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Saturdays
Free Kayak Lessons
Every Saturday morning. Host: Mission Bay Paddle Sports. Info & reservations: (619) 488-5599.
1st Sat: History; 2nd Sat: Palms; 3rd Sat: Trees; 4th Sat: Desert Walk; 5th: Seasonal color; Meet at Botanical Bldg. Rain cancels; no reservations required. Host: Balboa Park. Info: (619) 235-1121.
Free walks, call for area and themes. Host: Mission Trails Regional Park. Info: (619) 668-3275.
Free to all hosted by Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. Explore nature with expert guides. Bring binoculars if you have them. 1st & 4th Sat. @ 8am. Call for locations. 2nd & 3rd Sats @ 9-11am, meet at 5th & Iris Sts, Imperial Beach, Every Sunday @ 3pm, meet at the Visitor Center. Info & reservations: (619) 575-3613.
Free walk featuring the history and natural history of south SD Bay. Good opportunity to see migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619)422-2481.
All ages welcome. Call for RSVP and locations. Host: Tijuana Estuary. Info: (619) 575-3613.
as Sweetwater Marsh. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619) 422-2481. Rain cancels.
Covering history and botanical treasures. Meet at the Visitor Center off Plaza de Panama. Host: Balboa Park Visitor's Center. Info: (619) 239-0512.
Hikes & Presentations & Much More
throughout the County. For a schedule of events call SD County Parks. Info: (619) 694-3004.
San Diego Audubon
offers amazing birding trips. Info: (619) 280-7710.
Blue Sky Canyon Outings
walks and events. Host: Blue Sky Ecological Preserve, Poway. Info: 486-7238.
Canyon Hikes & Tours
12020 Black Mountain Rd. Host: Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Info: (619) 484-3219.
All ages welcome. Call for RSVP and locations. Host: Tijuana Estuary. Info: (619) 575-3613.
This is a perfect family outing with the Bug Man. You'll learn to identify many of the insects that live in the uplands of SD County. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619) 422-2481.
across the stream, and onto the falls @ Bernardo Bay Natural Area. Steep inclines. Call 235-5440x5 for RSVP & directions. www.sandag.cog.ca.us/sandieguito
Led by Conservancy docents, the walk will feature migratory birds and the native plants they depend on. Rain cancels. Host: San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. Reservations & directions: (760) 436-3944.
at Blue Sky Reserve, Poway. Info:(619) 694-3049.
Beginning and experienced bird watchers are invited to join a free bird walk. This is an easy walk with good views of a variety of shorebirds and migrating ducks and typical tidal wetland habitat. Bring binoculars if you have them. Rain cancels. Meet at the kiosk as the intersection of West Pt. Loma Blvd. and Famosa Blvd. Host: Friends of Famosa Slough. Info: (619) 224-4591.
at Sweetwater Marsh. Rain cancels. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619) 422-2481.
at Rancho San Diego. See soaring hawks and Neotropical migrants. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Reservations & directions: (619) 422-2481.
Part fun ride, part political protest through Ocean and Mission Beach. Bring signs, costumes and friends to the Green Store, 4827 Voltaire St. Info:(619) 226-7325; email:sdefenvirolink.org
At Bernardo Bay Natural Area. Call 235-5440x5 for RSVP & directions. www.sandag.cog.ca.us/sandieguito
14Saturday10am-4:30pm
Native American Basketry Family Day
at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park, Info: (619) 239-2001.
will be on display at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park, featuring more than 75 carved cucurbits of South America telling the history and uses of gourds dating from 2500 B.C. to the present. Info: (619) 239-2001.
Sundays1pm
Critter Chit Chat
Nature Center staff and volunteers chat about the biology and natural history of their birds, reptiles, mammals, fish or invertebrates. Free with Center admission. 1000 Gunpowder Pt. Dr. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Info: (619) 422-2481.
Nature Center staff and volunteers rap with visitors and meet the hawks and owls used in educational programs. Free with Center admission. 1000 Gunpowder Pt. Dr. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Info: (619) 422-2481.
9/6: Pet People, 5664 Mission Ctr. Rd; 9/13: Petsmart, 3396 Murphy Cyn Rd; 9/20 same as 9/6; 9/27: Pet People, 8011 University Ave, La Mesa. Host: Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals. Info: Penny Adams (619) 466-9137.
Adopt abandoned animals from the Friends of County Animal Shelter Adoption Program. All pets are spayed or neutered, have shots and microchips. Balboa Park, near the House of Pacific Relations. Info: (619) 685-3536.
One clinic per month in various areas throughout SD county for wild and unowned cats. To help homeless cats, please use this opportunity. Humane traps are available to borrow. Also, volunteers are needed. Host: Feral Cat Coalition. Info: (619) 497-1599.
Recycle Today!
Recycling in San Diego?
For info on recycling locations and events, call the City's Recycling Hotline: 800-237-2583
U.C.S.D. Lot #355, enter via N. Torrey Pines Rd. to Salk Institute Rd. (east side). Common HHW include paint, pool chemicals, solvents, drain opener, cleaners... any product labeled Caution, Warning, Danger, Poison, Toxic, Flammable or Corrosive. Free to City of S.D. residents. Limit 5gal or 50 lbs. Info:(619) 235-2111.
Montgomery High School 3250 Palm Ave @ Hawaii, S. San Diego. Open to City of San Diego residents to recycle auto waste including used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze and auto batteries. Limit 10 gallons. Info:(619) 235-2105.
10Wednesday7pm
Photo Journey of Central America
Belize, Hondura, Costa Rica with Dave Gordon of the Images of Nature Gallery. Free at REI, 5556 Copley Dr. (619) 279-4400.
Free town hall forum on the status of development and open space conservation east of Miramar, Santee, Slaughterhouse Canyon, Eucalyptus Hills. Santee Town Hall, 10601 Magnolia Ave. Hosted by Sierra Club:(619) 299-1743.
Cabins or Camp out in Idylwild. Learn self-care techniques and achieve wellness goals. Meals & workshops only $60. Contact: Campus YMCA (619) 594-6805.
Learn the sacred order of wilderness survival: shelter, water, fire, food. $100. Info:(619) 443-2399.
The sluggish, unfilled feeling resulting from trying to buy all the latest stuff and keep up. Do you have it? What's the Cure? Watch this special on KPBS-TV. Check out www.pbs.org/affluenza.
California Alliance for Distributed Energy Resources conference at the Catamaran Hotel. Explore the next wave of clean and efficent technologies. Info: (916) 654-5103, Calif. Energy Commission. www.energy.ca.gov/CADER
Experience the magnificence and threats to this beautiful part of western Canada at this monthly meeting of the N. County Coastal Sierra Club. Free. Aviara Oaks Elementary School, 6900 Ambrosia Ln, La Costa. Info:(619) 436-7853.
will be discussed by a panel of local experts at a free special meeting of the San Diego Chapter of the Calif. Native Plant Society. Room 104, Casa del Prado, Balboa Park. Info:(619) 685-7321.
the Twilight of Paradise? will be the topic of this slideshow presentation at the free, monthly meeting of the San Diego Sierra Club at the Otto Center, 100 yards south of the Zoo's main entrance in Balboa Park. Info: (619) 299-1744.
Introduction to conservation action leadership activities of the Sierra Club. Includes an overview of environmental issues and how to make a difference. $10. Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center. Info: (619) 259-8172.
to benefit the San Diego Humane Society at Town & Country Hotel. 50s/60s Sock Hop is the theme. $40 at the door, $35 in advance. Info: (619) 299-7012x276.
FUN for the whole family at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe, Vista. Info: (619) 496-6666. Free.
Sundays1pm - 2pm
Make-it, Take-it Workshops
Do a different Nature Craft every Saturday & Sunday using recycled materials. Fee 50¢. Host: Chula Vista Nature Center. Info: (619) 422-2481.
with the Art for Wetlands project for ages 10 to adult at the Tijuana RIver Valley Estuary. Call for info and RSVP: (619) 575-3613.
Free weekly activities for K-6th grades including hands-on learning, bird watching, nature walks, art projects, stories and games. 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach. Host: Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. : (619) 575-3613.
First Fridays12pm - 2pm
Environmental Committee of the Tijuana-San Diego Region
Forum for environmentally concerned groups and individuals from both sides of the border to address issues of common interest, form binational coalitions, and participate in educational events. Affiliated with the United Nations Associations and the S.D. - Tijuana Sister Cities Society. Meets first Friday of each month alternately in San Diego and Tijuana. The San Diego meetings are usually held at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor's Center; Tijuana meetings are usually held at the new Red Cross (Cruz Roja) offices in the eastern Rio Tijuana area. email: kaarekaol.com for Carpools and Info: Kaare Kjos (619) 285-1725.
For all those interested in practical applications of sustainability in our bioregion. Attend monthly meetings on 1st Thurs. at U.S. International University Green Hall.: Skip Fralick (619)565-2603.
Individuals interested in outdoors and conservation activities are invited to learn about the many programs of the Sierra Club including Sierra Singles (299-TREE) and Younger Sierrans (singles ages 21-39 call 544-6124). Second Wednesday of the month, Tierra santa Rec. Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Host: SD Sierra Club. Info: 299-1744.
special meeting with Marilyn Hempel of the Population Coalition of the League of Women Voters. Coco's Restaurant group room, 2644 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego. RSVP: (619) 277-7143.
Join friends of the Peace Resource Center and find out about plans for the coming months. Info and directions to location in La Jolla: (619) 265-0730
San Diego Chapter meetings are held every 3rd Thursday at Forum Hall above Wells Fargo at UTC, La Jolla Village Dr. & Genesee : (619) 792-9940.
Monthly pot luck; Santa Clara Rec Center in Mission Beach; bring RAW/LIVE and ORGANIC plant foods and reusable tableware. Info:(619) 220-2174.
Vegetarian pot luck; live entertainment; bring dish and reusable tableware. Call for location:(619)282-3900.
Learn, share and garden on the last Saturday of each month. Host: Laurie Cohen. Call for location (619) 270-1490.
Pot luck social in 5.5 acre country setting in Valley Center. Bring RAW/LIVE and ORGANIC plant foods, reusable tableware, and live music to share. Info:(619) 220-2174.
Oct 1Wednesday7pm
Sierra Club Political Committee
Get involved in working for effective environmental protection. Meet at SC offices, 3820 Ray St., (SE of 30th & University, North Park); More info call Carolyn (619) 272-7423.
Maybe more than any other document, the ZCU will determine the future development in the City of SD. It will determine the processes for community participation and appeals. The City is proposing to reduce wetlands protections and reduce community involvement. Get involved! Host: Californians for Quality of Life. (619) 496-3361.
Call for info
San Diego Earth Day
Make a difference with people and the environment. Help with projects at our Pacific Beach office or from home. Projects include the Harvest EarthFair in Vista on 9/27 and Community Restoration teams. Info: Kari (619) 272-7370.
Seeking Assistants
Carolyn Chase is seeking a personal assistant or two to help with a number of projects including this newspaper, Californians for Quality of Life political action committee, and the Earth Day Network. Call for an interview. You need to be smart and fearless. Positions may be funded with any luck and a lot of hard work. (619) 272-7423.
Learn about stuccoing straw bale walls by helping stucco a SB community center building at a Habitat for Humanity community in Tecate Mexico. Call to confirm. Host: Habitat for Humanity. Info:Skip Fralick (619) 565-2603.
Help remove invasive plants, weed native gardens and clean up this wetland preserve.Bring gloves and tools if you have them. Refreshments provided. Meet at corner of Famosa & West Pt. Loma Blvd. Info: (619) 224-4591.
For volunteer info call (619)291-9255 or www.aidswalksd.org.
SD Park & Rec Dept.
Explore your WILD side in Tecolote Natural Canyon, Marian Bear Park and Rose Canyon which contain many endangered species. Volunteers are needed to become docents, lead nature hikes and bird walks/talks, and help the rangers patrol. Receive training in natural history, docent work. Host: Tri-Canyon Volunteer Program. Info: Jeannette De Angelis (619) 581-9961.
San Diego County Parks
Volunteers provided 36% of total staff hours for County Parks in 1994/95. Become a live-in, docent, historic, recreation or patrol volunteer. Info: (619) 694-3044.
Trail Patrol for San Dieguito River Park
Patrols willwork two, four-hour assignments per month in the Lake Hodges area and will provide visitors with info about trails, points of interest, natural and cultural history, and park rules. Apply by called Colleen McCahon (619) 235-5440.
Mama's Kitchen
delivers meals to those homebound with AIDS. Driver desperately needed especially South Vay, East County and Central San Diego. Info: (619) 233-6262.
Superior Court
downtown needs volunteers for it's Children's Waiting Room. Spend 3.5 hours/week with children who otherwise may be left in the crowded hallways. Info: Julie Myres (619) 531-3489.
H.O.W.L.
Helping Our Wildlife is a nonprofit organization seeking volunteers to help rescue and rehabilitate orphaned, injured or displaced wildlife. Info: (760) 789-5033.
Project Wildlife
Needs volunteers to care for baby birds and mammals in their own homes. Rescue, transport and telephone volunteers are also needed. Info: (619) 579-5083.
San Diego Animal Advocates
is looking for dependable, motivated volunteers for non-violent activities promoting compassion for all living animals. Info: (619) 943-0330.
National Cat Protection Society
Cat lovers are needed to help with general care, grooming and TLC. Two hours per week time commitment. At 9031 Birch St. Spring Valley. Tues.-Sat. Noon-5pm. Info: Gail (619) 469-8771.
People for Trees - Tree Plantings
Help the Planet - Plant a Tree! Join the fun for a greener SD and other areas. Call for dates, times and locations. (619) 234-TREE (8733).
Library Literacy Services
Needs dedicated persons to tutor adults in reading and writing. You can change someone's life with only a few hours of your time. We provide training, materials and tutoring space. Info: (619) 336-4280.
Wednesdays4-8pm
Ocean Beach Farmer's Market
along the 4900 block of Newport Blvd.
Support for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction who are uncomfortable with the spiritual content of 12-step programs. At La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach. Directions: Brian Biernacki (619) 729-6324.
Meets monthly on 1st and 3rd Sundays for meditation, healing and fellowship. Host: La Jolla Health & Massage Group. Directions: Mikel Wade (619) 454-8855
with Dr. Bettina Yelman. Learn how you can make a difference. Calif. Naturopathic College, 1011 Camino Del Mar, #204, Del Mar. OPEN HOUSE and free lecture. Info: (619) 259-8716.
Sample products from over 40 vendors at Whole Foods Market in Hillcrest, 711 University Ave.
Free intro to ancient healing arts of Qigong and Taiji Quan. Info: (760) 729-1102.
A support group where young stroke survivors and families can receive education in a positive environment. At Sharp Rehab., monthly on 3rd Sunday. Directions: (800) 827-4277.
Nicotine Anonymous
has 12-step meetings throughout the metro and North County areas for those who have a desire to stop using nicotine. Info: (619)781-5070.
Recovery, Inc.
sponsors free, self-help groups for anxiety, depression, panics, phobias, obsessions, compulsions, anger and other nervous symptoms. Info: (619) 275-0364.
H.O.P.E.
Home Outreach for Persons with Environmental Illness is a new self-help network which offers encouragement, information and hope to chemically sensitive persons. Info & directions: Lois Fritz (619) 445-0919.
Food Addictions
Support groups for adults & teens who eat compulsively, fail at dieting, or struggle with weight. 1st session free. $25/month. (760) 634-5757.
Spiritual Counseling
Mended Lives, Inc. is a non-profit group offering counseling for individuals/families ling with major illness, terminal illness and untimely loss. (760) 632-8348.
Healing Body & Mind
Several series of Buddhist meditations and teaching meetings begin this month. Especially for first-time meditators or those wishing to refresh their practice. Info: (619) 692-1591.