What we’re about
This group is for anyone interested in learning more about all of the fun happenings going on in and around the Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center! This includes walkers, hikers, bikers, bird lovers, those interested in botony, nature lovers, pretty much anyone who would like to get out and explore Tecolote Canyon and it's Nature Center. Join us in celebrating all of the fun and interesting things happening in this unique and wonderful urban canyon! :)
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Nature Walk & “Durable Dozen” Native Plant Scavenger HuntStarts at the Mount Etna Neighborhood Park, San Diego, CA
Join a unique nature walk in Tecolote Open Space Park organized as a Scavenger Hunt. This walk will include Trail Guides/Naturalists who will start by introducing you to how to identify 12 native plants that frequently grow in San Diego coastal open space.
Once you have learned about this San Diego “Durable Dozen”, then you will be invited to walk the remainder of this short trail to seek and find each of these 12 plants yourself - or- optionally be partnered with a fellow Meetup hiker to check plants off the provided list together - your choice.
The group will then reconvene at the bleachers in Mount Etna park to discuss the results of the Scavenger Hunt and do a Q & A. Small prizes will be distributed.
WALK DETAILS
Meetup location: Mount Etna Park parking lot at the bathroom hut next to the drinking fountain at the top of the baseball fields. https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvvsAmL1cXPEP1Vr8
Length: 1.4 miles roundtrip
Duration: 2 hours depending on number of participants and Q&AWhat to Bring: Water, sun protection, wear good footwear and optionally long pants and long sleeves if you want to better protect yourself from sun or plant/insect encounters.
Disability notes: The top of the trailhead has a steep but short and fairly smooth descent. The rest of the trail to Balboa Ave and back is mostly flat and comfortably wide with recently-built, high-quality, flat bridges over all stream crossings.
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park Trail Map (pdf):
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/park-and-recreation/pdf/tecolotetrailmap.pdf)
Cautions: Open space areas are home to rattlesnakes, poison oak, stinging insects, rugged terrain and other hazards. Please be aware as you walk and have a safe and enjoyable visit to the park.
- Guided Bird Walk @ Rose Creek (FREE)Mike Gotch Bridge, San Diego , CA
Join us for a collaboration between the San Diego Bird Alliance and the Friends of Rose Creek this month as we enjoy the late sunset.
Stay for as long or as short as you wish. We usually have the best bird sightings around sunset!
Welcome Nick and Kelcy from the San Diego Bird Alliance as our guides this month!
Sunset is at 8 PM, and the tide will be low at 4:50 PM so the tide will be rising during our walk. Hopefully, the shorebirds will be out along the bridge at the beginning of our walk.
ROSE CREEK is a birding hot spot in the north east corner of Mission Bay. Check out the latest sightings on eBird. A treasure in Pacific Beach, the creek and salt marsh is popular with Bikers on the East side, a quiet, shaded walking path on the West side.
Meet at the east end of the Mike Gotch Bridge. Parking is legal on either side of approximately 2620 N Mission Bay Drive in the northeast corner of Mission Bay.
If you can can, download Kyle’s bird list ahead of time and see how many birds on the list you spot.
Bring binoculars if you have them, good walking shoes and check the weather before you come. Our guide will have a scope to help us see the birds closeup and personal. We will have a few extra pairs of binoculars for attendees, but supplies are limited.
*** Rain cancels.***
Calling Citizen Scientists! If you have a smart phone and want to contribute to data collection, join iNaturalist and start documenting nature along Rose Creek during the guided walk. Learn more here.
Or take photos and upload to Instagram and tag us @RoseCreekSD or @sandiegobirdalliance.
