San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy wins $150,000 program award from county

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy has received a $150,000 Neighborhood Reinvestment Program award from the county of San Diego, proposed by Third District County Supervisor Dave Roberts. The conservancy has previously received $46,500 from major donors and the California 10/20 to match this award.

The funds will pay for the design and environmental review needed to build a portion of Del Mar’s River Path from Jimmy Durante Boulevard to the Old Grand Avenue Bridge, providing scenic vistas of the lagoon wetlands, and interpretive information for flora and fauna. The total project cost is estimated at $470,000.

“Recreational trails are an important part of our local environment,” said Roberts. “They give us a chance to walk, exercise and enjoy nature. I am pleased to work with the Conservancy and the city of Del Mar to build this trail.”

The balance of $253,500 will be secured by the city of Del Mar, which has already committed $20,000, in partnership with the Conservancy, through a combination of city funds, grants, mitigation funds and other private donations.

The trail of the Del Mar River Path runs west from Jimmy Durante Boulevard to the coast and parallels the south edge of the San Dieguito River. Users of the River Path are treated to beautiful water views and information regarding this important wetland and natural resource.

The proposed path extension will continue on the east side of Jimmy Durante Boulevard to the Old Grande Avenue Bridge. The city has secured the long-term lease of a parcel from the North County Transit District at Jimmy Durante Boulevard and San Dieguito Drive specifically for the purpose of providing parking for the River Path Del Mar extension.

“The conservancy is excited about another opportunity to connect people with nature in addition to the new Birdwing Open Air Classroom at the lagoon,” said Peter Shapiro, president of the conservancy’s Board of Directors.

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy is celebrating 28 years of conservation, recreating and education and recreation at this year’s River Valley Fest, “Connecting With Nature,” from 2 p.m. to sunset Oct. 12 at the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. The conservancy will be honoring Richard Louv, best-selling author of “The Nature Principle” and “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder.” The event includes food, wine and craft beers, music and a silent and live auction. Reserve at sdrvc.org/rivervalleyfest.

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy is a citizen-based nonprofit helping to implement the San Dieguito River Park and its Coast to Crest Trail stretching 70 miles from Volcan Mountain near Julian to the ocean between Del Mar and Solana Beach. Visit https://sdrvc.org.