Upcoming Events
at Nature Collective
Anytime you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego, see what’s happening at Nature Collective. We offer free nature tours and family days. For other events, like a film screening, there’s an admission price that lets us offer these experiences.
Our activities are for anyone in town – from locals to visitors – and all ages.
December 2025
January 2026February 2026
We need your help to restore precious habitats within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and the surrounding areas. By removing invasive plants and helping grow native plants indigenous to the area, you will support a more balanced ecosystem.
San Elijo offers an extravaganza of birds of more than 300 species; many are seasonal visitors that have left icy northern latitudes to over-winter in our food-filled estuary. There are divers and dabblers and stalkers and little peeps that scurry across the mud. We may spot rare visitors, such as a Little Blue Heron or a Eurasian Wigeon. Recent rain may lead us on a treasure hunt for mushrooms such as the charming earthstar, the medicinal turkey tail, and the thought-provoking dead man’s foot.
Weather permitting. Wildlife is unpredictable. There is no guarantee of what you will see.
Volunteers Elizabeth Venrick + Mark Jenne will lead your nature experience.
Join the annual festival celebrating our feathered friends at San Elijo Lagoon! Look for local birds that live in the lagoon all year and for birds that visit from faraway places. All ages can enjoy bird-themed activities, live animal presentations, face painting, nature crafts, and more.
This event follows a zero-waste approach to maximize recycling, minimize waste, and reduce consumption, ensuring that items provided at the event are either reusable or recyclable. If you can, please bring your cup. Complimentary drinks and fruit offered.
Bird Tours occurring at 10:30 am and 11:30 am and Hawk Talk occurring at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Presented by: Nature Collective + San Diego County Parks and Recreation. Supported by the City of Encinitas Community Grant.
