The Jewel in our backyard; The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Learn about the importance of wetlands, the history of the reserve, and why San Elijo Lagoon is one of the most biodiverse areas in our region.

Denise Stillinger, associate faculty member in the MiraCosta Biological Sciences Department, has served as an instructor at MiraCosta College for more than 30 years. Denise is also one of the founders of the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, recently renamed the Nature Collective, which she helped grow from a living room idea among neighbors to a leading environmental nonprofit in the nation. Since its creation in 1987, Denise has served in various leadership roles for the Nature Collective, including multiple terms as Board President. In honor of her service and commitment to protecting natural places for wildlife and people, voters in San Diego County voted her “Cox Conserves Hero” in 2011. Following this award, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 19, 2012,  “Denise Stillinger Day” and San Diego EarthWorks honored her with the E.A.R.T.H. Award (Environmental Action & Restoration That Helps).

Contact: Jenny Parker