2012 – Nature and Technology

In early 2012, continuation of the Del Dios Gorge Riparian Restoration Project began downstream from the Del Dios Gorge Bridge.  In total, approximately 21 acres of extremely dense eucalyptus trees were removed, allowing native riparian vegetation to grow.

Plans were underway to develop and construct the Birdwing Open Air Classroom.  The classroom provides a facility for River Park rangers, teachers, or scientists to teach students about the importance of wetlands, aquatic species habitat, migratory birds, and the effects of climate change.

A new 1.7-mile trail was constructed on the southeast section of the Wetland Restoration and was named the Dust Devil Nature Trail in honor of the important Park volunteer group known as Dust Devils, many of whom helped build this trail. The Dust Devils work side by side with Park Rangers on a weekly basis; Tuesdays inland and Fridays coastal.  This group provides invaluable help with important projects throughout the Park such as building and maintaining trails and restoring and managing habitat.

Also in 2012, the San Dieguito River Park App for smart phones was launched.  The web-based app allows users to view trail maps, photos and information about birds and plants of the park, and the San Dieguito Lagoon Interpretive Walk in English and Spanish- the first interpretive walk in the park using QR (Quick Response) codes.  The San Dieguito River Park is working to bridge the gap of nature and technology.