Rotary clubs unite for conservation at San Elijo Lagoon

In celebration of Rotary’s Epic Day of Service, members from several North County Rotary clubs recently joined forces to support environmental conservation efforts at the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve.

Volunteers from the Solana Beach ECO Rotary, Encinitas Coastal Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Escondido partnered with the Nature Collective for a hands-on restoration event at the eastern edge of the 1,000-acre wetland reserve. Participants removed invasive plant species and planted native vegetation to help restore the ecosystem and encourage biodiversity.

The Nature Collective led the day with expert guidance, offering volunteers a tour and educational talk on the ecological significance of the reserve. They emphasized how native plant restoration helps maintain the health of the wetland, which plays a vital role in protecting the coastline, filtering pollutants, and sequestering carbon.

Located in one of the most biologically diverse regions of the continental United States, the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve provides critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife. It serves as a natural buffer against environmental degradation. Volunteers noted the vibrant surroundings, filled with the sounds of birdsong and the calls of migrating geese.

“This kind of local conservation work creates small but meaningful change,” said a Nature Collective representative. “Together, we can help rebalance our natural landscapes.”

Rotary members encourage community members to participate in future environmental projects to support conservation efforts across San Diego County.

— Article and photo by Rotarian Jenny Parker