San Elijo Lagoon a place of wonder, belonging, and connection
For more than four decades, the San Elijo Lagoon has been a place of wonder, belonging, and connection for the Lochow family. Peter Lochow, a recent integrated intern with Nature Collective, loved the lagoon long before he joined the organization, where he gained valuable skills in habitat management, land stewardship, and water quality over the past year. His grandmother, Oma, now 103, would take Peter and his brother, Will, to the lagoon throughout their childhood, alongside their mother, Linda.
Above: A younger Peter and his grandmother at San Elijo Lagoon
The family moved to Encinitas in 1985 and returned to the lagoon and its trails countless times. Oma’s favorite blooming plant is the nasturtium. Though it isn’t native to the lagoon, Oma loves its vivid red, orange, and yellow blossoms, which bring her joy. Like the lagoon itself, the nasturtium reminds us that nature can delight us in unexpected ways.
Above: Nastursium
“I don’t get out of the house often now, but when I do, I want to be here,” Oma says of San Elijo Lagoon.
At 103 years young, Oma spends more time knitting and less time at the lagoon. She uses a wheelchair, but the flat, wide trails near the Nature Center make it easier for her—and people of all ages and abilities—to experience this special place’s peace and beauty.
Oma and Linda are grateful for the many years they’ve spent at the lagoon. Over time, those visits helped shape a family connection to nature that continues across generations: both Peter and Will have built careers in environmental work. Soon after his Nature Collective internship, Peter secured a full-time position at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
During his internship, Peter deepened his ArcGIS experience and helped launch a new element supporting land management. He valued the range of experiences across the internship positions and within each one—opportunities that strengthened his skills and broadened his perspective.
Above: Peter during his Land Stewardship internship
Peter’s brother, Will, works for the Escondido Creek Conservancy. He now brings his own children, ages 5 and 3, to the lagoon, making them the Lochow family’s fourth generation to experience this place—and Oma’s great-grandchildren.
Above: Peter & his brother along the San Elijo trails
“Thank goodness you saved this place and its open area,” Oma says.
The lagoon’s lasting gift is more than its open space and natural beauty. It is the way a place like this draws people together, invites them to return, and inspires care for the natural world across generations. Nature Collective is deeply humbled to have played a role in protecting this beautiful natural resource over the last 40 years, thanks to you and your support.
Follow ( 0 Followers ) X Follow E-mail : * Follow Unfollow San Elijo Lagoon a place of wonder, belonging, and connectionFor more than four decades, the San Elijo Lagoon has been a place of wonder, belonging, and connection for the Lochow family. Peter Lochow, a recent integrated intern with Nature Collective, loved the lagoon…
Follow ( 0 Followers ) X Follow E-mail : * Follow Unfollow
Follow ( 0 Followers ) X Follow E-mail : * Follow Unfollow
