The San Diego River Park Foundation
Celebrating and Preserving the San Diego River Ecoregion since 2001
Our We All Count Results Document Rise In Homelessness in Riverbed & Confirm January May Not Be Best Time for Survey


16.9% is the increase from last year in homelessness in our survey area.

We participate in what is known as We All Count to make sure that the often hard-to-reach population of people living in the riverbed is included in this annual survey.

We All Count, also known as the Point-in-Time Count (PITC), is a federally mandated requirement designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to be conducted. This single-day, county-wide Point In Time homeless census is put on by the San Diego County Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) and is required if counties want to receive resource funding related to housing and homelessness.

Since we know the urban section of the river so well, we organize and lead the count in the riverbed. It is also a great time for us to confirm data we collect throughout the year.

  • This year's total count = 263
  • 135 people in the city of San Diego
  • 90 people in the city of Santee

  • Last year's total count = 225
  • 135 people in the city of San Diego
  • 90 in the city of Santee

  • That represents a 16.9% increase

But we know that cold, rainy weather can significantly impact these results as people are displaced by rising waters and damp conditions.

  • Our survey in Oct. 2022 recorded 349 individuals
  • 228 in San Diego
  • 121 in Santee
  • That represents a 24.6% reduction!

We now conduct 3 census events annually. Our data confirms that the mid-winter (mid-wet season) riverbed count is consistently lower than the counts in fall and spring.
On Thursday, January 26th, 62 of our volunteers answered an early wake-up call and spent three hours from 6 am - 9 am in various locations along the urban portions of the riverbed for We All Count.

We used our unique knowledge of the riverbed to help collect data on how many people are experiencing homelessness along the San Diego River and make sure they were included in the count - when before they were not!

Our Riverbed Assessment Field Team (RAFT) is in the riverbed two times per week throughout the year collecting this important data. Volunteers are invited to join in this effort.
More Volunteers = More Impact!
Forester Creek Clean & Green Community Clean-Up
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 FROM 9AM - 12PM
Looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to support a healthy river while interacting with a group of like-minded people? Come out with our core volunteer team to assist with River Clean-Ups! If you don't mind getting dirty and making a difference then this may be the perfect fit for you.

Last year, The San Diego River Park Foundation Clean River program removed more than 200,000 pounds of trash from our River. Without our amazing volunteers, this trash would be left to pollute native animal habitats, create unsightly piles in our parks and public spaces, leach contaminants into the water, and could be washed out into our ocean and to our beaches
Recent San Diego River Flooding Leaves Pollution Behind
Have you ever considered the environmental impact left behind after the San Diego River floods?
Recent flooding in Mission Valley and Fashion Valley brought thousands of pounds of trash and other pollution flowing from canyons, streets, and parking lots. As the waters recede a mess is left behind. Want to give back and help with clean-up efforts? Join us for an upcoming cleanup or support volunteers with a donation!
4 SPOTS LEFT! Bird Identification Course with Phil Pryde
STARTS SATURDAY, FEB 18

Lecture Series
Location: Tecolote Nature Center
Date(s): Feb 18, Feb 25, March 18, April 1

Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Field Trips
Date(s): March 4, March 25
Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

This course is designed for persons who already have some experience in field identification of local birds, and who would like to gain additional skills to enhance the enjoyment of their birding hobby, or who could use the skills in their job
A Sample of Upcoming Volunteer Activities
IMPACT - Habitat Restoration
  • 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM, Thursday, Feb 9
  • Must be 16 or older
  • San Diego River by Fashion Valley

Garden Club
  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Sunday, Feb 12
  • Can be a one-time experience or consider becoming a "regular"
  • Family-friendly event
  • Mission Valley Preserve

Preserve Stewards Day
  • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Wednesday, Feb 15
  • Must be 16 or older
  • Eagle Peak Ranch (Julian, CA)
How Times Have Changed - Watch This News Story from 1978
Did you know? Phil Pryde from our Board of Directors and others were instrumental in preventing the San Diego River from being placed in a concrete channel. This was done at the Los Angeles River, and they are spending 100s of millions of dollars removing this concrete. Fortunately, our river remains a natural area. The San Diego River Park Foundation set out to reimagine our river as a cultural, ecological, and recreational treasure for all to enjoy.
Critter Cam Photo of Month
Check out these cougars spotted on our Critter Cam. Do you see them? 🐾

Did you know that cougars' average body size varies depending on geographic location? Their size is the smallest closer to the equator and gets larger closer to the poles.

Thank you to everyone who supports Critter Cam. Critter Cam is what we call our network of wildlife cameras. Our special thanks to the volunteers who maintain the cameras and review the images. Not only are the photos fun to see, but they also provide important data to support our land management and wildlife conservation programs.
Quick Updates

  • We have just two more acres for adoption at Lillian Hill. For a donation of $1000 or more, you can be part of history and secure a place at our latest open space acquisition. Details
  • Our CEO was selected as Vice Chair of the County of San Diego's Parks Advisory Committee. Rob represents District 4 and Supervisor Nathan Fletcher on this committee which advises the Board of Supervisors, Chief Administrative Officer, and the Dept. of Parks and Recreation. Rob was also selected to return to the SDIRWM Regional Advisory Committee where he represents the interests of Natural Resources and Watersheds. Congrats Rob!
  • Have you had a chance to get out and see one of the waterfalls that have sprung to life? Some of our favorites are Cedar Creek Falls, 3 Sisters and Mildred Falls!
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 depend upon the support of donations to advance our mission. We believe that nature and people can thrive together.

We work toward a world where everyone benefits from enjoying the beauty and benefits of being outdoors. Thank you if you have recently made a gift. As a nonprofit, we rely upon your support for all that we do. Join Today