Field trip to the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Tijuana Estuary is the largest coastal wetland in Southern California and it is located on the international border between the U.S. and Mexico. The estuary is primarily a shallow water habitat. The Estuary is one of the few salt marshes remaining in Southern California, where over 90% of wetland habitat has been lost to development. The site is an essential breeding, feeding and nesting ground and key stopover point on the Pacific Flyway for over 370 species of migratory and native birds, including six endangered species. The Reserve offers four miles of walking trails, taking visitors into prime bird watching areas and down to the river mouth where the Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean. The estuary stands as the last barrier between the Pacific Ocean and pollution. Its mix of plants and silt acts as a filter that purifies inland rain and floodwaters before they reach the ocean. Click to view short film to find out why the Tijuana Estuary is so special.
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR) preserves, protects, and manages the natural and cultural resources of the Tijuana River Estuary by focusing on research and education. The Reserve encompasses beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats surrounded by the growing cities of Tijuana, Imperial Beach, and San Diego. Critical issues confronted by the Reserve include habitat conservation and restoration, endangered species management, management of the wastewater from Mexico, solid waste, sediment management, and the integration of recreation. We will meet at the TRNERR visitor center for a discussion of work done at the facility, then walk the trails of the estuary.
This field trip is a continuation of the series of talks and presentations that the club has hosted to learn more about the issues around the TIjuana River.
Location: Please make sure that when plugging in directions in your phone/GPS, you use the actual address - 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932 - otherwise you could end up in the river valley which is about a 20-minute detour.
Registration: participation is limited to about 20 people. Please RSVP in advance by clicking on the button located to the left of the screen. Members and Guests are welcome!
Lunch: We may organize a lunch at a local restaurant after the visit. This will be communicated with participants after registration.
Solana Beach Eco
