RiverBlitz in Santee

RiverBlitz is an annual survey of the San Diego River where volunteer teams use a smart phone app to document invasive plant species along the San Diego River. This point-in-time data allows the San Diego River Park Foundation to measure the health of the riparian (river bank) ecosystem and plan habitat improvement strategies. They will be collecting data on invasive non-native plants using smart phones in combination with a GPS unit. Data collected will help guide their habitat restoration programs as well as stewardship and advocacy.

This is a wonderful hands-on opportunity and a great way to make a difference for the future of the River and the surrounding area. Volunteers should be comfortable with hiking short distances, including going up and down embankments and ducking around under vegetation. Volunteers will meet up and be split into team and send out to complete specific section along the River. No experience is necessary.

Project Requirements & Important Notes

• Attire: You must dress in long pants and closed-toe shoes. Shoes must be either tennis shoes or hiking boots--no Toms or other flats. Please dress in layers as the temperature can change throughout the day.

• Bring: A reusable water bottle and sun protection (sunscreen, hat). All supplies are provided.

• ​Physical Ability: Volunteers should be comfortable with hiking short distances, including going up and down embankments and ducking around under vegetation. 

• Waiver: Please bring a signed SDRPF waiver with you.

• ​Training: Attending the River Park Foundation's RiverBlitz & Tributary Plant Survey Training on March 16th is recommended before attending this project. 

• Note: The mapping app that they use is called MapplerK2. If you have a smartphone, please download the app before the activity. MapplerK2 is available on Google Play as well as the Apple App Store.