San Diego National Wildlife Refuges

06/11/2026

A fascinating predator-prey relationship was observed along a trail at the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

The dark-colored insect is a spider wasp dragging a paralyzed wolf spider. Despite its smaller size, the wasp is powerful enough to haul prey that can outweigh it several times over.

Female spider wasps are specialized hunters that use a precise sting to immobilize spiders before transporting them to a nest. There, the spider serves as food for the wasp’s developing larva.

These remarkable interactions occur every day across the refuge, highlighting the complex relationships that help sustain healthy ecosystems. Sometimes, nature’s most impressive feats happen right beneath our feet.

Video of spider wasp dragging the paralyzed body of a wolf spider (USFWS).

05/14/2026

Help protect coastal wildlife and become a B.A.R.K. Ranger Docent!

This community program helps visitors learn how dogs, birds, and people can safely share our beaches and trails through responsible recreation and stewardship.

Take the B.A.R.K. pledge:
✔ Bag waste
✔ Always leash pets
✔ Respect wildlife
✔ Know where dogs are allowed

Virtual training: June 16 at 6 PM
Scan the QR code to RSVP

For more information contact Jenny at [email protected]

Image of flyer with two dogs wearing bandanas and details on the program.

05/13/2026

Last week over 700 people including firefighters, law enforcement, emergency communications, and representatives from Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and San Diego Gas & Electric, who sponsored the event for the 16th year, took part in this year’s wildland fire training exercise on the Barona Indian Reservation.

This one‑of‑a‑kind drill is recognized across California and internationally, with agencies from the State, Mexico, and South America observing and learning from it. Held in coordination with the Barona Fire Department and the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the three‑day training brings together nearly 1,000 fire and law enforcement professionals for large‑scale scenarios that rotate throughout San Diego County.

Proud to be part of an exercise that strengthens regional readiness year after year.
Video of people that attended the training and the various exercises they took part in (USFWS).

05/07/2026

Now Recruiting California Climate Action Corps Fellows

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex is excited to welcome two new California Climate Action Corps Fellows starting this fall, and we are accepting applications now.
If you are passionate about connecting communities with nature, climate action, and hands-on stewardship, this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact in South Bay and East County.

As a Fellow, you will:
• Lead volunteer habitat restoration and native planting events
• Facilitate interactive environmental education focused on climate resilience
• Build partnerships with local schools, organizations, and community groups
• Support outreach efforts, community events, and social media storytelling
• Help track and share the climate impact of this work

This full-time, 11‑month AmeriCorps service role is ideal for emerging leaders who want to grow skills in environmental education, conservation, community engagement, and project management while supporting vital local habitats.

Applications are now being accepted on the California Climate Action Corps website. If you or someone you know is ready to inspire climate stewardship and support community-driven conservation, we encourage you to apply.

Website: https://www.caclimateactioncorps.org/apply

For any questions, please contact:
Ashleyann Marie Perez Rivera
SoCal Urban Program Coordinator
[email protected]

04/30/2026

Fire crews from the San Diego NWR Complex will be joining this training, working alongside regional partners to stay ready and help protect our communities and natural resources this fire season.

Public Advisory 🔥 The Annual San Diego County Multi-Agency Wildland Preparedness Exercise will be conducted May 6th through 8th. Fire service and law enforcement agencies from across San Diego County will come together on the Barona Indian Reservation to prepare for the upcoming fire season.

This large scale training will include emergency communications, firefighter survival, structure defense, and hose deployments under simulated conditions, with approximately 750 personnel participating over three days.

Please expect traffic delays along Wildcat Canyon Road as fire engines and law enforcement units travel between training sites.

04/28/2026

04/18/2026

Butterflies get most of the attention, but moths deserve some love too.

This small moth, with metallic-colored wings, took brief refuge on a park ranger's hand during strong coastal winds. Its antenna moved with each gust, almost like hair in the breeze.

Moths and butterflies belong to the same group of insects, called Lepidoptera, and moths actually make up the majority. They play important roles as pollinators and as part of the food web.

Video of a moth with metallic-gold wings resting on a person’s hand as a coastal breeze gently moves its antennae (USFWS).

04/09/2026

Not all trail companions are welcome.

This dog tick is questing, holding onto grass and waiting for a ride on a passing host. While you’re out enjoying the refuge, a few simple steps can help reduce your risk:

• Stick to designated trails
• Avoid brushing against tall grass
• Check yourself and your dogs for ticks after your visit

A little awareness goes a long way.

Video on the Sweetwater River Trail pans from the trail to dry grass beside it. The camera zooms in on a blade of grass, and a hand is placed behind it to help focus, revealing a dog tick. (USFWS).

03/24/2026

Unbothered and on a nectar mission.

This male monarch butterfly was seen going from bloom to bloom, sipping nectar from wild radish in the mustard family. These quick-growing plants are a lifeline in late winter and early spring, bursting into bloom after seasonal rains when many others are still waking up.

Nectar isn’t just a sweet treat; it powers daily flights and helps regulate body temperature.

Fun fact: Male monarchs have two tiny black scent glands on their hindwings that release pheromones during courtship. This is a handy clue for spotting fluttering males in the field!

Video of a monarch butterfly feeding on the nectar of the wild radish. The blooms are pink/lavender and stand out in a field of green grasses (USFWS).

02/12/2026

Thank you!