San Diego National Wildlife Refuges

Latino Conservation is almost here and we are so stoked! [English video, Spanish Available]

¡Ya casi es Latino Conservation Week y estamos bien entusiasmados! [Video en español, disponible en ingles]

Have you visited the Living Coast Discovery Center yet? Not only is it an amazing place to see wildlife up close, the surrounding outdoors area has easily walkable trails that will take you from learning the history of this site to being surrounded by many native plants and wildlife and lets not forget great vistas of San Diego Bay. Be aware that the only way to visit this area is to take a short bus ride in. Check out the Living Coast Discovery Center website for more deta...ils on how to visit this area. . . . . Image of shuttle bus and trail leading to the native pollinator garden (Fernandez/USFWS).

San Diego Refuges would like to welcome Jorge as our first Hispanic Access Foundation intern. This fall he will receive a bachelor's in biology from CSU Long Beach. Jorge has been assisting staff with biological research, interpretation, and especially focusing on events for Latino Conservation Week during the month of July. We look forward to learning from his fresh perspective and wealth of local knowledge. Stay tuned for an opportunity to meet him virtually or in-person! .... . . . . Image of Jorge selfie photo in a circular frame on the left-hand side with "Welcome Jorge Ayon" in bold written above. Text to the right and continuing below photo. The background looks as if it has been painted with blue and green watercolors. See more

Did you know that you can go horseback riding on refuges? Well, at least on San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Get inspired and learn about this and other fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors by clicking the link below. http://ow.ly/rEED50F3rRi

We love talking about the birds and the bees! In fact, we even celebrate it! June 21 - 27 is National Pollinator Week and we all have lots to thank these little critters for their tremendous work load. From coffee, cheese, beer, chocolate, hot sauce (and more!) all these were possible because of a little insect or bird that was attracted to a flower. ... What are some things you are doing to help pollinators? Some things to consider include planting a pollinator garden with native plants, providing a nesting habitat, and avoiding or limiting pesticides. . . . . Image of sweat bee on Garland daisy (Fernandez/USFWS).

We are delighted to see the visitor center open!

Woah, have you ever seen such an alien looking spiny "thing"? These spiny growths are a sign of a plant/insect relationship. Although these growths, called galls, look like they may hurt the plant, they actually don't. An insect can lay their eggs on a plant and the plant responds by creating this gall. As the gall continues to grow with the developing insect, it provides food to the insect until it is ready to break out. ... The gall in the photo is called a spiny leaf gall caused by a wasp and the spines on the gall mimic those found on the rose. This type of gall can be found on a variety of rose species but this one in particular was seen on a California wild rose at San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. When you head out to explore in nature, you never know what cool things you'll will come across. . . . . . Image of red spiny galls on a single rose leaf (Fernandez/USFWS).

We Are Ready! . . .... . We Are Ready (Next to title U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shield and Fire Management logo) (Text from top left column to bottom, then top right column to bottom) Fire Management Zones (image of United States and Alaska) 45 in lower 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico 5 Jurisdictional agency BLM Alaska Fire Service is protection agency 398,000 acres of USFWS lands burn in wildfires annually (image of fire next to text) 350,000 acres of USFWS lands are treated with prescribed fire annually (image of drip torch next to text) 75 million acres of USFWS lands require fire application for healthy ecosystems (image of wildflower next to text) 308 Fire Management Personnel 105 Temporary Seasonal Firefighters (image of two firefighters next to text) 1,000 Collateral Duty Fire Staff 58 Wildland Fire Engines (image of fire engine next to text) 80 Pieces of Heavy Equipment (image of heavy equipment next to text) 280 Light Fire Vehicles (image of vehicle next to text) 1 Helicopter (image of helicopter next to text)

Happy first day of Summer! If you are celebrating by going out to the beach, remember to follow all posted rules. Some of these may include keeping your pets on a leash, no fires on the beach, and no trampling on dunes. These rules are meant to keep both people, wildlife, and plants safe. Have fun out there!... . . . . Image of posted sign on Imperial Beach near Tijuana Slough NWR (Fernandez/USFWS).

We are well into snake season and although you can see snakes all year long, you are most likely to encounter one when temperatures are warm. The Southern Pacific rattlesnake, also known as the western rattlesnake, is one of the most common species of rattlesnakes in San Diego. Although they are regularly seen in the backcountry, sometimes they find their way into urban areas, golf courses, and even the beach. But don't be alarmed! They don't bite unless threatened, disturb...ed, or concerned. Remember to always keep a safe distance if you encounter one and don’t block their path. If you are in an area and think there might be a rattlesnake near, you can stomp loudly to alert the snake of your presence. They can sense sound and vibrations much better than they can see. . . . . Image of Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Cortalus oreganus ssp. helleri) by Jorge Ayón/USFWS.

Ready. Set. GO! The Great Backyard Bird Count starts today and will last until Monday, February 15. Go anywhere where you might find birds and try to ID as many birds as you can. Here is how to participate:... https://www.birdcount.org/participate/ See more

Today in History: Fishermen were the first people to notice that fish stocks were in trouble and called Congress to act. To protect America’s fisheries, the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries was formed on this day 150 years ago on February 9, 1871. Today the oldest conservation agency is better known as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service continues to be at the forefront of conservation and despite the many reorganizations it faced in the past, the m...ission continues to be the same, to protect the nation’s fish and wildlife resources for today and tomorrow. Image of park ranger holding a black skimmer after being tagged (Fernandez/USFWS).

Are you planning a trip to a wildlife refuge or other outdoor space near you? Don't forget to look up, look down, look all the way around so you don't miss unexpected wildlife sightings like this round ray spotted on the San Diego River. There is so much to see if you are patient and pay attention! Photo of ray swimming in river (Fernandez/USFWS).

Some stories write themselves. Others need a gentle nudge. Wildlife refuges and other outdoor places are a great gateway to creative writing. Whether you are looking for inspiration or have writers block, even a brief walk outdoors can help you relax and get those creative juices flowing. Where do you find inspiration? ... Photo of birds and cotton tail rabbit on a trail near the visitor center for the Tijuana Estuary (Fernandez/USFWS).

Spooky season is slowly crawling our way and we are finding costume inspirations in the darkest of places... literally! These insects were attracted to UV lights during a moth survey on San Diego NWR. Interested in learning what other night crawlers, fliers, and walkers are out on the refuge when people leave? Check out the work of our nature photographers BJ Stacey (iNaturalist name Finatic) and Hector (iNaturalist user name Biohexx1).... Photo of Dictyopharid Planthopper (Genus Orgerius) and Painted Tiger Moth (Arachnis picta) by BJ Stacey.

If someone were to ask you to picture a park ranger, what do you see? Most people will think of someone wearing a cool looking uniform, working in the rugged backcountry, surrounded by wildlife and peaceful serenity. Although that is correct, that is not always the case! Urban park rangers have a special opportunity to connect with thousands of people, both local and international, to educate and learn from others about nature and its wonders. Ever wonder what draws someone... to be a park ranger and their duties once they got the job? Check out this story about Miguel Marquez, our friend and urban park ranger at San Francisco Bay NWR Complex.

Birds have started migrating from the mountains to their coastal homes for the winter and are joining native populations. Although tours for Seal Beach NWR have paused, there are still some areas near by to birdwatch. Check out this article by the Sun Newspapers.

Sticker Giveaway! Read the instructions below to learn how to get one mailed to you. Happy National Wildlife Refuge Week! Tomorrow is the last day we officially celebrate all 568 national wildlife refuges throughout the nation but every day we are grateful to have places like these that help provide vital habitat for thousands of species and also offer outdoor recreation opportunities to millions of visitors each year. How do you enjoy your nearby refuges and "Live Your ...Wild"? Please let us know! 1) In the comment section below this post, share with us a photo of yourself enjoying an appropriate and safe outdoor activity either in San Diego NWR, San Diego Bay NWR, or Tijuana Slough NWR. 2) We will confirm your submission during normal business hours Monday Friday and start processing your sticker to be delivered by mail. The giveaway will last until the end of December 2020 or until we run out of stickers. #LiveYourWild #WildlifeRefuge See more

National Wildlife Refuges provide vital habitat for thousands of native species. From the mountain tops to the coast, San Diego Refuges conserve these places for wildlife and for the enjoyment of diverse urban residents and visitors. We are thrilled to see you "Live Your Wild" by recreating responsibly! Photo of San Diego Bay and tall mountain off in the distance (Fernandez/USFWS).... #LiveYourWild #NationalWildlifeRefuge

Thank you for celebrating National Public Lands Day and National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day with us! Through the SoCal Urban Wildlife Refuge Program our partners, volunteers, and Friends work hard to not only connect communities with outdoor spaces, but also to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. These public lands and urban refuges are here for you all year round and #youbelonghere! Share an outdoor space near you where you experience nature in your own... way by using #IBelongHere. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few places from San Diego to Los Angeles. A huge thank you to all of our SoCal Urban Wildlife Refuge Program Partners, Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges, Inc., Friends of Seal Beach, the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Detachment Fallbrook, Detachment Norco, and the National Wildlife Refuge Association who helped us celebrate this year! #CommunityintheWild #WildlifeRefuges #YouBelongHere #IBelongHere

Thank you for joining us to celebrate National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day this week. Today we learned from 5 of our urban partners who shared the work they do to help support our mission and their community. If you missed the recording, here it is! A special thank you to all who participated and especially our panelist from Ocean Connectors, San Diego City College Audubon Club, Outdoor Outreach, Earth Discovery Institute, and Latino Outdoors San Diego.

Partner Spotlight: Manuel and Wendy from Latino Outdoors San Diego Chapter. It’s important to have green spaces like [Balboa Park] because it gives our community a space to recreate, improve their mental and physical health, and learn about native plants... - Wendy Latino Outdoors is a nationwide organization that strives to break social, structural, and economic barriers for the Latinx community and people of color to gain access to the outdoors. ... Follow them on social media or visit their website at http://ow.ly/IsrJ50BrVuN Learn more about Latino Outdoors San Diego Chapter and their mission during our Virtual Panel Event on Oct. 2nd at 11 am. Register by clicking the following link http://ow.ly/yyai50BrVuO Video credit to Karen Castro, Marissa Lucero, Wendy Garcia, and Manuel Belmonte. #communityinthewild

Partner Spotlight: Vicky from Earth Discovery Institute. Our partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides... refuge locations where we can share our mutual message of habitat restoration and stewardship. - Vicky Earth Discovery Institute inspires stewardship of San Diego’s biodiversity through environmental education and conservation by providing hands-on field trips for students and citizen science and habitat restoration opportunities for the community.... Follow them on social media for educational content or visit their website at http://ow.ly/hTXX50BrVtQ Learn more about Earth Discovery Institute and their mission during our Virtual Panel Event on Oct. 2nd at 11 am. Register by clicking the following link http://ow.ly/MhNb50BrVtR Video credit to Vicky Bonnett. #communityinthewild

Partner Spotlight: Eh Ler from Outdoor Outreach Outdoor Outreach connects youth from underserved communities to the transformative power of the outdoors. - Eh Ler Outdoor Outreach connects youth to the transformative power of the outdoors through recreational opportunities that help develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills. ... Follow them on social media or visit their website at http://ow.ly/1yIf50BrVp6 Learn more about Outdoor Outreach and their mission during our Virtual Panel Event on Oct. 2nd at 11 am. Register by clicking the following link http://ow.ly/jYCn50BrVpe Video credit to Eh Ler Tha. #communityinthewild

Partner Spotlight: Karina and Andrew from the San Diego City College Audubon Club. ... Otay Valley Park is just upstream of the national wildlife refuge, so the work we are doing is improving the watershed for the refuge, as well as engaging the refuge’s neighboring communities. - Andrew San Diego City College Audubon Club is a chapter of the San Diego Audubon Society. They have work closely with the Otay Valley Regional Park to provide habitat restoration and educational... events for the surrounding communities. Follow them on social media for educational content or visit their website at Learn more about San Diego City College Audubon Club and their mission during our Virtual Panel Event on Oct. 2nd at 11 am. Register by clicking the following link http://ow.ly/pA7m50BrVnu Video credit to Megan Flaherty, Karina Ornelas, Missael Corro-Flores, and Andrew Meyer. #communityinthewild