Can you believe Halloween is almost here? This edition is dedicated to our beloved River Bats. They are amazing critters and vital to the river's ecosystem. If you have been on one of our bat walks, participated in our bat research program, or given your financial support to efforts to conserve bats, thank you! Sadly some bat species are at risk. We hope you agree that not only are bats cool at Halloween but throughout the year.

Have a wonderful Halloween!

Our CEO, Rob Hutsel, was invited to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board's official ceremony marking the successful cleanup of the much-publicized groundwater contamination in Mission Valley. It was a huge day for the health of the San Diego River. We applaud the Water Board, Kinder Morgan, and all parties involved in this massive effort. The San Diego River Park Foundation has been involved with this effort for close to two decades. We remember when it was suggested we shouldn't put a well in on the south side of the river as it might help spread the contamination. That is how large this problem was. The significance of this accomplishment can not be understated. We applaud David Gibson, the Executive Officer at the Water Board, and his team for their dedication, can-do attitude, and creativity for getting to the finish line on the cleanup. Congratulations!

Want to do more? Adopt a Bat with a $13 per month gift. A limited number are available. Makes a great gift

Do you have experience teaching kids and have a passion for nature?

We may have the job for you! We are looking for someone that loves being outdoors and is looking for a part-time position (15 - 20 hours per week).

Event #1 Join the effort to do a major cleanup of a key part of the San Diego River. This year, we will be targeting the 51 acre Mission Valley Preserve.

We need more than 100 people to join in to make sure identified trash is removed. This event is for 16 years old and up.

Event #2 - Join in the family-friendly event as we give a makeover to one of the entry areas to the Mission Valley Preserve.

We can accommodate another 100 people at this site!

Join in the fun and make a difference on this single day of action.

Both events are from 9AM - Noon.

Sign up for meeting locations and other information.

If you have questions, please call us at 619-297-7380 or email.

Great news to share! We just accepted the donation of nearly 9 acres of open space near Wildcat Canyon Road and our El Cajon Mtn. Preserve. This piece is part of our efforts to conserve wildlife movement areas between the San Diego River and large nearby open space areas and known wildlife corridors. This work is essential for the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.

The owner approached us more than a year ago about the opportunity for us to accept this donation. Donating land can reduce management and liability responsibilities, and there can be substantial tax benefits. We greatly appreciate the owner who shared our value in conserving this small but important property.

Thank you to all who support our land conservation program, Save the Source. A special thanks to the Wildlife Club, our monthly donor program.

Sometimes low quality images can be the most exciting. This photo from one of our Critter Cams was recently the most viewed in our Facebook group.

Seeing a cougar and her cub is incredible. One study estimated there were just 90 cougars in the peninsular sub-population. Cougar conservation is a key factor in our land conservation efforts within the San Diego River Watershed.

Thank you to everyone who supports critter cam. Not only are the photos fun to see, but they also provide important data to support our land management and acquisition programs.

You did it! Thanks to the more than 200 people who responded to our call for action by submitting comments to the Board of Supervisors. Thank you to the more than dozen organizations and businesses who submitted letters to be part of the official record. Your voice was heard, and the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved moving for the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District for the San Diego River, the River Park, and the River Trail.

Thank you Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher for his amazing leadership on this. Thank you to the entire Board of Supervisors for your support and your commitment to the San Diego River!

This is a major step in securing a long-term funding source to advance the vision of a river-long park system. Before the EIFD can be formed, more steps are needed. We will be calling on you again when this vital matter comes before the San Diego City Council and future steps. Great work Team River Park Foundation!

The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 public benefit nonprofit dedicated to creating a better future for the river and its wildlife. We believe that nature and people can thrive together, and we work toward a world where everyone benefits from enjoying the beauty and benefits of being outdoors. Do you share these values? We invite you to consider making a gift today.

Thank you if you have recently made a gift.