Strawberry Stand Visitor Center

The Strawberry Stand Wetland Learning Center, located on the south side of Via de la Valle, off San Andres Road, was officially opened on Saturday, June 26, 2004, by Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, chair of the San Dieguito River Park JPA. This opening marks the beginning of San Dieguito Wetlands Restoration Project.

The building, which will serve as a placeholder for the permanent Visitor Center, is a striking architectural creation by San Diego firm, Rinehart Herbst, with all work done by volunteers. The schematic design for the site is by Lane Goodkind, a landscape architect noted for his environmentally sensitive work. Interpretive signs and a temporary trail are provided to help the community, especially our children, learn about the natural beauties and wonders of wetland habitats. Visit www.sdrp.org to learn more about the project.

Southern California Edison (SCE) is working in partnership with the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to carry out the restoration project. The Final Restoration Plan has been submitted to the California Coastal Commission, which is expected to approve the project, allowing work to begin in fall, 2004. Visit www.sce.com to see the final plan, a map of the restoration area, and status of the permit process.

Southern California Edison currently maintains a webcam (www.villageswetlands.com) in the valley showing photographs updated every hour. Currently, there is not much to see, (and spiders keep blocking the view), but once the work begins, a dozen webcams in many different locations will provide panoramic views and allow members of the public to follow the project every step of the way.

—Mary Farrell