San Diego National Wildlife Refuges

09/15/2026

Rattlesnakes can be active even on overcast days. Stay alert, give them plenty of space, and always stick to the trail.

Video pans from the center of an empty trail at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge to a rattlesnake partially hidden by vegetation along the left side of the trail (USFWS).

09/09/2026

08/31/2026

Latino Conservation Week is coming to San Diego!

Latino Conservation Week is an annual celebration presented by in collaboration with the and local organizations. This special week brings our community together through conservation-focused events that encourage the Latinx community to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and be inspired to protect and cherish our natural resources.

This year, we’re kicking off Latino Conservation Week with a special extended event of Wander the Wetlands!

-Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Start (meet location): Kendall-Frost Field Station End: Crown Point Stribley Marsh

Join us for a free, bilingual (English/Spanish), family-friendly morning exploring the wetlands of Mission Bay! 🌊🌿

We’ll start at the Kendall-Frost Field Station and walk through the wetlands toward Crown Point Stribley Marsh, taking time along the way to discover the plants and wildlife that call Mission Bay home.

Participants will have the opportunity to birdwatch, explore the wetlands, and take part in hands-on activities at Stribley Marsh, including fish seining, a water quality demonstration, and more!

Whether you’re new to wetlands or already love exploring nature, come join us for a morning of discovery, community, and conservation!

Check out the full Latino Conservation Week calendar for more events happening throughout San Diego: https://sanstinesdba.my.canva.site/latino-conservation-week-events-in-san-diego

¡Nos vemos en los humedales

07/29/2026

Looking to do meaningful work? Our partners at Tijuana Estuary (Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve) are hiring! Check out these opportunities and share with anyone who may be interested in conservation, education, and connecting people with nature.

We are hiring at the Tijuana Estuary! Check out our website to apply. https://tijuanaestuary.org/job-opportunities/

07/19/2026

07/11/2026

We have two reasons to celebrate!

First, happy birthday to Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge! While legislation authorizing the refuge was signed by President Nixon on August 29, 1972, the refuge was officially established on July 11, 1974, when the Notice of Establishment was published in the Federal Register. For more than 50 years, this incredible refuge has provided vital habitat for wildlife and opportunities for people to connect with nature.

Our second reason to celebrate is that refuge tours are back! After several months without public tours, the Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge have received the green light to welcome visitors once again.

If you previously signed up for a tour that was canceled, you'll receive priority for upcoming tours. One of our Friends volunteers will be reaching out to offer you the opportunity to reserve a spot.

Monthly tours take place on the last Saturday of each month. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. outside the Navy base main gate and conclude around 11:30 a.m. Advance registration is required.
If you're ready to explore this remarkable refuge, reserve your free tour by calling the refuge office at 562-598-1024.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. We can't wait to welcome visitors back to experience the wildlife, history, and natural beauty of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge!


Image of Seal Beach NWR sign with native plants below. Text reads Happy Birthday Seal Beach NWR Refuge Tours are Back (USFWS).

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 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 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]