The San Dieguito River Park JPA and our partners are proud to announce we were selected to receive a $257,000 grant for the State Parks Outdoor Equity Program to advance California’s “Outdoors for All” initiative. The funding helps establish hubs for local activities and trips to natural areas for underserved communities. The program also empowers youth and families with outdoor leadership education, career pathways, environmental justice engagement, and access to nature.
SDRP’s partners on this grant include: Escondido Public Library, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, Volcan Mountain Foundation, San Diego Archaeology Center, Surprise Farms and Rady Children’s Hospital.
The explorers journey begins at the Escondido Library for educational programs, overviews, and a reading list to support the activities. The adventures include visits to the:
- headwaters of the San Dieguito River on Volcan Mountain,
- Lake Hodges,
- the San Diego Archaeological Center,
- Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead,
- the award-winning Birdwing Open Air Classroom at the San Dieguito Lagoon, and
- overnight nature experience at Surprise Farm Retreat Center in the town of Ramona.
Each location focuses on a different theme providing a unique opportunity for participants to experience and learn about the many facets of the watershed from the natural world to its history and cultural significance. As they experience the outdoors, explorers develop a “sense of place” and appreciation for the environment – recognizing they play a role in preserving and protecting the natural and cultural resources of the watershed.
The Escondido Explores San Dieguito Watershed Program is headquartered at the Escondido Public Library in the City of Escondido. This program will include approximately 18 activity days in the community for approximately 900 participants and 33 trips to natural areas for approximately 850 participants during three years of programming. Activities in the community will include environmental internships and careers, volunteer training opportunities, and nature trips preparedness.
For more information about site visits visit: https://sdrvc.org/what-we-do/education/watershed-explorers/
If you are an Escondido resident interested in attending the program with your school, family, or community group please contact Sr. Interpretive Ranger Leana Bulay (Leana@sdrp.org).
This program funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.
June 2022 San Dieguito Lagoon Bird Survey Results