Geography 370
Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation

Environmental Organizations in San Diego

If you are looking for a way to find out about local environmental issues, make a contribution to something worthwhile, get real-world experience, and maybe even get paid for your work, get in touch with some of these San Diego citizens' organizations. Most are looking for volunteers, and some of the volunteer jobs lead to paid positions (and even if they don't, they may open some doors).  Explore their web pages to see what they do, then if you see one that fits your interests, get in contact with them.

• The San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club is the local branch of this large, very active organization.  They have many environmental projects that can use volunteer help, are a great source of information, and sponsor a wide variety of activities, including hikes and other outings, photography workshops, a nature knowledge workshop, a great Wilderness Basics Course, a bicycle section, and a lot more.  Also, see the Coastal North County and North County Groups.

• The San Diego Chapter of the National Audubon Society has many activities, and always needs volunteers.  This organization focuses on birds, but birds need a healthy environment, so they are active in many environmental areas.  They have  opportunities for volunteers, sponsor classes and field trips, and have many other activities.  

• The San Diego River Park Foundation is "dedicated to enhancing the San Diego River and working toward the establishment of a river-long park, from the headwaters in the mountains near Julian, California, to the Pacific Ocean in the community of Ocean Beach in the City of San Diego".

• The San Diego Canyon Coalition "was formed to facilitate the establishment of local canyon protection groups and to encourage communication among the newly formed and already-established canyon groups in San Diego".   The coalition includes local groups formed to protect and enhance individual canyons in the San Diego area, such as Switzer Canyon, Mission Hills Canyons, and even San Dieguito River Park.  They are concerned about issues such as sewer line access and maintenance (many sewer lines run through canyons), invasive species, litter and pollution.  See their home page for links and information on specific places and resources.

• The San Diego Sea to Sea Trail Foundation is working on creating a 140-mile walking, cycling, and horse riding trail, running from the Salton Sea to the Pacific Ocean near Del Mar, California.  Here is a description of the trail , with directions for each section (parts of the trail exist already; other parts need to be filled in), and a current trail map.

• San Diego BayKeeper  is a non-profit environmental organization that is a coalition of local groups working to keep San Diego Bay and associated habitats clean and free of pollution, by monitoring compliance with water quality regulations and by supporting community conservation programs.

• Surfrider Foundation is a very active organization dedicated to protecting waves and beaches through conservation and political action. And their home page has a really beautiful photo of a wave.

• San Diego Clean Water Alliance is a coalition of environmental groups working to keep San Diego's beaches and bays clean.

• San Dieguito River Park: the San Dieguito River runs from Volcan Mountain near Julian, through Lake Sutherland, past Ramona to Lake Hodges in Escondido, then to the Pacific Ocean at Del Mar.   If completed, the park will preserve open space and habitats from the ocean to the mountains of the Peninsular Ranges.

• San Diego Zoological Society. More than just a place to keep animals for display, modern zoos are very important in efforts to preserve endangered species, both local species and those from other parts of the world. The San Diego Zoo's Center for the Reproduction of Endangered Species is an example.

• Friends of Famosa Slough work to protect and restore the Famosa Slough as a natural wetland preserve. The slough is located in an urbanized area near the mouth of the San Diego River. This site has photos, location and history of the wetlands, and some natural history information.

• The Chula Vista Nature Center is a museum located at Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.   There are 8 rare or endangered species at Sweetwater Marsh, and the center works to protect and enhance the habitat for these species and other marsh inhabitants.  The Center has captive breeding facilities and an extensive educational program, including exhibits of many of the plants and animals in the marsh area.  The need volunteers for such jobs as: Docents, Aquarists, Reptile Crew, Mouse Keeper, and bird walk leader.

• The Iron Mountain Conservancy is a local group that works to protect the native grasslands, vernal pools, and other habitats of the Ramona area.  Contact them to find out about the Raptor Watch and Tracking Team.

• Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation works to preserve, protect and enhance Batiquitos Lagoon, a tidal wetland located between Carlsbad and Encinitas.  They have an informative web site and a lot of Future Grand Plans that will require energy and enthusiasm.

• Friends of Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve work to preserve this open space in the backcountry of San Diego.

• San Diego Environment Now educates voters on environmental issues, and keeps records on how San Diego politicians vote on these issues.

• The objectives of the Environmental Health Coalition  in San Diego are: fighting toxic pollution,  protecting public health, and promoting environmental justice. They are a grassroots organization working for a healthy environment for all people in the city.  Check their website for internship and paid employment  opportunities.

• The Association of Environmental Professionals has a website for those working (or planning to work) in the environmental field.  They list professional positions available, and have a useful page of links to local and state government agencies concerned with environmental planning, as well as some environmental consulting firms.

• San Diego Earth Times On-Line is a great source of articles and information on environmental issues in San Diego and elsewhere.  Their page of letters, notices and alerts is a grab-bag of information on a variety of topics.  Also, they have an interesting page of web links to environmental sites.

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