OUR MISSION
to preserve the biological integrity of the San Diego River while integrating recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for youth, seniors, and families.
In 2001, concerned community members came together to establish the Lakeside River Park Conservancy in response to the degradation of the San Diego River. Nearly 25 years later, our 100 acres of restored river-land provides critical riparian habitat and vital ecosystem services to the surrounding community.
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From Restoration to Recreation
—Your River in Action
under our mission,
We protect and restore the San Diego River’s wild heart. We’ve restored the land to help naturally absorb floodwaters, clean the water, and create a thriving home for native plants and wildlife. Today, we care for two ponds, plus trees and plants that form a living canopy and groundcover—providing habitat, cooling, carbon storage, and pollution filtering. In other words, we create a healthy environment for both people and wild-life. Our mission to restore the River remains vital as ever, as urban development, climate change, and invasive species continue to threaten the health of this viable, natural resource.
Our 2-mile stretch of the San Diego River Trail, from Channel Road to Lakeside Ball Park, is an easy, scenic walk through a wild riverscape cared for by the Conservancy–where we host Nature Walks, River Clean Ups, organized runs and more. And (very) soon, we’ll open our new Field Station, to expand hands-on river science and culture here in Lakeside.
SAN DIEGO
The Most Biologically Rich County
San Diego is the most biodiverse region within the continental United States–having the greatest array of native species and habitat, and greatest amount at risk.
The San Diego River is more than a waterway—it’s a lifeline for local wildlife, plants, and people.
Yet across the region, habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and poor water quality threatens this vital ecosystem.
At the Conservancy, we restore and protect the River’s wildness to keep nature—and the community—resilient. Healthy riverscapes reduce flood risks by slowing and absorbing stormwater, improve water quality by filtering pollutants, and create the conditions for life for native plants, animals, and people.
Every acre we restore strengthens the River’s ability to safeguard clean water, prevent erosion, cool our environment, and support native biodiversity.
What We Protect
50+
native plants that sustain local wildlife
70+
animals that rely on the River's ecosystem
11
reptiles & amphibeans
10
mammals
50
birds
40
arachnids & insects
2
Standing Ponds
2
miles of
San Diego River Trail
100+
acres of restored habitat
Climate Hope in Action:
Our Conservancy's Impact
We're not just preserving land—we're nurturing life and fostering resilience.
Our collaborative restoration efforts have led to...
Thriving Habitats
By restoring native vegetation and water flow, we've created sanctuaries for over 120 species, and strengthened the River's ability to adapt in an ever-changing climate
Enhanced
Water Quality
+ Systems
Our wetlands naturally filter pollutants, improving water quality and creating safer habitats for wildlife and people.
Community Engagement
Our public access programs build connections between people and nature, fostering collective stewardship of the River.
How We Do It
Protecting the River means more than just preserving open space. It takes daily action, advocacy, and people who care. Here’s how collaboration between our dedicated Field Crew, Volunteers, surrounding Community Organizations as well as local and state authorities cocreates lasting environment results for the River Park, Lakeside, and beyond:
Field Crew in Action
Our LRPC Field Crew works on the ground year-round, managing invasive species that threaten native habitats and increase fire risk.
They actively restore and steward the River Park and surrounding community, helping keep ecosystems healthy and reducing hazards to local properties.
By protecting the River, we’re ensuring clean water, reducing fire risks, and providing recreational spaces for families to connect with nature. Our work is vital not just for wildlife, but for every member of the Lakeside community.
Why Our Work Matters
Our Rivers at Risk
Rivers, lakes, and wetlands are among the most vulnerable ecosystems on Earth today, with freshwater biodiversity declining at a faster rate than in land or ocean ecosystems. Recent studies out of the Public Policy Institute of California have found that about half of California’s native aquatic species are highly vulnerable to extinction this century.
The majority of our State’s waterbodies remain plagued by pollutants that make them unsafe for swimming, fishing, or drinking. Modern increases in population, consumption, and development, along with reduced resource efficiency overstrains and neglects our most viable asset.
