The San Diego Audubon Society invites volunteers to participate in a San Diego River clean up effort on July 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help pick up debris and overgrown vegetation that interferes with and inhibits growth of native plants.
Wild Chrysanthemums, Tumbleweeds and Castor Bean are on the list of invasive plants not native to the area.
The clean up effort will cover the adopted stretch of river that extends from Interstate 5 west to the mouth of the river along the small service road that lies along the bank.
“There’s a lot of small stuff, like Styrofoam cups and hamburger wrappers and stuff like that. A lot of that is blown in,” said Jim Harrison, San Diego Audubon Society member.
That area is prone to trash dumping because it’s a secluded area, Harrison said, even though it’s posted that dumping is prohibited. Debris, having settled there after heavy rains, is washed down as runoff to the mouth of the river
Harrison said that one of the main reasons for the clean up effort is to preserve the habitat for wild birds and other naturally occurring flora and fauna. On alternating months, Harrison and other volunteers can be found cleaning and helping to preserve Mariners Point in Mission Bay. The spot is a well-known seasonal nesting point for Least Terns, an endangered migratory bird that prefers clean, sandy beaches.
To reach the work site from Sea World Drive, head south at the South Shores Park stop light for about 30 feet. Turn left at the service road and proceed about a quarter-mile east.
For more information on volunteering, call (858) 273 5242.