Creating a Better Future for the San Diego River
Today, the San Diego River can be seen as a green ribbon winding its way through steep valleys, agricultural lands, industrial areas, residential developments, and dense urban settings as it journeys from the hills and mountains near Julian and Santa Ysabel to the Pacific Ocean. Its signature cottonwood and willow trees mark much of its course as it travels approximately 52 miles. It is a river rich in history and of great ecological values. It is the namesake waterway of the San Diego region and uniquely positioned to be the focus of a new thinking about the relationship to nature and the value it has in creating sustainable, high quality life communities.
Our vision is to protect and enhance the River’s valuable natural and cultural resources and encourage communities to embrace this legacy and to celebrate it with the creation of a river-long park system.
The San Diego River Park will offer a variety of opportunities reflecting the communities in which the river is travelling through. It will be a unified system of parks, trails and open space. In some places there will be community plazas, public art and educational facilities and in some a more outdoor-focused experience for trail users and even wilderness opportunities. The green ribbon can serve to connect and unify the local landscape, and serve as a source of local pride for generations to come.
The vision for the San Diego River Park is guided by the Conceptual Plan which was developed by the San Diego River Park Foundation in 2002.
Explore along the San Diego River using these four links:
Headwaters
Lakeside
City of Santee
City of San Diego
MISSION: The San Diego River Park Foundation is dedicated to fostering stewardship and appreciation of the region’s namesake waterway. In order to protect and enhance the San Diego River as a place for recreation, habitat, and nature discovery, we are dedicated to engaging people to be stewards of the River and working towards the vision of a 52 mile, river-long system of parks, open spaces, and community places.
MEMBERS MATTER
Become a member of the San Diego River Park Foundation and invest in the future of the River.Learn more »
VOLUNTEER NOW
Help us keep the River beautiful for the next generation.Volunteer now »
