San Elijo Lagoon Inlet Facing Possible Closure
Follow ( 0 Followers ) X Follow E-mail : * Follow Unfollow
Our Collective Voice is Our Greatest Tool.
As I mark my seven-month journey as CEO of Nature Collective, my spirit is continually lifted by the unwavering support from all of you—our partners, donors, and the dynamic staff and volunteers who are the heartbeat of this amazing organization, which has been stewarding the North County San Diego community and wildlife for nearly four decades.
Every day, I witness your passion transform our local environment. From the moment we lead excited young minds on field trips to the lagoon, sparking a lifelong love for nature, to the grueling physical labor of removing invasive Giant Reed (Arundo) from the Escondido Creek. Each day isn’t just work; it’s a monumental step that brings us closer to restoring and protecting the places and spaces we all love and cherish.
Above: Field trip at San Elijo Lagoon
Despite the increasing complexity of environmental stewardship and challenges like funding and the instability of the San Elijo Lagoon inlet (read more about this below), which we will tackle head-on, I see a powerful wave of success, including new lands protected for future generations, and habitats thriving after years of invasive plant growth, and community woven together through shared, nature-based adventures, a testament that our love for wildlife and natural resources protection is a common ground that transcends all differences.
This success is not a solo effort; it is born from deep, diverse collaboration. Our collective voice is our greatest tool. I was recently profoundly inspired watching this dynamic in action on the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline project. Representatives from California State Parks, the City of Encinitas, the Coastal Conservancy, Nature Collective, and the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering all converged, lending their individual expertise to forge the next bold steps for this vital project and adaptive management plan. Our collaboration is ensuring project success and underscores the essential truth that together, we are stronger.
Above: Beach primrose at Cardiff Living Shoreline
This month, we are charging forward with more critical collaborations, including:
-Forging continued alliances with the Wildlife Conservation Board and other North County lagoon managers to share stewardship efforts and open doors to regional collaboration across the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit.
-Joining the conversation in the Environment, Water Quality, and Sustainability District Advisory Council to determine and drive high-impact actions for coastal resources and endangered species.
-Serving as a steadfast voice for nature at local city council meetings, ensuring that wildlife and habitat health are prioritized in all infrastructure and development decisions impacting the San Elijo Lagoon and our surrounding region.
In a time that often feels defined by division, I find immense comfort and reaffirmation knowing that Nature Collective is part of a vast, committed movement of agencies, nonprofits, companies and community supporters. We stand as one, upholding the irreplaceable value of wildlife and the natural world.
Thank you for your commitment, your generosity, and your belief in this vital collective mission, especially as we navigate these challenging times. Together, we will continue to drive a passion for Nature for All.
With immense gratitude and appreciation,
Jennifer
