San Diego Audubon and UC San Diego Natural Reserve System teamed Feb. 4 for the 18th annual Love Your Wetlands Day at Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve in Crown Point.
Hundreds of neighbors, families, and ReWild supporters joined elected officials, including Mayor Todd Gloria, and more than 30 community partners and organizations to celebrate the special day. There was only one rule for touring the marsh on Love Your Wetlands Day: Anyone who goes in has to pick up trash. More than 500 volunteers worked on a variety of projects throughout the morning and afternoon at the marsh collecting nearly 300 pounds of trash, mostly single-use plastic litter.
Participants joined in hands-on activities, explored the protected marsh, assisted in cleanup efforts, and learned about research taking place to quantify and qualify how the rare urban wetlands’ habitat benefits the region’s air, ocean, and wildlife. Volunteers with San Diego Audubon helped provide tours and educate visitors about endangered birds that call the marsh home.
The marsh is a refuge for juvenile fish, endangered bird species, and a host of unique native plants that depend upon coastal wetlands for survival. The February event is the only time each year the public is invited to visit the habitat because casual attendance would disrupt the delicate ecosystem.
“As stewards of Kendall-Frost Marsh, UC San Diego values this dynamic marsh region and the opportunities it offers to learn more about pressing environmental issues like carbon sequestration, wildlife cultivation, and climate change in urban centers,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “We are proud to welcome visitors to Love Your Wetlands Day, demonstrate the importance of wetlands, and celebrate this important regional resource.”
“Every level of government must take action on the climate crisis and we at the City are stepping up to do so,” said Gloria. “I’m grateful to all the volunteers who gathered to do their part during the citywide day of climate action. When big cities like San Diego lead, others will follow. And where California leads – the world follows.”
The success of the eco-day demonstrated the public’s interest in the survival and restoration of wetland ecosystems and accessible public lands. It also showed a growing awareness of the role coastal wetlands play in naturally cleaning and filtering water, preventing storm surges, sequestering carbon, and providing needed habitat to ensure species survival and biodiversity.
A Ha Kwaiyo tule boat construction workshop was led by Dr. Stan Rodriguez of Kumeyaay Community College. It is part of his ongoing advocacy to preserve Kumeyaay’s history, culture, and language revitalization. Through the Ha Kwaiyo tule boat workshops, Rodriguez, as well as Priscilla Ortiz, Miss Kumeyaay Nation 2022-23, and Maya Vicaldo, Little Miss Kumeyaay Nation 2022-23 of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, shared the importance of having space and time along the coast to connect to wetland habitats.
Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve is part of the University of California’s Natural Reserve System, a library of ecosystems throughout California representing most of the state’s major habitats. The UC San Diego Natural Reserve System includes Kendall-Frost Marsh and three other protected natural habitats that offer researchers and educators the opportunity to use outdoor laboratories for scientific discovery and classrooms. Natural reserves are a vital resource for measuring the effects of climate change and developing strategies to reverse it. The network demonstrates the utility of undeveloped green spaces not intended for recreation.
