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.
November 2026
December 2026January 2027
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.
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.
Come explore riparian and lagoon ecosystems -and their inhabitants- on this guided tour of the San Elijo Lagoon. On our Nature Center Loop Trail, accessible for all, you can watch and listen for various birds that rest in – and fly across – the salt marsh and mudflats. Where fresh water and saltwater meet, you’ll be able to enjoy, identify, and photograph a host of plant and animal species.
Volunteer Emmy Garnica leads your nature experience.
Join us this December to discover the magic of seeds and how they grow into the beautiful plants you see around San Elijo Lagoon. From gusts of wind to animal assistance, our ambassadors will guide you through engaging, hands-on activities to explore how seeds are dispersed. You may even get to plant your own native seed to take home!
Have you ever seen snow in San Elijo? Come with us to watch the coyote brush shedding fluffy white seeds that sail and fall like snowflakes in a winter wonderland. Glance at a frosty branch and you might spot tiny pink-tinged “pine cones.” These are bud galls, the handiwork of tiny midges that lay their eggs on developing buds. The Toyon celebrates winter with vibrant red “holly” berries.
Weather permitting. Wildlife is unpredictable. There is no guarantee of what you will see.
Volunteers Elizabeth Venrick + Mark Jenne will lead your nature experience.
