Sawing manzanita in Mount Laguna
Taking a break in Anza-Borrego
Clearing the trail to the top of Manza Benchmark
At a San Diego River Park Foundation Event
Giving Back
Growing up in San Diego, the outdoors has given me so much: endless trails to explore, mountains to climb, and beaches to escape to. Some of my best memories are out there, discovering new places and pushing myself further than I thought I could go. Those experiences have shaped who I am, and now I feel it’s my turn to give back. I want to be more than just a visitor, I want to be a steward of these places, helping protect and care for the land that has given me so much joy and adventure.
Below are some local organizations that you can join in helping preserve the outdoor spaces in San Diego.
I also encourage you to learn more about the indigenous nations of San Diego County, including the Luiseño, Kumeyaay, and Cahuilla bands. All of San Diego used to be indigenous land. Some nations still remain and proudly step into the future while retaining their unique and special culture.
The San Diego River Park Foundation
The San Diego River Park Foundation is dedicated to protecting and restoring the 52-mile San Diego River from its headwaters to the ocean. Through cleanups, land conservation, research, and education programs, they’ve removed millions of pounds of trash, preserved thousands of acres of habitat, and created opportunities for the community to connect with the river. Volunteers of all ages can join in, from planting native gardens to monitoring wildlife, helping ensure the river remains healthy for future generations.
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the natural and cultural resources of the San Dieguito River Valley. Through collaborating with communities, government agencies, and volunteers, they help acquire lands, restore habitat, complete trails (including the Coast to Crest Trail), run environmental education programs, and mobilize public support.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Interpretive Association
CRSPIA supports Cuyamaca Rancho State Park by funding educational and interpretive programs, exhibits, building improvements, and trail projects that enrich the visitor experience. They also host events, publish resources, and provide opportunities for volunteers to help maintain trails and campgrounds.
Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association
The LMVA is a nonprofit volunteer group (incorporated in 1986) that supports recreation, interpretation, and stewardship in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, within the Descanso District of the Cleveland National Forest. Key contributions include Staffing the Mt. Laguna Visitor Information Center on weekends, maintaining roughly 35 miles of trails, leading interpretive services: nature walks, campfire programs, a “Living History” event, and educational talks, organizing special projects like trash removal (especially after winter snow play), operating a Trail Ambassador program that helps educate visitors, answer questions, and act as roving interpreters. Volunteers of any age can participate in trail crew days (usually on the 2nd and 4th Saturday), interpretive programs, or visitor center shifts.
The Anza-Borrego Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. They support the park through land acquisition, conservation, research, and public education, helping protect the region’s landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. They also run the Anza-Borrego Institute, which leads field courses, youth camps, citizen science programs, and interpretive experiences to deepen visitors’ understanding of desert nature & culture. Volunteers can help with habitat restoration, trail work, visitor education, and supporting educational programs.
Outdoor Outreach is a San Diego nonprofit that connects youth—especially from under-resourced communities—with the transformative power of nature. They run adventure-based programs (hiking, climbing, surfing, kayaking, biking) in partnership with schools and social service agencies to help youth discover their strengths, build resilience, and forge supportive relationships. Their Leadership Program is a paid, multi-week training track (ages 16–21) that teaches outdoor skills, civic engagement, and workforce pathways in the outdoor industry. Volunteers can join as “Skilled Field” or “Youth Development” volunteers (committing to ~5 programs/year), assisting on outings, mentoring, or supporting program logistics.
The Escondido Creek Conservancy is committed to preserving, restoring, and protecting the Escondido Creek watershed in North San Diego County. Since 1991, they’ve helped safeguard over 7,000 acres of critical habitat by acquiring land and managing conservation easements. They also run education and outreach programs, including school field trips and interpretive hikes, and lead habitat restoration projects. Some of the lands they protect are open to the public during daylight hours, offering opportunities to explore nature responsibly, while other areas remain off-limits to protect wildlife.