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The San Diego River Park Foundation

Advocacy/Philanthropy & Government

The San Diego River Park Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of the San Diego River and creating a better quality of life for our community through the creation of a 52 mile river-long park system. Our programs, projects, and events are designed to connect people to our historic San Diego River and empower the community to steward and celebrate it. Connect. We work to create opportunities for emotional connections to the River, fostering a sense of wonder, a lifelong love of the outdoors, and stewardship of the River. We do this by hosting special River events, bringing children outdoors, engaging the community, working with volunteers, and more. We specialize in site-based, experiential natural science education, especially for K - 8 students. Create. We work to create the river-long San Diego River Park system, an emerald ribbon strung with pristine open space, welcoming and safe trails, interpretive facilities, vibrant history, and thriving wildlife for the community to experience and enjoy. We do this through targeted land acquisitions, advocacy, special projects, and other efforts. We collaborate with a variety partners, including by serving as the founder and chair organization of the San Diego River Coalition. Conserve. We work to conserve and restore our local environment along the San Diego River and its tributaries. We do this through volunteer stewardship programs, land management, monitoring and research. We believe that San Diego River’s ecological, cultural and recreational resources can be maintained for future generations through long-term conservation of the land, water, and wildlife.

Opportunities from The San Diego River Park Foundation

Out-of-school Programs

River Readers Nature Storytime

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Tue, September 1, 2026 Free
Pre-KFamily

Located at Grant Park in Mission Valley, the River Readers Nature Storytime will feature books, activities, and crafts…

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Out-of-school Programs

San Diego River Gorge Overlook Hike

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Sat, September 12, 2026 Free
FamilyAdult

In celebration of CA Biodiversity week, Please join San Diego River Park Foundation Preserve Steward Bill Martin for…

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Out-of-school Programs

Nature Nights: Bat Walk and Moths 9/12/26

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Sat, September 12, 2026 Free
Family

Join us for a fun evening adventure to learn about the San Diego watershed’s many bat species and their habitats with…

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Out-of-school Programs

Bird Walk at Grant Park

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Sun, September 20, 2026 Free
Family

Embark on a fun-filled walk with bird experts Cindy Pencek and Ian Swirka to observe and count the amazing biodiversity…

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Out-of-school Programs

Wingspan and Ecologies Game Time!

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Sun, September 20, 2026 Free
Grades 6-8Family

Join San Diego Bird Alliance and Jessica Ullyott, founder of Nature Needs SD and local trail guide for a deeper dive…

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Out-of-school Programs

BEASTLY BATS & SPOOKY SPIDERS!

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Sat, October 3, 2026 Free
FamilyPre-K

LINDA HAWLEY’S NATURE ADVENTURES! FREE—Ages 4-10, with an adult. EEEK! SHRIEK! SCREAM! SO SCARY! No! They are both…

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Out-of-school Programs

REINDEER HERE? NO, MULE DEER!

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Sat, December 5, 2026 Free
FamilyPre-KGrades 6-8

Linda Hawley’s Nature Adventures! FREE—ages 4-10 with an adult These beautiful, elegant mammals stand taller than all…

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Out-of-school Programs

Bird Drawing Workshop with Art FORM

The San Diego River Park Foundation

Sun, December 20, 2026 Free
Family

Go birding with the San Diego River Park Foundation and take a closer look at native birds that live on the San Diego…

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