As we make our way through summer, we are met with warmer temperatures that keep us from working late into the day, or even late into the morning! Still, our programs continue to carry through and make a big impact in our community. We are so proud of the EDI team and the wonderful community that helps us achieve our mission and vision.

One of the highlights of August was hosting a family beach day at Fletcher Cove! Though beaches and San Diego go hand-in-hand, in many cases, some east county residents have never had the opportunity to visit the coast. Many told us they’d never visited the ocean before! From cost to lack of transportation - no matter the obstacle - some communities are unable to participate in new experiences like this. We are so fortunate to help tear down those barriers and provide these inland communities and families with cherished memories spent outdoors! We had such a great time and have yet to wipe the smiles off our faces.

This event was funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

EDI’s native milkweed farm in Lakeside is beaming with visitors! Monarch butterflies, queen butterflies, tarantula hawks, and more - these pollinators are thrilled to see our milkweed is blooming (and so are we).

The wonderful volunteers who help with our various projects every Tuesday continue to remind us how lucky we are to work alongside them! Together we have weeded our milkweed farm and repotted many native milkweed plants grown from second generation seed. These plants will be available for purchase at our native plant sale, and some will be given away as gifts at our upcoming annual fundraiser!

We also hosted a Birds on the Bay event earlier in August, lead by our Conservation Director, Ida. We had an amazing time spotting birds with an incredible group - we were over capacity! We appreciated all who were in attendance and cannot wait to host another birding event.

We wish you all a happy, healthy, and hopefully cool September!