Lagoon Restoration project:
A Chick is Born
posted 06/07/13

Click on picture to enlarge

Because of coastal urban development, the endangered California Least Tern and Western Snowy plover have lost most of their historic nesting grounds. A part of the San Dieguito Restoration project was to create nesting areas adjacent to coastal wetland ecosystems, yet inaccessible to terrestrial predators and people. The project created 4 nesting sites, two west of I-5 ( NS 11and12) and two east of I-5 (NS 13 and 14).

Dustin Fuller, the 22nd DAA Senior Environmental Planner, reports that after 4 years of efforts and the distribution of many decoys this year saw for the first time evidence of nesting on the sites.

Nesting Site 11 had two Least Tern eggs, both hatched (see picture) and were banded. There were three nests on NS 12. Two nests were abandoned and the third one was depredated by ravens.

The central part of the Restoration project.  Click on picture to enlarge.  The nesting areas are shown in white.

Access to the San Dieguito Lagoon Boardwalk made easy

click on the image to enlarge

The Del Mar City Council has authorized the City Manager to execute a 30-year agreement for the installation of parking and interpretive signage at the North County Transit District San Dieguito Drive lot APN 299-100-3300, subject to final approval by the City Attorney. The site was used for recycling until 2010 and has sat vacant since.

San Dieguito River Park users have long sought access to a parking location to leave their cars while they start a walk along the Lagoon Boardwalk. The City anticipates that during most of the year, it will be able to offer the public parking for a limited charge or no fee basis. During the Fair and Race season, the lot will be operated on a market rate basis.

From the mountains to the sea, the 55-mile-long San Dieguito River originates at Volcan Mountain in the Cleveland National Forest.  From there, it meanders through Lake Sutherland, San Pasqual Valley, Lake Hodges, the Del Dios Gorge and the San Dieguito Lagoon to the river’s mouth in Del Mar.  The river and its major tributaries flow through sensitive natural habitats, including oak/pine woodlands, sage scrub, and coastal wetlands, creating a network of critical wildlife habitats.

Our Mission 

MISSION STATEMENT:

Established in 1986 as a non-profit, and supported by a network of members and affiliates, the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley promotes and supports conservation, restoration, preservation and enhancement of the natural scenic, ecological and open-space resources of the San Dieguito River Valley through advocacy, study, monitoring, and education.

Search this Site

Type in the box below, and then click on "search."