Nature Collective

If you have taken a stroll along the trails of San Elijo Lagoon recently, you might have noticed just how remarkably clear the water looks.

Visitors who have frequented these trails for decades are spotting small schools of fish darting below, stingrays gliding beneath the surface, large striped mullets diving into the channels, and a surprise octopus, all with unprecedented visibility.

This dramatic transformation comes down to a combination of intentional restoration, dynamic tides, and a little weather-related luck.

What a fun surprise to find this octopus in a Sonde monitoring device!

What are you doing tomorrow?

Get ready for an exciting and family-friendly Not-So-Scary Fall Festival full of adventure and discovery this Sunday, Oct. 18!

Don’t miss your chance to explore nature’s amazing and quirky creatures—trust us, they’re not as spooky as they seem!

Dive into the fun by:
👻 joining our exciting costume parade,
🎨 get creative with hands-on nature crafts, and
🦉 experience live animal encounters that will wow everyone.

Plus, explore the fascinating Nature Collective Discovery Booths, with highlights including:

🌵Native plants — learn how some of San Diego’s most unique and bizarre plants have incredible tricks to survive our hot summers, from poking leaves to delightful scents.

🌊 Tide pools — discover the cool, slimy, and mysterious ocean creatures hiding among rocky shores and beaches. Fall low tides reveal these underwater wonders waiting to be explored!

Sponsored by San Diego Parks and Recreation and supported by Nature Collective, this event is perfect for nature lovers and families alike.

Taking place at San Dieguito County Park, between 10am to 1pm; remember to bring reusable bottles and cups to help us keep the event eco-friendly.

Come explore, learn, and have a blast with us!

Fall Festival

Sunset Sagebush…yes, please! 😍

Did you know that one of Earth’s greatest wildlife migrations is happening now?

Nearly one billion birds are beginning to embark on a voyage across the sky. From tiny songbirds to majestic shorebirds, these incredible travelers rely on a network of flourishing habitats along the Pacific Flyway through winter.

Like this American Avocet in breeding plumage (photo credit to Chris Mayne).

You can make a local impact.

San Elijo Lagoon is one of these essential habitat stops. This sanctuary will become home where exhausted birds can rest, feed, and regain their strength.

Will you donate now to keep San Elijo Lagoon a bird haven?

You can help preserve an important resting place, right here in your community.

Where are they now? Alison Fisher, a former Nature Collective Water Quality Intern.

Alison now works for the Vallecitos Water District in San Marcos.

Alison uses similar techniques in analyzing data and taking measurements that she initially learned as a Nature Collective Water Quality Intern.

The constituents measured for lagoon water quality (pH, turbidity, DO, temp) are also true in her current position.

She’s currently an assistant engineer in Capital Facilities at Vallecitos Water District, where they manage the design and construction of new and replacement water/wastewater infrastructure.

“Working at the lagoon will always be a favorite experience of mine,” said Alison. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

Alison still visits the San Elijo Lagoon, walking its trails with friends and family. “Everything is so beautiful!”

To read more about Allison’s journey sign up for our e-news or check out our blog.

Join key Nature Collective staff for some Coffee Connections - this Friday, Oct. 9 from 9-11am.

It'll be a casual meet-and-greet, open-house-style event, where you can connect with key staff, learn about our programs and project updates, and meet others who share your passion for protecting nature.

Don't forget to register on our website! Link below. Or here - Coffee + Connections Open House ☕️

Did you know...a new we**am was installed at San Elijo Beach, sponsored by the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System, based at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It will capture large wave activity this winter - something that will be interesting to watch in this El Nino season.

This 2026 El Niño is forecast to become one of the strongest on record, with widespread global impacts anticipated through winter 2026-2027.

Sharing nature with your people is what it’s all about!

Photo credit: Michelle Slentz

All trails at the San Elijo Ecological Reserve are pet friendly, except Annie’s Canyon Trail, where pets are not allowed through the slot canyon.

Please do leash your dog for the safety of all.