San Diego River Park Foundation facts for kids

The San Diego River Park Foundation is a group that works to create a long park along the San Diego River. This park, often called a 'green belt,' will stretch for 52 miles. It is a non-profit organization, meaning it uses its money to help the community, not to make a profit.

What the Foundation Does

The San Diego River Park Foundation wants to make the San Diego River a better place for everyone. Their big dream is to create a green area from the mountains all the way to the ocean. This green area will include trails for walking and biking. It will also make sure the river itself is clean and healthy. The park will connect many different places along the river, like other parks, open spaces, and community spots.

About the Foundation

The San Diego River Park Foundation started in 2001. Since then, it has worked hard to protect the water, wildlife, and natural beauty of the San Diego River. The foundation also helps people enjoy the river through fun activities. It brings people from all over San Diego County together. They offer many chances to volunteer and join events.

In 2006, the California Watershed Network recognized the foundation. They were praised for five years of projects that helped restore the river area.

Working Together for the River

The San Diego River Park Foundation is part of a bigger group called the San Diego River Coalition. This Coalition is made up of many organizations. They all work together to protect and improve the San Diego River. They also care about the land around the river and its natural and cultural history.

There are 78 other groups in the Coalition, including:

• Surfrider Foundation
• Sierra Club
• Trust for Public Land
• California Native Plant Society
• National Audubon Society
• I Love a Clean San Diego
• San Diego Archaeological Center
• The Nature Conservancy

Many other groups also help out.

Foundation Programs

The San Diego River Park Foundation runs several programs. These programs help protect the river and involve the community.

Volunteer Programs

You can join these programs to help out:

• Clean and Green Team: Helps clean up the river and plant new things.
• Community Enhancement: Works to improve areas along the river for everyone.
• River Watch: Keeps an eye on the river's health.
• River Ambassadors: Helps people learn about the river and how to protect it.
• River Assessment Field Team: Gathers information about the river's condition.
• River Rescue: Helps with urgent needs to protect the river.

River Park Creation

These projects help build the actual park:

• San Diego River Park Conceptual Plan: This is the big plan for how the park will look.
• Discovery Center: A place where people can learn about the river.
• San Diego River Garden: A special garden that shows plants from the river area.

River Health and Protection

These programs focus on keeping the river healthy:

• Top of the River Protection: Protects the river where it starts.
• Watershed Management Plan: A plan to manage all the land that drains into the river.

River Spirit Events

These events celebrate the river:

• San Diego River Days: Special days to enjoy and learn about the river.
• One River with Many Stories: Events that share the history and stories of the river.