October at Mission Trails: Wildlife, Field Trips and Fall Events

As we head into October, we wanted to share a brief update with the Mission Trails community.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently confirmed that a mountain lion was struck and killed by a vehicle on State Route 67. We do not know whether it was the same mountain lion seen several times in and around Mission Trails Regional Park in recent months, but the loss is a reminder of the challenges wildlife face moving through our region.

Next week, the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the park, will host a free community program about mountain lions, habitat and coexistence in San Diego.

6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7

Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

The program will be led by volunteer naturalist Don Endicott, a certified interpretive guide and Mission Trails Regional Park Trail Guide who has spent more than 50 years exploring and photographing wildlife and wilderness throughout California and the West. His multimedia presentation will explore mountain lion behavior, their role in healthy ecosystems, their relationship with people and what to do if you encounter one in the backcountry.

The event is currently full, but you can join the waitlist here. Interested in a future mountain lion talk? Join our interest list here to be notified when another event is scheduled.

We’re grateful to see so much interest in learning more about the wildlife that shares this landscape with us.

Mission Trails’ Wildfire Prevention Work Makes Headlines

In case you missed it, Mission Trails was in the news last month for a major wildfire prevention and habitat restoration project led by the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the park.

Crews have worked across more than 750 acres and removed more than 60 tons of dried brush, invasive plants and other vegetation that can contribute to wildfire risk. The $1.8 million project is funded by the San Diego River Conservancy and carried out by RECON Environmental in coordination with the City of San Diego.

The work will continue through fall 2027, including restoration efforts to help native plants return to areas where invasive vegetation has been removed.

Catch up on the project and see the recent media coverage here.

Young People Are Back at Mission Trails

Fall means a new season of outdoor learning at Mission Trails.

School field trips are back, with students once again exploring the park through both Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation-led field trips and programs led by City of San Diego Park Rangers.

The MTRP Foundation recently welcomed first through third graders from Howard Gardner Community School in Chula Vista for one of our first field trips of the school year. Students in our Kumeyaay-focused program walk to the Grinding Rocks along the San Diego River, learn about native plants and wildlife and explore the Visitor Center while learning about the Kumeyaay people and their enduring connection to this land.

Our fall Eco Ambassadors program is also underway, with about 30 high school students from 22 different schools across the region spending nine Sundays learning about natural history, wildlife, wildfire monitoring, habitat restoration, water science, park stewardship and environmental careers.

Together, these programs give young people opportunities to experience Mission Trails as an outdoor classroom and learn directly from educators, scientists, natural resource professionals and Park Rangers.

Learn more about school field trips at Mission Trails here.

Watch our field trip season kick off here.

See our Eco Ambassadors in action here.

People Behind the Park: Jennifer Morrissey

This month, we’re highlighting Jennifer Morrissey, executive director of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.

Jennifer has led the Foundation since 2018, helping grow the organization dramatically over the past eight years. Under her leadership, the Foundation’s budget has grown roughly tenfold, its staff has expanded to a team of nine employees and contractors and the organization has taken on projects at a scale it had never attempted before.

Among the accomplishments Jennifer is especially proud of is launching a land-acquisition effort that has helped add 108 acres of permanently protected open space to Mission Trails, while also expanding the Foundation’s education, conservation and stewardship work. In 2025, the Foundation was recognized as a California Nonprofit of the Year.

Her fundraising work has also helped increase the number of Foundation donors by 132% and funds donated by 73%, resulting in the most money raised by the organization in more than 30 years.

Jennifer recently spoke with SDVoyager about her path from the arts to nonprofit leadership, the growth of the Foundation and what inspires her about supporting Mission Trails.

Read Jennifer’s story in SDVoyager.

Save the Date: Wedding Expo and Holiday Marketplace

We have a few special events coming up this fall at Mission Trails and beyond.

Planning a wedding? Come find the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation at the California Bridal & Wedding Expo on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center. We’ll be at Booth 128 sharing more about weddings at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center.

Then, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., join us at the Visitor Center for Say “I Do” at Mission Trails: A Wedding Venue Open House. Tour the space, take in the views and learn more about hosting a celebration surrounded by Mission Trails. Register here.

And mark your calendar for the annual Mission Trails Holiday Marketplace, Nov. 14–15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Visitor Center. It’s a great chance to shop local, find unique gifts and spend a fall weekend at the park. Register here for reminders.

Share Your Mission Trails Story

Mission Trails means something different to everyone.

Maybe it’s where you meet friends for a weekly hike, where your kids learned to love the outdoors, where you found a favorite trail or where you come when you need a little time outside to help heal your mental health.

We want to hear those stories.

The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation is collecting stories from the people and groups who make Mission Trails part of their lives. We may feature selected stories in future newsletters, social media posts or other Foundation communications.

Tell us how you use Mission Trails, why you keep coming back and what this place means to you. Email your story to Kinsee Morlan, the MTRP Foundation's communications and external affairs manager, today.

Parking Lot Hours Change Nov. 1

A seasonal reminder for Mission Trails visitors: the Visitor Center parking lot is already closing at 5 p.m.

Beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, when daylight saving time ends, the park’s other parking lots will also shift to their seasonal hours and close at 5 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.

Please plan your visit accordingly and make sure your vehicle is out of the parking lot before the gates close.

Clocks fall back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Take the Next Step on Your Mission Trails Journey

Maybe Mission Trails is where you hike before work, bring your family on the weekend, watch wildlife, volunteer or simply find a little room to breathe.

However you connect with the park, we hope you’ll consider taking the next step in that relationship by supporting the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, the nonprofit that helps bring additional resources, programs and projects to Mission Trails.

If you’ve never made a gift before, this is a great time to become a donor.

If you already give occasionally, consider becoming a monthly supporter. A recurring gift, in any amount, gives the Foundation reliable support we can count on throughout the year for outdoor education, habitat restoration, park improvements and other work that benefits Mission Trails.

You already belong to the Mission Trails community. This year-end giving season, we invite you to take the next step.

Make a one-time gift or become a monthly supporter today.

Creepy Critters Campfire Program

Get to know some of Mission Trails’ most misunderstood nighttime neighbors at a free “Creepy Critters” campfire program on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground Amphitheater.

City of San Diego Rangers will introduce guests to animals that sometimes get an undeservedly scary reputation, including snakes and tarantulas. Ranger Elizabeth will share more about tarantulas, while guests will also meet Anza the rosy boa and Rosy the tarantula and get an up-close look at specimens borrowed from the San Diego Natural History Museum.

The approximately 45-minute educational program will be followed by 15 minutes of s’mores around the campfire. Supplies will be provided, with parents asked to help children roast their s’mores.

The program is free and open to the public. Please park in the Bushy Hill parking lot directly across from the campground and walk to the amphitheater.

Saturday, Oct. 10

6–7 p.m.

Kumeyaay Lake Campground Amphitheater

2 Father Junipero Serra Trail

Turn Down the Lights for Migrating Birds

Fall migration is underway, and one simple change at home can help birds travel more safely at night.

Many migratory birds navigate after dark, using natural cues in the night sky. Artificial light from homes, businesses and outdoor fixtures can disorient them, drawing birds off course and increasing the risk of collisions with buildings.

You can help by turning off unnecessary lights at night, closing blinds or curtains, aiming outdoor lights downward and using motion sensors so lights are only on when needed.

These small changes can make a meaningful difference during migration season while also reducing energy use.

As birds move through San Diego this fall, darker nights can help give them a safer path.

California Native Plant Landscaper Certification Returns to Mission Trails

The California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate Program is returning to San Diego this fall, with its hands-on practicum taking place at Mission Trails Regional Park.

Presented by the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants, the 20-hour program is designed for landscape professionals and aspiring practitioners who want practical training in California native landscaping.

Online classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from Nov. 5 through Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by an in-person practicum at Mission Trails on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The program was developed by the California Native Plant Society and Theodore Payne Foundation and includes course materials, shipping and access to a professional community of Certified Native Plant Landscapers across Southern California.

Registration is $375.

Learn more and register here.

October with MTRP Trail Guides

October is a great time to get outside and explore Mission Trails with one of the park’s volunteer Trail Guides.

Regular free programs continue throughout the month, including Guided Nature Walks from the Visitor Center every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Guided Nature Walks from Kumeyaay Lake Campground on the second and fourth Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., Wildlife Tracking Walks from the East Fortuna Field Station on the first Saturday at 8 a.m. and Bird Walks on the third Saturday and preceding Friday at 8 a.m. from various locations.

October also brings several special programs.

On Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., stop by the Visitor Center lobby for an Owl Pellets Discovery Table, with materials available in English and Spanish.

Family Discovery Walks return Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. at Kumeyaay Lake Campground. October’s theme is Kumeyaay Kids, with a new theme each month through June.

Then on Halloween, Oct. 31, the Visitor Center will host two Discovery Tables featuring spiders and bats from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the final Birding Basics class of the year at 1 p.m. in Classroom A.

These Trail Guide programs are free and require no reservations. Check the full calendar for locations, details and updates.

Trail Tykes

10AM every Wednesday and Sunday at the Visitor Center

Trail Tykes is the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation’s free program for young children, with stories, crafts, activities and short walks that help little ones explore nature and spend time outdoors.

The program is designed for children ages 2 to 5, though younger siblings are welcome too. Registration is required, and a $5 donation per family is suggested.

Learn more and register here.

Stargazing at Mission Trails This October

October brings two chances to explore the night sky with the San Diego Astronomy Association at Mission Trails.

Stars at Mission Trails takes place Friday, Oct. 2 at sunset at Kumeyaay Lake Campground.

SDAA members set up telescopes for free public viewing and help visitors get a closer look at planets, stars and other objects in the night sky.

Later in the month, Stars at West Sycamore returns Friday, Oct. 16 at sunset at the West Sycamore area of Mission Trails, at the east end of Stonebridge Parkway in Scripps Ranch.

These outdoor programs are weather dependent, so check for updates before heading out.

Learn more about San Diego Astronomy Association events here.

Volunteer at Mission Trails

Help care for Mission Trails by welcoming visitors, supporting educational programs and joining hands-on projects throughout the park.

Visitor Center Volunteers

Welcome guests, answer questions, assist in the Gift Shop and help MTRP Foundation staff with school groups. Half-day and Gift Shop shifts are available.

Volunteer Work Crews

Join monthly crews that maintain trails, restore habitat, care for Kumeyaay Lake Campground and beautify public spaces. No experience is needed.

Trail Tykes Readers

Help introduce children ages 2–5 to nature through stories, crafts, activities and short walks every Sunday and Wednesday at 10AM.

Learn more and find contact information at mtrp.org/volunteer.