ABOUT SAN ELIJO LAGOON CONSERVANCY

Outreach events connect our supporters with fun and learning in the reserve.

San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy protects and restores the resources of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, its watershed, and related ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.

As part of our mission, we:

engage and educate the community about the value of the reserve in order to promote ecological literacy and environmental responsibility
conduct scientific research to advance restoration planning and conservation science
design and implement ecological management plans
manage and acquire land and easements
collaborate with the community, organizations, and government agencies.

Follow the links to the right for more information about:

LAND STEWARDSHIP
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy owns several parcels within the 915-acre reserve. These areas were acquired in the last decade for the protection of threatened and endangered species. We work with private property owners and local jurisdictions to minimize development impacts on these lands and others adjacent to the watershed.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Experiential programs with San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy inspire stewardship of the natural environment. Docent-naturalists lead walks in the reserve for school children, the public, and community groups throughout the year.

Marveling at tadpoles at a Conservancy event (Photo: J. Nelson)

HABITAT RESTORATION

Since the Conservancy’s founding in 1987, a biological management plan for continued restoration of the reserve has included annual breaching of the lagoon’s inlet to create natural tidal flushing. Other restoration projects focus on invasive plant control. Regular volunteer restoration projects tackle disturbed areas of the reserve for invasive plants, removal of trash, trail maintenance, (or other projects) as needed during the seasons.

SCIENTIFIC MONITORING
Conservancy scientists are in the field routinely monitoring the conditions of six plant communities, water quality, and supported wildlife. These field reports contribute to data critical to Southern California Coastal Wetlands Recovery Project (a collaboration of 19 agencies and five coastal counties of Southern California) and to strategic planning for San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project.

These efforts are made possible with support from our partners in government and business, and through membership, volunteers, and earned grants.

San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy was founded in 1987. Plans are under way for its 25th Anniversary next year. Stay tuned for event announcements to help celebrate this quarter-century milestone.