Tag: environment

Help protect the environment: Cool ideas at EarthFair.

Use cans and old kitchen tools for plant pots! Dryer lint as cotton with nail polish remover to take off polish!
Use cans and old kitchen tools for plant pots! Dryer lint as cotton with nail polish remover to take off polish!

Late this morning, I walked from Cortez Hill to the 2016 EarthFair in Balboa Park. The cool event, corresponding with Earth Day, is the largest annual environmental fair in the world!

Thousands turned out for 2016 EarthFair in Balboa Park, where San Diego celebrates Earth Day and learns how to help the environment.
Thousands turned out today for the 2016 EarthFair in Balboa Park.  San Diego residents celebrated Earth Day and learned how to help protect the environment.

I blogged about EarthFair the last couple of years and showed you a little bit of almost everything–so this time I decided to take a different, more practical approach. As I walked through San Diego’s garden-like Balboa Park, I searched the many exhibits for useful ideas about things we can do in our daily lives to protect the environment.

Here are a few things I found. Please read the captions! And feel free to share!

1. Ideas for creatively repurposing used household items.

One major theme of EarthFair was re-using and repurposing old items that might otherwise be thrown away. I noted some cool ideas and took pics!

Poster shows many creative repurposing ideas! Click photo to enlarge and read some cool, very unusual ideas that you might try!
Poster shows many creative repurposing ideas! Click photo to enlarge and read some cool, very unusual ideas that you might try!
These shiny, colorful handbags were made from recycled Kool-Aid and Capri Sun packets!
These shiny, colorful handbags were made from recycled Kool-Aid and Capri Sun packets!
Take old clothes to make new clothes for homeless and toys for kids.
Take old clothes to make new clothes for homeless and toys for kids.
Recycling vintage fabric into baby bibs.
Recycling vintage fabric into baby bibs.
Turn old sweaters into beautiful pillows.
Turn old sweaters into beautiful pillows.
People check out the world's largest fair celebrating Earth Day--EarthFair in San Diego's sunny Balboa Park!
People check out the world’s largest festival celebrating Earth Day–EarthFair in San Diego’s sunny Balboa Park!

2. Tasty ways to use up excess fruits and vegetables.

One display created by the County of San Diego provided excellent information about how to use leftover or surplus fruits and vegetables, to avoid unnecessary waste. Those pics came out blurry, so here’s what I noted:

Spinach–add to sandwiches, soups, egg dishes, pasta or smoothies.

Bananas–add to cereal, yogurt or smoothies. Blend frozen bananas with milk and vanilla for a healthy dessert.

Citrus–add to green or fruit salads, soups, pasta or sauces. Add peels to vinegar for a simple household cleaner.

Tomatoes–add to salads, egg dishes, sandwiches or pasta. Use to make fresh salsa, tomato sauce or bruschetta.

Onions–add to salads, soups, egg dishes, sandwiches or stir-fry. Pickle red onions. Make onion preserves.

Peppers–add to sandwiches, salads, egg dishes or stir-fry. Steam and puree to make soup or a sauce for meat or pasta.

Avocados–add to smoothies, salads, sandwiches, egg dishes or baked goods. Spread on toast. Use in pasta sauce with lemon, garlic, oil and basil.

Beets–add to salads, soups or stir-fry. Use roasted beets in place of meat on sandwiches.

Broccoli and Cauliflower–add to salads, soups, egg dishes or stir-fry. Add finely chopped or grated cauliflower to rice.

Berries–add to fruit or green salads, hot or cold cereals, smoothies or yogurt. Use in a fruit salsa served with bread or chips.

Potatoes–add to salads, soups or egg dishes. Use russet potatoes to make potato skins. Use leftover baked potatoes to make hashbrowns.

Corn–add to soups or salads. Use to make a fresh corn salsa. Bake into cornbread or potato pancakes.

3. Things you can do to help protect the environment–and save money!

Here are a few displays I photographed that contained some great advice! Click the photos to enlarge them!

Compost can be made with shredded paper, grass clippings, wood chips, garden leftovers, leaves, livestock manure, chopped up yard debris and used coffee grounds.
Compost can be made with shredded paper, grass clippings, wood chips, garden leftovers, leaves, livestock manure, chopped up yard debris and used coffee grounds.
To save energy, use efficient lighting, adjust your thermostat, install solar, reduce driving, and keep you car maintained and tires properly inflated.
To save energy, use efficient lighting, adjust your thermostat, install solar, reduce driving, and keep your car maintained and tires properly inflated.
Check to see if your city offers free utility inspections and efficiency analysis. In San Diego, a free water survey program is available.
Check to see if your city offers free utility inspections and efficiency analysis. In San Diego, a free water survey program is available.
Ride a bicycle to work! In San Diego, Bike to Work Day in 2016 is Friday, May 20. You might consider walking or taking public transit, too!
Ride a bicycle to work! In San Diego, Bike to Work Day in 2016 is Friday, May 20. You might consider walking or taking public transit, too!
Many San Diegans saved energy, reduced air pollution and stayed healthy by riding their bicycles to EarthFair!
Many San Diegans saved energy, reduced air pollution and stayed healthy by riding their bicycles to EarthFair!

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How to help keep the San Diego River healthy.

Bright yellow California sunflowers. San Diego has more botanical diversity than any other county in the continental United States.
Bright yellow California sunflowers. San Diego has more botanical diversity than any other county in the continental United States.

The San Diego River has always been a source of life. Ancient people flourished on its banks. It’s where European civilization began in California. That civilization today has grown to include freeways, shopping malls, industrial parks and immense residential complexes. Like a gleaming thread of silver, the river flows through it all, eternally, west to the Pacific Ocean.

The health of this once-pristine river, crowded in many areas by human development, is threatened in challenging ways. Pollutants found in storm runoff, windblown litter, piles of garbage and human waste from homeless encampments, encroachment by non-native vegetation… These problems and others require the thoughtful involvement of the local community. Volunteers monitor the river; some help to pick up trash or report graffiti. Active, concerned residents attend special meetings to discuss improvements or make critical decisions.

Would you like to become involved? Click here, or check out my two photos of posters that include contact information.

Our careful stewardship of the San Diego River will ensure the survival of an important riparian ecosystem, and will allow future generations to walk down trails of spirit-nourishing beauty.

Gazing west along the San Diego River from Qualcomm Way.
Gazing west along the San Diego River from Qualcomm Way.
Bicycle and pedestrian paths follow the San Diego River through Mission Valley.
Bicycle and pedestrian paths follow the San Diego River through Mission Valley.
Litter carelessly dropped by a mile marker for The San Diego River Trail. It was picked up.
Litter carelessly dropped near a mile marker for The San Diego River Trail. It was picked up.
The community is working to restore and enhance this area while making an inviting living science center in the heart of our urban riparian environment.
The community is working to restore and enhance this area while making an inviting living science center in the heart of our urban riparian environment.  (Click image to enlarge.)
Make a difference with a fun group of people. Join the River Assessment Team! Help support a clean river and get some exercise!
Make a difference with a fun group of people. Join the River Assessment Team! Help support a clean river and get some exercise! (Click image to enlarge.)
A red San Diego Trolley passes over the life-filled river as it approaches the Rio Vista station.
A red San Diego Trolley passes over the life-filled river as it approaches the Rio Vista station.
A gathering of American coots (or mud hens) where the San Diego River passes beneath Camino del Este.
A gathering of American coots (or mud hens) where the San Diego River passes beneath Camino del Este.
Dark clouds and barren Fremont Cottonwoods minutes before a winter storm brings brief torrential rain.
Dark clouds and barren Fremont Cottonwoods minutes before a winter storm brings brief torrential rain.
Beautiful flowers can be seen at almost any time of year during a nature walk along The San Diego River Trail.
Beautiful flowers can be seen at almost any time of year during a nature walk along The San Diego River Trail.
A couple of bees collect pollen in the morning.
A couple of busy bees collect pollen in the morning.

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Volunteer to help restore San Diego wetlands!

Volunteers needed! Volunteer work parties take place from 9am-12pm at the Kendall-Frost Marsh. Please wear long pants and sun or rain protection. Bring your favorite work boots or gloves, or we can provide these to you.
Volunteers needed! Volunteer work parties take place from 9am-12pm at the Kendall-Frost Marsh. Please wear long pants and sun or rain protection. Bring your favorite work boots or gloves, or we can provide these to you.

Yesterday I was privileged to watch citizens in San Diego teaming up to improve our environment. During the Love Your Wetlands Day event, a group of concerned people gathered together to help clean and restore the beautiful Kendall-Frost Marsh in Mission Bay.

Do you live in San Diego? Do you enjoy nature and being outdoors? Do you love seeing and protecting wildlife and birds? Do you have a bit of free time? Would you like to personally make a very big difference in this world?

Volunteers are needed to help restore San Diego wetlands! Spread the word! Find out more by contacting the San Diego Audubon Society from this page of their website! Or check out more info by clicking the above photo.

Volunteers help to restore wetlands in Mission Bay. Do you live in Pacific Beach or in San Diego. With a little elbow grease, you can make a big difference!
Volunteers help to restore wetlands in Mission Bay. Do you live in Pacific Beach or in greater San Diego? With a little elbow grease, you can actually make a big difference!

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Photos of Love Your Wetlands Day in Mission Bay.

Love Your Wetlands Day took place in Pacific Beach at north Mission Bay's small Kendall-Frost Marsh.
Love Your Wetlands Day took place in Pacific Beach at north Mission Bay’s small Kendall-Frost Marsh.

Late this morning I headed up to Pacific Beach to experience Love Your Wetlands Day. The annual event provides a once-a-year opportunity for the public to visit the protected Kendall-Frost Marsh, which lies in the north part of Mission Bay.

I was really impressed by the efforts underway by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System to restore this wetland, and by all the people who showed up for the event. Hopefully my blog will help raise awareness about this very important project.

I definitely learned a lot! Please read the photo captions . . .

The Kendall-Frost Marsh is being restored into a healthy wetland by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System with the help of volunteers.
The Kendall-Frost Marsh is being restored into a healthy wetland by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System with the help of volunteers.
The slough is a prime location for birdlife. Many different birds can be spotted in this protected wildlife refuge, which is usually off-limits to the public.
The slough is a prime location for birdlife. Many different birds can be spotted in this protected wildlife refuge, which is usually off-limits to the public.
Photos of bird sightings on the surrounding fence.
Photos of bird sightings on the surrounding fence.
I arrived a bit early to the event, and watched from the nearby street as last-minute preparations took place.
I arrived a bit early to the event, and watched from the nearby street as last-minute preparations took place.
A sign welcomes visitors to Love Your Wetlands Day. Lots of activities included bird watching, a water quality test demo, and a marsh clean-up.
A sign welcomes visitors to Love Your Wetlands Day. Lots of activities included bird watching, a water quality testing demo, and a marsh clean-up.
People sign in to the event. A few lucky attendees won raffle prizes!
People sign in to the event. A few lucky attendees won raffle prizes!
The San Diego Audubon Society had a table at the event.
The San Diego Audubon Society had a table at the special outdoor event.
Information at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program display shows the marsh boundaries and restoration efforts.
Information at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program exhibit shows the marsh boundaries and restoration efforts.
This super cool volunteer at a fun kids activity table gave me the thumbs up!
This super cool volunteer at a fun kids activity table gave me the thumbs up!
A nearby area where native vegetation is being carefully restored.
A nearby area where native vegetation is being carefully restored.
These plants will eventually call the marsh home.
These plants will eventually be transplanted into the marsh.
A look across the marsh southward, toward the greater part of Mission Bay, a large urban recreational park in San Diego.
A look across the marsh southward, toward the greater part of Mission Bay, a large urban recreational park in San Diego.
As the event gets underway, many more people arrive.
As the event gets underway, many energetic people arrive.
Fun nature mural on side of the Kendall-Frost Reserve Trailer in Pacific Beach!
Fun nature mural on side of the Kendall-Frost Reserve Trailer in Pacific Beach!
Many photos around the exterior of the trailer show insects, flowers, birds and other wildlife that make the marsh their home.
Many photos around the exterior of the trailer show insects, flowers, birds and other wildlife that make the marsh their home.
A row of waterproof boots await volunteers.
A row of waterproof boots awaits volunteers.
Putting on some boots before heading out into the muddy, mucky marsh!
Putting on some boots before heading out into the muddy, mucky marsh!
Tools that are used to remove trash from the environmentally sensitive marshland.
Tools that are used to remove trash from the environmentally sensitive marshland.
An art project for kids involved creatively decorating stones!
A fun art project for kids involved creatively decorating stones!
Speaker describes how the ReWild project of the San Diego Audubon Society is working to restore important wetlands in the northeast corner of Mission Bay.
Speaker describes how the ReWild project of the San Diego Audubon Society is working to restore important wetlands in the northeast corner of Mission Bay.
A chart at one table shows types of pollutants found on the beaches of San Diego.
A chart at one table shows types of pollutants found on the beaches of San Diego.
Water quality tests include monitoring pH, temperature, oxygen content and turbidity.
Water quality tests include monitoring pH, temperature, oxygen content and turbidity.
Folks are heading every which way, learning about the marsh and setting about to help restore it!
Folks are heading every which way, learning about the marsh and setting about to help restore it!
Walking over to collect a water sample. The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve habitats include coastal sage scrub, south coastal salt marsh, tidal channels, salt flats and mudflats.
Walking over to collect a water sample. The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve habitats include coastal sage scrub, south coastal salt marsh, tidal channels, salt flats and mudflats.
Water from a storm drain is collected by volunteers for testing.
Water from a storm drain is collected by volunteers for testing.
After putting on boots and grabbing buckets, a gang of volunteers is out in the marsh seeing it up close and removing unwanted debris.
After putting on boots and grabbing buckets, a gang of volunteers is out in the marsh seeing it up close and removing unwanted debris.
Netting is laid down by more volunteers to help prevent erosion during rain.
Netting is laid down by more volunteers to help prevent erosion during rain. A big storm is coming tomorrow!
Love Your Wetlands Day was a great opportunity for the public to help preserve and enhance the Kendall-Frost Marsh!
Love Your Wetlands Day was a great opportunity for the public to help preserve and enhance the Kendall-Frost Marsh!

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Art exhibit: water, drought, and San Diego’s rainmaker.

The 9th floor gallery at San Diego's Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.
The 9th floor gallery at San Diego’s Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.

RAINMAKER is a fascinating, thought-provoking art exhibition at downtown San Diego’s Central Library. Because it will be coming to a close this weekend, I recently headed to the library’s 9th floor gallery to check it out.

Charles Hatfield was hired by the city of San Diego a hundred years ago to produce much-needed precipitation in order to fill Lake Morena. He might or might not have created the torrential rains and catastrophic flooding that followed his efforts at “moisture acceleration”. Was Hatfield an actual scientist or a charlatan? The question remains open.

This art exhibition focuses on the importance of water in our arid region, and how people affect and are influenced by the environment. Twelve local artists have contributed pieces which touch upon this theme. RAINMAKER is especially relevant today, considering San Diego’s current long drought, and the threat of coming winter storms caused by a strong El Niño that has developed in the Pacific Ocean.

Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena Reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by over 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic?
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth's ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth’s ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn's Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn’s Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective...
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective…
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego's Central Library, continues through November 29.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego’s Central Library, continues through November 29.

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Photos of a nature walk in Tijuana River Estuary.

Sign near the entrance to Visitor Center of Tijuana Estuary, home of a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Sign near the entrance to Visitor Center of Tijuana Estuary, home of a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.

What place in North America officially contains the most plant and animal species? You don’t know? San Diego and the Northern Baja California region!

Yesterday I took a nature walk around and through the northern section of the Tijuana River Estuary. The large estuary, which is located at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States, where the Tijuana River empties into the Pacific Ocean, contains abundant life which reflects San Diego’s amazing biodiversity and range of habitats.

The Tijuana Estuary is not only a place of tranquil beauty, but it’s a scientific laboratory, protective refuge, and outdoor classroom where the public can learn about our natural environment. It’s managed by several agencies, including the NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the National Wildlife Refuge System under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

I absorbed so much information while walking about, reading signs, and listening to a volunteer guide during a short nature walk near the Visitor Center, that I couldn’t possibly convey it all on my blog. So I’ve selected some photos and have captioned them so you’ll get the gist of what I saw and learned. And hopefully you’ll want to visit, too!

Relatively few people partake of the scheduled weekend nature walks at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. Joan, the plant expert, said that some days nobody shows up. What a shame. Because there’s so much beauty, so much to see.

I strongly encourage anyone who lives in the San Diego area to head down to Imperial Beach and take a long, leisurely walk where life thrives!

Ecoroute Bikeway and sidewalk along Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach offers views of the north section of 2,500 acre Tijuana River Estuary.
Ecoroute Bikeway and sidewalk along Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach offers views of the north section of 2,500 acre Tijuana River Estuary.
A white egret and other small birds enjoy the fertile, nutrient-rich environment created by this important coastal wetland.
A white egret and other small birds enjoy the fertile, nutrient-rich environment created by this important coastal wetland.
A shorebird equipped with a long bill, used to poke into sand and mudflats for food. Over 370 species of birds have been sighted in the wildlife reserve.
A shorebird equipped with a long bill, used to poke into sand and mudflats for food. Over 370 species of birds have been sighted in the wildlife reserve.
Once a dump, and destined to be a boat marina, local citizens fought to have the Tijuana Estuary protected as a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Once a dump, and destined to be a boat marina, local citizens fought to have the Tijuana Estuary protected as a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Steps lead down from Imperial Beach Boulevard to one of many trails in the fascinating, life-filled estuary.
Steps lead down from Imperial Beach Boulevard to one of many trails in the fascinating, life-filled estuary.
There are many habitats in the estuary including dune, salt panne, salt marsh, mudflat, brackish pond, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and vernal pool.
There are many habitats in the estuary including dune, salt panne, salt marsh, mudflat, brackish pond, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and vernal pool.
Sign welcomes visitors to Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Five endangered and two threatened species of birds are protected here in their natural habitat.
Sign welcomes visitors to Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Five endangered and two threatened species of birds are protected here in their natural habitat.
I was told these old wooden pilings used to support a storm drain which ran out to the ocean.
I was told these old wooden pilings used to support a storm drain which ran out to the ocean.
A Snowy Egret perches atop a post, perhaps watching the water for prey. Small fish, frogs, reptiles and insects are part of the food chain in a shallow river estuary.
A Snowy Egret perches atop a post, perhaps watching the water for prey. Small fish, frogs, reptiles and insects are part of the food chain in a shallow river estuary.
The path to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center passes through a garden of native plants often found along the coast of Southern California.
The path to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center passes through a garden of native plants often found along the coast of Southern California.
This colorful abstract map at the Visitor Center entrance represents the 1,735 square mile watershed of the Tijuana River, reaching deep into Mexico.
This colorful abstract map at the Visitor Center entrance represents the 1,735 square mile watershed of the Tijuana River, reaching deep into Mexico.
The edge of the map, inside the Visitor Center's door, shows a part of San Diego and Tijuana. As it nears the Pacific Ocean, the Tijuana River crosses into the United States.
The edge of the map, inside the Visitor Center’s door, shows a part of San Diego and Tijuana. As it nears the Pacific Ocean, the Tijuana River crosses into the United States.
One of many educational exhibits within the cool Visitor Center. Wildlife abounds...at Tijuana Estuary!
One of many educational exhibits inside the cool Visitor Center. Wildlife abounds . . . at Tijuana Estuary!
Viewed from the distance of the moon, the astonishing thing about the earth, catching the breath, is that it is alive.
Viewed from the distance of the moon, the astonishing thing about the earth, catching the breath, is that it is alive.
Habitats in a changing landscape. All eight habitats in the estuary endure constant change. Water levels rise and fall with the tides. Salinity of the water fluctuates.
Habitats in a changing landscape. All eight habitats in the estuary endure constant change. Water levels rise and fall with the tides. Salinity of the water fluctuates.
Visitors can jot notable sighting of birds on a board inside the Visitor Center. Buds and blooms are also listed.
Visitors can jot notable sighting of birds on a board inside the Visitor Center. Buds and blooms are also listed.
A few people out on a nature walk on a pleasant Saturday in November. The estuary is full of blooms, birds, and animal activity, even as winter approaches.
A few people out on a nature walk on a pleasant Saturday in November. The estuary is full of blooms, birds, and animal activity, even as winter approaches.
Joan, a super nice park volunteer who is a plant expert (and author of a fun native plant book), shows us the yellow bloom of California bush sunflower.
Joan, a super nice park volunteer who is a plant expert (and author of a fun native plant book), shows us the yellow bloom of California bush sunflower.
Even though the blue blooms of this pleasantly aromatic Cleveland Sage have dried, the seeds pods have a bluish tint.
Even though the blue blooms of this pleasantly aromatic Cleveland Sage have dried, the seeds pods have a bluish tint.
A tiny hummingbird is perched on the branch of a shrub.
A tiny hummingbird is perched on the branch of a shrub.
The Galvezia, or bush snapdragon, is from Baja California. It has green stems, bright red tube flowers, and attracts hummingbirds.
The Galvezia, or bush snapdragon, is common in Baja California. It has green stems, bright red tube flowers, and attracts hummingbirds.
Hiking south down the North McCoy Trail in the Tijuana Estuary. Rising on the left horizon is Mexico. On the right horizon are the Coronado Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Hiking south down the North McCoy Trail in the Tijuana Estuary. Rising on the left horizon is Mexico. On the right horizon are the Coronado Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Ranger Debbie Good is super friendly. She answered a bunch of questions with a big smile. Here's she's putting away a table used to welcome volunteer workers.
Ranger Debbie Good is super friendly. She answered a bunch of questions with a big smile. Here’s she’s putting away a table used to welcome volunteer workers.
These volunteer students from SDSU are helping to plant native vegetation. Efforts to return the estuary to a natural state are ongoing. This area several decades ago was a dump.
These volunteer students from SDSU are helping to plant native vegetation. Efforts to return the estuary to a natural state are ongoing. This area several decades ago was a dump.
Looking across cordgrass and a beautiful wetland at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States.
Looking across cordgrass and a beautiful wetland at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States.
A quiet bench on the North McCoy Trail invites walkers to relax and take in the sunshine and surrounding tranquility.
A quiet bench on the North McCoy Trail invites walkers to relax and take in the sunshine and surrounding tranquility.
Plaque on another bench at the south end of the trail. In memory of Glendon I. Layton. Rest a moment and watch the birds.
Plaque on another bench at the south end of the trail. In memory of Glendon I. Layton. Rest a moment and watch the birds.
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a place where amazing biodiversity and nature's beauty thrive.
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a place where amazing biodiversity and nature’s beauty thrive.

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Photos of Coastal Cleanup Day in Ocean Beach!

Volunteers remove litter from beautiful Ocean Beach during Coastal Cleanup Day.
Volunteers remove litter from beautiful Ocean Beach during Coastal Cleanup Day.

Today is Coastal Cleanup Day! This huge environmental undertaking, involving thousands of energetic volunteers, is I Love A Clean San Diego’s biggest event of the year!

Over 7,600 people participated in San Diego County last year. Over a hundred tons of nasty garbage was removed from our beaches, bays and inland waterways!

This year, in Ocean Beach, a small army of volunteers fanned out along the shore looking for litter and other debris. The items they collected were carefully recorded. I saw many families, organizations and community-minded businesses participating. Everyone was having a great time.

San Diegans, who feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful corner of the world, are very keen on maintaining a clean environment. What’s good for Mother Earth is good for us, as well!

Many local organizations helped during I Love a Clean San Diego's Coastal Cleanup Day, including the Surfrider Foundation.
Many local organizations helped during I Love a Clean San Diego’s Coastal Cleanup Day, including the Surfrider Foundation.
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins had a team helping to clean up the beach!
Speaker of the California State Assembly Toni Atkins had a team helping to clean up the beach!
Many Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers assembled for a photograph, with the Pacific Ocean and long Ocean Beach Municipal Pier in the background.
Many Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers assembled for a photograph, with the Pacific Ocean and long Ocean Beach Municipal Pier in the background.
This guy came in after surfing some fine waves this morning, just as the cleanup was getting started.
This guy came in after surfing some fine waves this morning, just as the cleanup was getting started.
Someone found a piece of trash under lifeguard tower number one!
Someone found a piece of trash under lifeguard tower number one!
The friendly lifeguards were cruising along the sand making sure everyone enjoying the warm water was safe.
The friendly lifeguards were cruising along the sand making sure everyone enjoying the warm water was safe.
A lone guitarist performs a duet with the mighty ocean.
A lone guitarist performs a duet with the mighty ocean.
This cool kid showed me a bit of plastic he picked up with his nifty grappler.
This cool kid showed me a bit of plastic he picked up with his nifty grappler.
People were combing the beach for trash of every kind, including styrofoam, plastic wrappers and cigarette butts.
People were combing the beach for trash of every kind, including styrofoam, plastic wrappers and cigarette butts.
Someone was nice enough to let me photograph their trash! This is what they'd found so far.
Someone was nice enough to let me photograph their trash! This is what they’d found so far.
Lots of smiles were seen all over Ocean Beach during the trash removal event.
Lots of smiles were seen all over Ocean Beach during the trash removal event.
Someone found a piece of garbage by some kelp near the foot of Ocean Beach's popular pier. I love a clean San Diego!
Someone found a piece of garbage by some kelp near the foot of Ocean Beach’s popular pier. I definitely love a clean San Diego!

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Setting a new world record helps the environment!

San Diego County Credit Union and Shred-it team up to attempt a new world record for paper collection and shredding!
San Diego County Credit Union and Shred-it team up to attempt a new world record for paper collection and shredding!

The huge SDCCU Super Shred Event is underway right now as I type!  The event is an attempt to break the world record for paper collection in a single location during a 24 hour period!

San Diego County Credit Union already holds the official Guinness World Record. Today they’re trying to break it. So why was I there taking photos? I collect my old records in a box at home, and whenever SDCCU offers free shredding, I head on down to take advantage of the service which is available to anyone. This morning the annual event, taking place in Mission Valley’s gigantic Qualcomm Stadium parking lot, is bigger than ever. So I brought my camera!

Not only does shredding paper documents protect against identity theft, but recycling paper is good for our environment. So this event is pretty cool for a whole variety of reasons!

The SDCCU Super Shred Event held in the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. Unlimited free shredding helps fight identity theft!
The SDCCU Super Shred Event held in the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. Unlimited free shredding helps fight identity theft!
As cars queue, volunteers collect donations for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.
As cars queue, volunteers collect donations for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.
SDCCU already holds the world record for most paper collected in a single location in a 24 hour period.
SDCCU already holds the world record for most paper collected in a single location in a 24 hour period.
Shred-it, a document destruction and recycling company, had a whole fleet of trucks ready for the big event!
Shred-it, a document destruction and recycling company, had a whole fleet of trucks ready for the big event!
A super nice volunteer smiles for my unexpected camera. Thank you!
A super nice volunteer smiles for my unexpected camera. Thank you!

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Recycled plarn sculpture at Horton Plaza.

Close look at beautiful plarn artwork exhibited on lower level of downtown San Diego's Horton Plaza.
Close look at beautiful plarn artwork exhibited on lower level of downtown San Diego’s Horton Plaza.

Should one walk through downtown San Diego’s colorful Horton Plaza shopping mall, one might see an unusual work of art. I took some photos for everyone to enjoy.

This sculpture is called Grow and is made of crocheted plarn. What the heck is plarn? It’s plastic yarn! I once watched a lady making the interesting material at Balboa Park’s annual EarthFair. Plastic bags, once converted into plarn, do in fact resemble yarn!

What a unique and environmentally friendly way to reuse plastic shopping bags!

Grow is an upcycle sculpture depicting a play between natural and synthetic elements. For this project, discarded plastic grocery bags were hand crocheted to form the Plarn installation.
Grow is an upcycle sculpture depicting a play between natural and synthetic elements. For this project, discarded plastic grocery bags were hand crocheted to form the plarn installation.
Plarn is plastic yarn made from recycled plastic bags. It is durable, weather resistant, and can be woven to create various items.
Plarn is plastic yarn made from recycled plastic bags. It is durable, weather resistant, and can be woven to create various items.
The artist Cat Chiu Phillips utilizes found materials and creates displaced juxtapositions. She includes unusual mediums such as recycled objects.
The artist Cat Chiu Phillips utilizes found materials and creates displaced juxtapositions. She includes unusual mediums such as recycled objects.
Work of art, titled Grow, can be examined up close by visitors and shoppers walking through the Horton Plaza mall.
Work of art, titled Grow, can be examined up close by visitors and shoppers walking through the Horton Plaza mall.
A box by the fantastic plarn sculpture invites passersby to recycle their plastic shopping bags.
A box by the fantastic plarn sculpture invites passersby to recycle their plastic shopping bags.

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First annual Earth Day on the Bay in San Diego.

Our big blue marble Earth dangles in the sky on San Diego's Embarcadero for an Earth Day event.
Our big blue marble Earth dangles in the sky on San Diego’s Embarcadero for an Earth Day event.

Last weekend Earth Day was observed at the jam-packed EarthFair in Balboa Park. This weekend, the first annual Earth Day on the Bay took place. The event was centered around the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and concentrated on maintaining a healthy coast and ocean. Admission to all the awesome museum ships was free, and being a cheapskate, I decided to walk down to the Embarcadero and enjoy myself!

Earth Day on the Bay featured free admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and many environmental organizations with exhibits.
Earth Day on the Bay featured free admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego plus many organizations with environment-themed exhibits.
The historic 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, the museum's hub, is also featuring nature photography by Ansel Adams and others.
The historic 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, the museum’s hub, is also featuring nature photography by Ansel Adams and others.
The TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition ship is visiting San Diego at the moment.
The TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition ship is visiting San Diego at the moment.

As I walked across the deck of the Berkeley, enjoying views of our beautiful big San Diego Bay, I happened to notice an unusual boat docked among the museum’s ships. The hull included the United Nations Environment Programme logo. Apparently, people participating in the TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition are visiting San Diego for a couple days.  They gave a talk yesterday at the museum about their mission. According to their website, it is to inspire children in classrooms and share examples of nature’s beauty, and foster innovations for a green planet. They believe that great human goals and progress can be achieved in balance with nature.

TOPtoTOP, docked by other museum ships, is equipped with many solar panels. It's sailing around the globe using only human and natural power sources.
TOPtoTOP, docked among other museum ships, is equipped with many solar panels. It’s sailing around the globe using only human and natural power sources.
The various Earth Day exhibitors on the waterfront included the Port of San Diego, with a report on their conservation and other green projects.
The various Earth Day exhibitors on the waterfront included the Port of San Diego, with a report on critical conservation and other green projects.
The first annual Earth Day on the Bay attracted a modest crowd, but it's a good start!
The first annual Earth Day on the Bay attracted a modest crowd, but it’s a good start!
This big inflatable whale allowed humans to grasp the scale of the marine mammal.
This big inflatable whale allowed humans to grasp the scale of the marine mammal.
I enjoyed a unique harbor tour on a Maritime Museum boat, which I'll blog about shortly!
I enjoyed a harbor tour on a very unique Maritime Museum boat, which I’ll blog about shortly!

I got two cool blog posts coming up! I had a couple of fun adventures today! Plus I still have lots of photos from my extensive Saturday walk around Liberty Station. I’d better get busy!

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