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Working to connect trails in the coastal San Diego wetlands, we help people experience nature and inspire a love for protecting the land. The Nature Collective (formerly the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy) is a group of scientists + nature enthusiasts who want future generations to appreciate – and preserve – the living world.
Making news as we offer things to do in North County San Diego, and beyond!
Nature Collective Leads a 50-Year Study of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
ENCINITAS, CA—Today Nature Collective, supporters and stakeholders for San Elijo Lagoon Restoration ceremoniously gathered to cut the ribbon for a wetland restored to more optimal health. In the distance, songbirds called from the trees and herons and egrets patiently stalked prey in tidal inlets. Breezes across the tidal channels, now wider, deeper and extending farther inland, carried the scents of brackish water—a mix of salt and fresh—uniquely important to coastal life.
What is restoration success and how will we measure it? This is the focus now for Nature Collective. The award-winning nonprofit is the land trust for the lands and waters of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, and beyond. Celebrating its 35th year of inspiring everyone to connect with, experience and protect nature. The San Elijo Lagoon Restoration is one of the largest wetland restorations in California.
“Thirty-five years ago, we had this vision that San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve could be restored,” says Doug Gibson, Nature Collective Executive Director and Principal Scientist. “This area is a jewel in the crown of the San Diego region, and it’s our duty to protect it as best as we are able. Nature Collective and the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program investment will support stepping stones for all to enjoy for many generations.”
Please see news media photo section below for images.
From Habitat Restoration to Ambassadors on Trails, Volunteers Help Nature + Community Thrive
ENCINITAS — Volunteers are back in action at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, and soon to be at Encinitas tide pools and coastal dunes, and helping behind-the-scenes to restore nature.
“Our nationally awarded organization is made more whole by a community of diverse people, from nature enthusiasts to scientists, who are helping to conserve San Elijo Lagoon and lands and waters beyond,” says Doug Gibson, Nature Collective Executive Director. “Volunteers who are helping nature thrive, and who are connecting with visitors are channeling their passions to connect with, experience, and protect nature.”
Please see news media photo section below for images.
News Release: February 23, 2021
Discover the ocean worlds of octopus, seahorses and sharks. With a focus on Marine Protected Areas, participants can learn how the protection of ocean habitats is critical for all species, and our communities.
Series Hosts: Nature Collective + Living Coast Discovery Center + San Pasqual HS Environmental Club
Series Support: Encinitas Community Grant Program + Coastal Quest + Ocean Protection Council
Please see approved photo section below for downloadable images.
Calendar News Release: January 15, 2021
Nature Collective Takes Viewers to Local Seashore Habitats + Educator Workshop on Nature Journaling
Nature Collective exists to drive a passion for nature, for all. We believe that if we help people discover a passion for nature, they will want to protect and value everything it has to offer.
Virtual Connections: Tidepools and Dunes, are made possible with support from: Nature Collective + Ocean Protection Council + Coastal Quest + California State Parks + City of Encinitas
Please see approved photo section below for downloadable images.
CALENDAR NEWS: November 30, 2020
Nature Collective Hosts Virtual Connections + Tidepool Ambassador Experiences at Swami’s Beach. Experience December’s king tide events—at the lowest tide! About 7 hours after the peak high tide, beach goers can get a closer look at critters in this amazing part of our coast that is typically hidden underwater. Experience the wonders of tidepools and learn how to become a Nature Collective Tidepool Ambassador.
Made possible with support from: Nature Collective + Ocean Protection Council + Coastal Quest + California State Parks + City of Encinitas
Please see approved photo section below for downloadable images.
The newest open space for public enjoyment in coastal North County will be dedicated in a private donor sunset ceremony on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Harbaugh Seaside Trails is the three-acre coastal overlook, designated permanent open space for all, linking Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Solana Beach along historic Coast Highway 101.
Please see approved photo section below for downloadable images.
North County San Diego residents and officials today celebrated the opening of the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline project. The half-mile coastal area located at Cardiff State Beach was created to add a ‘living shoreline’ sand dune system to protect Coast Highway 101 from ocean surges.
Please see approved photo section below for downloadable images.
A view of the Lagoon and Pacific Ocean from the site of Harbaugh Seaside Trails, expected to open in early 2020.
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 annual Surfing Madonna Beach Run. Photo by Jim Wang
You are free to use these photos with permission as long as you include the photographer’s credit, when noted, and send an email with the link to where they are being used to [email protected].
Deeper, Wider Tidal Channels after Lagoon Restoration
Wider Tidal Channels following Lagoon Restoration
Aquatic Life in San Elijo Lagoon
Snowy Egret in San Elijo Lagoon
Volunteers explore Annie’s Canyon Trail – slot canyons – at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve.
Photo by Nature Collective
Be a Tidepool Ambassador
Photo by Nature Collective
Credit: Terry Rodgers
Credit: Kamala Venkatesh
Donor Monument Sunset View, designed and photographed by public artist Betsy K. Schulz
Credit: California State Parks
Credit: Todd McWethy
Please direct all media inquiries to Doug or Jennifer:
Executive Director | Principal Scientist
858.704.4552
Associate Director
858.704.4560
