As it flows through the center of San Diego County, east to west from Volcan Mountain to Del Mar, the San Dieguito River and
its major tributaries pass through some of the County’s most beautiful natural areas. Over thousands of years, the
effects of erosion and subsequent downstream siltation have created an extraordinary array of topographic features that set
the San Dieguito River Valley apart from many of the other river valleys in the County. The steep canyon slopes, such as
those found in Clevenger Canyon, combined with the broad floodplains that characterize Pamo Valley and San Pasqual Valley
support a diverse population of plants and animals. Numerous rare, endangered, and sensitive species occur within this Valley
including the California Gnatcatcher, Arroyo Toad, Least Bell’s Vireo, and Del Mar Sand Aster. Due to the diversity
and abundance of bird species in and around Lake Hodges, the National Audubon Society has designated Lake Hodges as an Important
Bird Area. Recent surveys indicate that Lake Hodges supports some 200 species of breeding, wintering, and migratory birds,
of which 13 of these species are considered sensitive or endangered.
In addition to its natural resources, the San Dieguito River Valley also has a rich cultural heritage dating back more than
9,000 years. The earliest known Native American occupation in San Diego County is located within the river valley downstream
of Lake Hodges. There is also a long history of agricultural activities in the Valley. These activities continue today in
the San Pasqual Valley, which has been designated as an Agricultural Preserve by the City of San Diego.
Why protect the San Dieguito River Valley? The San Dieguito River Valley provides one of the last opportunities to glimpse
into San Diego’s past - - to understand what the County looked like, smelled like, and felt like, before it was developed.
By preserving the River Valley, our children’s children will have the opportunity to observe and appreciate the valley’s
diverse assortment of plants and animals. The public lands and open spaces within the valley provide an escape from the hectic
world we have created, providing a place to observe the wonders of nature or simply to walk, run, or ride for the sole purpose
of improving the health of our bodies and our minds.
We encourage you to experience the San Dieguito River Valley by visiting one of the many areas within the valley open to the
public. For more information about trails and organized hikes contact the San Dieguito River Park at (858) 674-2270 or visit
their website at
www.sdrp.org.
We also encourage you to get involved in the efforts to protect the San Dieguito River Valley for the enjoyment of future
generations. One way to do that is to join the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley. Established in 1986 as a non-profit
501(c)(4) group, the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley was formed to actively promote the conservation, restoration
and enhancement of the scenic, ecological and open space resources of the river valley, emphasizing the importance of the
ecological resources. The Board of Directors holds monthly meetings and hosts this website to keep members up-to-date on
activities related to the River Valley.
