Lakeside's River Park Conservancy
Mission
The mission of the Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy is to preserve and restore the biological integrity and beauty of the San Diego River while integrating recreational, educational and cultural opportunities for youth, seniors, families and citizens of East San Diego County.
History
Efforts to restore the San Diego River are not exclusive to Lakeside.
On a broader, regional scale, Lakeside’s two-mile stretch of the
San Diego River is the starting point of an ambitious community and
agency effort to create a river-long park that stretches from its headwaters
near Julian, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Recently, Assembly Bill
2156 was signed by Governor Davis establishing a State Chartered Conservancy
for a San Diego River.
Efforts to restore the San Diego River are not exclusive to Lakeside. On a broader, regional scale, Lakeside’s two-mile stretch of the San Diego River is the starting point of an ambitious community and agency effort to create a river-long park that stretches from its headwaters near Julian, all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Who is involved?
As of May 2007, and since its formation in July 2001, the Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy’s has gained over 3,000 individual supporters with a Board of 12, a staff of 3 full-time and 1 part-time employees a list of over 150 volunteers.
Examples of projects involving local children/scouts:
- Clay fish were made & fired by local students and placed in a ‘river of fish’ mosaic designed by James Hubbell which sits at the base of the Lakeside Conservancy’s first on-the-ground project.
- Flags were made by approx. 2,000 local elementary students with art/drawings inspired by James Hubbell’s work.
- Trees (native) were planted by a local boy scout troop as part of a memorial grove for the river park.
- Over 100 students from area schools participated in a “River to Sea Clean-up”. River health through native vegetation was taught and then the students planted over 300 plants in Lakeside before heading west for a beach clean-up at the river’s mouth. Aquatic Adventures gave a tour on coastal habitat.
Projects
Current projects and priorities:
- Completed Phase One of the River Restoration
- Land Acquisition
- Are near opening Phase 1 of the trail system (Fall of 2007 or earlier)
- Attracted 3,000 supporters
- Have a core group of 50 individual volunteers in 4 active volunteer teams with up to 150 individual volunteers for special events
- Membership and community outreach
- Program development, including nature walks and river clean-ups
Goals
Lakeside ’s River Park Conservancy intends to create a community focal point. More specifically, the Conservancy’s vision includes over 125 acres of river habitat restoration, a comprehensive water quality and pollution control strategy, a Nature and Cultural Center designed by renowned artist James Hubbell, a trail for passive recreation such as bird-watching and hiking, a complex of multi-purpose ball fields for youth sports, and a Heritage Park for displaced historical buildings. In addition, the Conservancy is planning environmental education outreach programs for local schools and youth organizations. The Conservancy’s dedication to reclaiming the river for the community will no doubt materialize in a neighborhood park beyond anyone’s imagination.
Why we joined the Conservation Resources Network
To be part of a conservation-minded organization in order to achieve
a synergistic network to support land conservation in San Diego
How are we unique?
Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy’s vision, as well as its thousands of members, is changing the face of Lakeside through an unprecedented conversion of industrial property into parkland.
A river park in Lakeside is not a new idea. In fact, 20 years ago a similar effort was launched by the County that yielded only a voluminous report on its benefits. It went no further. The Conservancy’s effort is different in that it is a grassroots effort headed by a non-governmental organization. Progress is being made daily and the energy level is high. The Conservancy has the power of the people, the wherewithal of the community, and the major support and partnerships with CBOs and agencies.
January of 2007, the Conservancy completed Phase 1 of the river restoration. This included removal of a constriction in the San Diego river - restoring a 30 foot channel to 100 feet to allow for the safe passage of floodwaters. Phase One replaced acres of riparian habitat and supported a multi-use trail system for
runners, walkers, hikers and equestrians. Many threatened and endangered species reside at the park such as the California Gnatcatcher and the least Bell’s vireo. This restoration also created 4 acres of constructed wetlands designed to use phytoremediation (sun and plants) as a natural filtration system to treat storm water and urban run off flows (pollution) entering the site at the mouth of Los Coches Creek (a large 17 square mile tributary) as it enters into the San Diego River on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Business Partnerships?
The Lakeside Conservancy has many business supporters who contribute
in-kind services and make cash donations. One sponsor in particular,
Hanson Aggregates has made a commitment to donate 22 acres to the river
park for the site of a Nature and Cultural Central and other river park
amenities.
Education Partnerships?
See above "Who is Involved"
Internship Opportunities:
Yes, Summer Internship
Wish List
Nature-related program development ideas and implementation strategies
- Species monitoring and base-line research
- Speakers for speaker-series
- Mapping
- Board Development
- Clearing house of local and state consultants
Contact for more information:
Robin Rierdan, Executive Director
Lakeside's River Park Conservancy
PO Box 2239
12108 Industry Rd.
Lakeside, CA 92040
Ph (619) 443-4770
Fax (619) 443-4740
Email: lrpc@lakesideriverpark.org
Web address: www.lakesideriverpark.org
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