Show some love to Crest Canyon at Feb. 15 event

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by volunteering with San Diego Canyonlands in Crest Canyon in Del Mar.On Thursday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers can lend a hand in an invasive plant removal project.

San Diego Canyonlands events are held every third Thursday of the month and for February, volunteers will help remove non-native plants while learning about the importance of urban canyons to the local ecosystem.

Despite its urban setting, Crest Canyon is a beautiful example of coastal sage scrub intermingled with southern maritime chaparral, both rapidly disappearing with development along the coast. Rare plants such as Del Mar manzanita find a home there among vast displays of lemonade berry, bush sunflower and coastal golden bush. The canyon is dotted with Torrey Pines, found only in this area of San Diego County.

For the event, volunteers will meet at the Racetrack View Drive trailhead. The trailhead is accessible from I-5 by taking Via de la Valle west to Jimmy Durante Blvd., going past the Del Mar Fairgrounds and then left on San Dieguito Drive to Racetrack View Drive.

Participants are encouraged to bring water, wear sun protection and sturdy shoes.RSVP at sdcanyonlands.org/events-calendar. For more information, contact Samantha Collins at sami@sdcanyonlands.org or (619) 920-9134.