Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation

Preserve - Protect - Enhance

A volunteer driven non-profit dedicated to preserving all elements of the Batiquitos Lagoon, protecting the wildlife and enhancing the trails and habitat for our community and visitors.

tHE FUTURE STARTS WITH US

Coastal Wetlands Are Disappearing At An Alarming Rate

California has lost more than 90% of its historical wetlands and today, many of the remaining wetlands are threatened. Wetlands continue to be drained for agriculture, filled for development, or disturbed by modifications to the watershed such as dams or water diversions. Climate change poses a significant threat, as many wetlands today are dependent on artificial water delivery systems or high groundwater levels and may be impacted by changing climatic conditions. Further, wetlands along the coast face flooding from potential sea level rise. Our beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon faces these threats. A variety of private and public organizations are involved in protecting the remaining wetlands. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) is the only organization on earth whose sole mission is to preserve, protect and enhance Batiquitos Lagoon.

LEARN MORE

Thanks to all our members who attended the Hootenanny on April 25th, we appreciate all your support and hope you enjoyed the event. There was a tie for the winning Owl name that was selected. The winners are: Lisa Naugler, Judt Leff and Lynda Holeva, congratulations to all thee. The name that was chosen was "Whisper" a tribute to the silent predator.

If you haven't had a chance to see him stop by the Nature Center.

Learn about "Whisper" here!

Upcoming Events

Note, all events are outdoors, so please dress accordingly. In the case of rain, events will be canceled.

Saturday July 11th at 10:00am – Our Human Journey

Guest speaker and archaeologist Adam Niesley weaves the engaging story of 12,000 years of humanity in San Diego – revealing how scientists' piece together a cohesive understanding of how we have adapted to changing climates, shifting coastlines, disappearing megafauna, and new food resources. Ages 15+

Saturday July 18th at 10:00am – Bird Migration

Join Wildlife Biologist Viviane Marquez for a nature walk to learn about bird migration. Learn about hummingbirds that migrate 500 miles in 24 hours, which birds fly by night and which by day, why most birds fly more quickly in the spring than in the fall, and more! This is a 60- to 90-minute walk appropriate for ages 12+

July/August - Aashi Jalota - Mural Painting at the Nature Center

As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Aaish will be designing and painting a large-scale mural at the Nature Center that will showcase the diverse and unique marine life throughout the lagoon. The mural will feature native plants and animals that are vital to the ecosystem and will also include a QR code that allows visitors to learn more about the species and habitats represented.

Aashi's Bio/Project

Saturday August 8th at 10:00am – Fleeting Waters, Hidden Worlds

Guest speaker Scott McMillan, Habitat Restoration Ecologist at Dudek, will discuss the vital role vernal pools play in California’s larger ecosystem. He’ll also talk about a much-needed restoration project in Carlsbad that will begin in the Fall. Ages 15+

Saturday August 15th at 10:00am – Underwater Creatures of the Lagoon

Join a docent-led nature walk for an introduction to a handful of the hundreds of species living in the waters of the lagoon. Learn about the hugely important microscopic plankton, the sand-dwelling brittle sea stars, and the fish who stalk them. This is an easy, 90-minute walk appropriate for all ages.

Saturday September 12th at 10:00am – Sea Turtles

The calm waters of our coastal lagoons are perfect habitat for green sea turtles, and July through September

is the best time to spot them. Guest speaker Sabrina Mashburn, founder and director of SoCal Sea Turtles, will discuss their biology and habitat, and provide tips for helping to protect them. Ages 12+

Saturday September 19th at 10:00am – Eat or Be Eaten

Predator/prey relationships are the foundation of ecosystems. Join our docents for a leisurely 90-minute nature walk to learn about the complex food chain of sea and land creatures, with special attention on local snakes. This event is appropriate for all ages.

Saturday and Sunday October 4th and 5th – 19th Annual Kayak Event (Details Coming Soon)

Join us for a unique opportunity to kayak at Batiquitos Lagoon during this fun community cleanup event! Help cleanup the lagoon and enjoy kayaking waters normally closed to boating.

Saturday October 17th at 10:00am – Creepy, Crawly & Cool

Stepping into autumn, join us for an easy 60-minute docent-led nature walk focusing on the spiders and tarantulas of Batiquitos. Rise above your fear of these creepy creatures by learning about their ecological importance, unique physiology, and incredible survival adaptations.

Saturday November 21st at 10:00am – The Kumeyaay Trail

Join us for a docent-led, moderately strenuous hike up a rarely-visited trail, where you’ll explore interesting twists and turns and enjoy fabulous views. Wear a hat and hiking boots and carry water.

Special thanks to our Business Members and Mission Partners for their ongoing support of our mission to

preserve, protect and enhance the Lagoon!

Osprey Sponsors