Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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| Area | 9.45 km2 (3.65 sq mi) |
| Established | 1982 |
| Official name: Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve | |
| Designated: | 2 February 2005 |
| Reference #: | 1452 |
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve is a special natural area. It is located in Imperial Beach and San Ysidro, San Diego, California. This reserve protects the Tijuana River Estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. This one is right on the border between Mexico and the United States.
The reserve has two main parts. The northern part is the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. The southern part is called Border Field State Park.
Exploring the Reserve
You can reach the reserve easily from Interstate 5. Take the Coronado Avenue exit (Exit 4). This reserve is part of a bigger system. It belongs to the National Estuarine Research Reserve system in the United States. San Diego State University (SDSU) helps manage it. They use it as a special outdoor science lab.
The Tijuana River flows through the reserve. Sometimes the river is very full. Other times, during dry spells, it can completely dry up. But during floods, the area can overflow with water.
Fun Activities at the Reserve
This reserve is a fantastic spot for watching birds. About 370 different kinds of birds visit here. Some birds live here all the time. Others stop here during their long migrations.
Many schoolchildren come to the reserve. They learn about nature in classrooms. They also go on exciting outdoor trips. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the visitor center. You can watch videos about the reserve there. These videos are available in both English and Spanish.
You can also walk on the North and South McCoy trails. These trails lead to great places for bird-watching. They also take you to where the Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean.
Keeping the Reserve Clean
Sometimes, trash and debris wash into the reserve. This happens when storms carry things down the Tijuana River Valley. A lot of tires and garbage can end up on the shores.
To help with this, a big grant was given. It was $1.6 million to clean up the area. This money helps remove trash from the Tijuana River Valley. It also helps clean up the Goat Canyon Estuary.
Special basins were built in 2005. These "Goat Canyon sediment basins" help manage storm water. They catch some of the debris before it spreads. California State Parks helps take care of the reserve. They work to keep the environment healthy for all the wildlife.
A group called 4Walls also helps. They got $45,000 to clean up the Tijuana River. They even use some of the collected trash. They turn it into building materials for things like park benches. This helps the park save money.
Mexico's Environment Ministry (SEMARNAT) also helps. They donated materials to clean Los Sauces Park. They also hired over 100 local people. These people replaced wild plants with native ones. This program helps both the environment and the community.
See also
In Spanish: Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve para niños
