Signups are open for Exploring Our Sense of Place, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy’s program of excursions that dives deeply into the watershed’s natural and cultural history while reinforcing participants’ connection to the nature that surrounds them.Enrollment for the 2026-27 program is capped at 25 and closes Sept. 22.
During guided hikes, explorers venture into areas that are not open to the public. Guides lead rich conversations on the wildlife, geology and native inhabitants of each area. To lock in the participants’ own connections with nature, each hike includes a special “reflection time,” a news release stated.
The hikes, topics and dates are:•Volcan Mountain (River Park Overview) Oct. 3;•Santa Ysabel Preserve East (Geology) Nov. 7;•San Elijo Nature Center (Birds of San Elijo Lagoon) Jan. 9;•Lake Sutherland (Chaparral & Water) Feb. 6;•Clevenger Canyon South (Descendants of Early San Diego) March 6;•Piedras Pintadas (Wildflowers) April 3; and•San Dieguito Lagoon (Lagoon Restoration and Graduation Luncheon) May 1.
The program begins with a reception at 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center.Register at: shorturl.at/maCNG