Learn about current park closures and updates.
04/15/24
With ranger-led hikes, nature programs, animal encounters, Story Trails and volunteer events, we have planned dozens of environmentally friendly activities for you to enjoy outside this Earth Day, Week and Month!
TAKE A HIKE
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, staff at Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch County Preserve will lead a hike along the moderately difficult, 3.5-mile Martha’s Grove Trail. Learn all about this 2,272-acre preserve while experiencing a variety of habitats, historic oak groves, and the remnants of an old ranch. This activity meets at the Goodan Staging Area, located at 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road, Poway, CA, 92064. Call the park for details at (858) 513-4737.
Also at 9 a.m., rangers will lead a family-friendly 1.5-mile tour of the County’s first open space acquisition: Wilderness Gardens County Preserve. View a grinding stone used by Native Americans and see one of the first grist mills in Southern California. Guests often extend their visit to explore connecting trails and enjoy a picnic in picturesque Pauma Valley! Call the park for details at (760) 742-1631.
At 11 a.m., rangers at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park will be leading another 1.5-mile nature hike focused on flora and fauna native to the Bonita area. Staff will point out unique species, answer questions and share fun facts along the way! This hike meets at the Horseshoe Lawn at the Campground. Call the park for details at (619) 472-7572.
The following day – Sunday, April 21, starting at 10 a.m. – staff at Sweetwater Regional Park will be at the Eastview County Park Lawn to lead a second easy hike centered on local wildlife. Join them to learn about plant and animal identification and interesting adaptations, native versus non-native species, and other cool natural phenomenon. Call the park for details at (619) 472-7572.
PLAY IN THE SUN
Reading with Rosy: An interactive Animal Encounter with Books!
San
Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
On Sunday, April 21,
from 10 – 11 a.m., our rangers will host an interactive snake workshop
with a Rosy Boa snake, a lagoon trail walk, and a very special
storytime with the San Diego County Library! Meet at the Nature Center Amphitheater.
Picnic with the Goats
Los
Penasquitos Ranch House
Bring your lunch for a
pen-side picnic with our resident animal ambassadors, the goats of PQ,
on SUnday, April 21 from 12 to 1 p.m.! During the picnic, park
rangers will discuss 1860s ranch life, animal care and Nubian goats.
At the end, there will be an opportunity to interact with the goats
and tour the centuries-old ranch house.
Earth Fair
County
Operations Center
On Earth Day - Monday, April 22,
from1 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. - learn how the County of San Diego is working
to create a more sustainable world through its departments and
programs. Staff will host a free public fair with a variety of
interactive and informative booths, demonstrations and giveaways.
Explore resources at sandiegocounty.gov/earthday.
Earth Day Discovery Table & Nature Craft
Ramona
Grasslands County Preserve
Later on that day, from
4:30 to 6:30 p.m., check out some of the animals you might encounter
on a hike at Ramona Grasslands! Our Nature Discovery Table will have
items from the environment representing once-live local wildlife like
skins, pelts, skulls and teeth. Learn something new, ask questions,
and participate in an Earth Day nature craft.
STROLL ALONG A STORY TRAIL
San Diego County Library has placed colorful pages of children’s books on signs for our staff to post on trails at some of our most family-friendly parks during Earth Week (April 20 – 27)! Visit the following locations for a one-of-a-kind English/Spanish literary adventure:
GIVE BACK TO THE EARTH
We’ve partnered with I Love a Clean San Diego to clear waste around waterways and prevent it from moving downstream. Projects will take place from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. Advance registration is required: Creek to Bay | I Love A Clean San Diego (cleansd.org).
Participating County parks:
We’ve also planned a tree planting and giveaway event at Lindo Lake County Park on April 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. where we’re adding 100 trees! Learn more about these and other volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer web page.
