Championing Restoration: Hero Spotlight, Joshua Rey

The Heart of the Work: Bringing Habitats Back to Life

We are thrilled to introduce Joshua Rey, a true champion for the natural landscapes of San Diego County! Joshua brings a vital, hands-on commitment to our mission of habitat preservation and restoration.

Joshua spends his days on the front lines, actively protecting and restoring critical habitat throughout the region. He is a crucial link that turns detailed restoration plans into vibrant, living ecosystems. Every day, his work is focused on making a tangible difference.  He is responsible for the active implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of restoration efforts—from meticulous site preparation and planting native species to expertly removing invasive species. This is an active and demanding role that requires a unique blend of sharp on-site observation, botanical knowledge, and the discipline of precise data capture, all of which are essential for our long-term success in habitat management.

Beyond the shovel and the seed, Joshua’s role connects his fieldwork to cutting-edge science. He supports our use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—a powerful technology that transforms location data into dynamic, insightful maps. This system provides crucial benefits to habitat restoration by enabling precise site selection and optimized restoration design, as well as integrating complex data (such as invasive vs. native plant species locations) to ensure informed decision-making. It also allows for visually tracking changes over time to inform adaptive management and amplify project success. Joshua ensures that fieldwork is accurately documented, making our restoration efforts more innovative, more efficient, and more effective for the environment.

Above: San Elijo Lagoon vegetation map, created using GIS mapping

Joshua’s expertise isn’t theoretical; it’s rooted in real-world, boots-on-the-ground experience. He spent years actively restoring vital native habitats—chaparral, grassland, and vernal pools—with the San Diego River Park Foundation, mastering the art of planting native species and expertly managing invasive plants. His dedication to accuracy was further refined during his time with California State Parks and the Great Basin Institute, where he conducted surveys for small mammals and reptiles and assessed habitat disturbances. He holds a strong academic foundation, earning a B.S. in Geography (with a focus on Water, Climate, and Ecosystems) from San Diego State University.

Joshua’s personal connection to the environment shines through in his favorite species. His plant of choice is the lemonade berry, a resilient evergreen that anchors the coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. And while he appreciates all wildlife, he holds a special fondness for the Mourning Dove, admiring their incredible adaptability and quiet resilience in an ever-changing environment.