San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center

Skip the shopping crowds and join us for Green Friday, San Diego County Parks' annual tradition of connecting with the outdoors the day after Thanksgiving. Instead of hitting the malls, you and your family can give back to the environment through a trail maintenance event, where we will be improving the quality and accessibility of trails in the reserve. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the beautiful ecological area during a county-wide effort to help our parks!

Where: 

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, 2710 Manchester Ave. Cardiff CA, 92007

When:

Friday November 28 2025, 10:00 A.M-12:00 P.M.

Help maintain the trails by:

• Adding material to our ADA trail
• Spreading, watering, and tamping the trail to make easier access for wheelchairs

Who Can Volunteer: 

• All ages (under 18 with a parent or guardian)
• Friendly and enjoys the outdoors

Important Information and Logistics: 

• Volunteer Parking is in the main parking lot aside from the San Elijo Reserve Nature Center. If the lot is filled up upon arrival, secondary parking is provided across the street at the water campus. In the case that all parking is full, the park and ride off Manchester Ave and the 5 is accessible (about a mile walk to the Nature Center).
• Bring water, sunscreen, hats, closed-toed shoes, and gloves. Additional gloves will be provided for those who do not have any. All other tools and work material will be provided!