued bird of prey up close while learning about raptor behavior, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Sky Hunters brings decades of experience working with birds of prey. Learn all about our native raptors, diets, lifespans, what to do and not do if you find a sick injured or orphaned, wild animal and the laws we have protecting all of our Wildlife.

Mountain Lion 101
2026-05-17 10:00 - 23:30 | 2310 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108, 2310 Camino Del Rio North
Overview
Join Mountain Lion Foundation volunteer and mountain lion expert Robin Parks for an engaging presentation about mountain lions. This session provides a broad introduction to these remarkable animals, offering insights across a range of topics.
Topics Covered
· Basic Recognition: Learn how to identify mountain lions in the wild.
· Biology, Behaviors, and Capabilities: Discover key facts about the physical characteristics, natural behaviors, and abilities of mountain lions.
· Stories of Encounters: Hear both humorous and poignant stories about interactions between people and mountain lions.
· Myths and Misinformation: Explore common misconceptions about these cats and gain clarity on the facts.
· Lion Safety: Understand the essential safety do’s and don’ts when in mountain lion territory.
· Deterrents: Find out effective methods for deterring mountain lions from entering populated areas.
· Current California Laws and Policies: Get up-to-date information on California laws and California Department of Fish and Wildlife policies regarding mountain lions.
