Encinitas Loves Their Local Lagoon Conservancy

We Were Recognized as a Leading Organization in the Annual Encinitas Environmental Award Program

City of Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear awards the Encinitas Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award to Doug Gibson, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Executive Director and Principal Scientist on October 7, 2018 at the start to the annual Surfing Madonna Beach Run. Photo by Jim Wang

When you think of those classic Southern California fall days … Sunday, October 7 did not disappoint. Thousands of participants and supporters gathered at the start of the annual Surfing Madonna Beach Run when the Encinitas Environmental Stewardship awardees were announced.

Sea gulls circled in the skies while the lines of frothy ocean waves gave the backdrop to why we all were gathered: we love our ocean, our beaches and estuaries, and the collective work for access to cleaner and healthier waters.

This 4th annual award program is sponsored by the City of Encinitas Environmental Commission. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy was selected in the non-profit category, joining Patagonia Cardiff-by-the-Sea, who won in the for-profit business category; both for exemplary environmental leadership in 2018.

L-R: Doug Gibson, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy and Bryan Callaway, representing Patagonia Cardiff-by-the-Sea received awards on stage

“It has been an exciting year for the Conservancy,” said Doug Gibson, Executive Director and Principal Scientist. “We are honored to receive this award highlighting our decades of  work, including securing new lands, providing education and experiences for all, and reviving our wetlands and beaches.”

Members of the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy team joined the beach run in support of a healthier ocean here, and everywhere.

We are honored to share that we received this award. It would not be possible without the incredible support we have in our members, corporate and foundation supporters,  partners, volunteers —and you!

More than anything, this is about nature for all. This award recognizes not just our accomplishments in opening the outdoors for everyone, but also our eyes on the future. What will our lands and waters look like in 5, 10, 30 years and beyond? We are visioning this now and invite you to continue the journey with us.

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