Connect. Experience. Protect.

Meet San Diego’s Nature Connection

Enjoy San Diego’s one-of-a-kind natural wonders, from marshlands to a famous slot canyon. Convenient to America’s Finest City, you can explore nature anytime.

Nature Collective connects lands and hiking trails, provides experiences for people to fall in love with nature, and protects the beauty all around us. We’re a nonprofit that stewards lands like the San Elijo Lagoon – and offers engaging events for one and all.

We think inclusively and diversely when serving those growing up devoid of nature, those who remember nature and want to connect back to it, and those who already have an affinity with nature. We envision a world where everyone experiences, connects with, and protects nature.

Connect

Join your community at the Nature Collective
Discovery Tour | November 1
01

Nov

Discovery Tour | November 1

1.5 Hours

Discover the beauty of San Elijo Lagoon: where fresh water and saltwater meet and mix, migratory and resident birds share…

Learn More
Wildlife Tour | November 8
08

Nov

Wildlife Tour | November 8

2 Hours

By late fall, our winter birds have arrived- shorebirds, ducks, songbirds, and birds of prey. The endearing White-crowned Sparrows busily…

Learn More
Volunteer Restoration Event | November 15
15

Nov

Volunteer Restoration Event | November 15

3 hours

Want to make a real difference for our local environment? Join us for a habitat restoration event. This isn’t a…

Learn More

Experience

Discover lagoon hikes in San Diego & more
  • Hike the Nature Center Loop Trail

    45 minutes. Easy.

  • N. Rios Trail (West)

  • Stay in the Loop

    Sign up for email updates, including trail openings/closures, new event announcements, and more.

Protect

Learn about our latest restoration projects
San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project

The San Elijo Lagoon Restoration, called Reviving Your Wetlands, is one of the largest restoration projects in California.

Learn More
Tidal Circulation

We ensure nearly year-round tidal circulation within the San Elijo Lagoon to maintain the health of the ecosystem. 

Learn More
Habitat Restoration

We monitor and remove invasive plants, and revegetate our lands with beautiful native plants so native wildlife can use them. 

Learn More