Jessica’s Ullyott’s unwavering dedication to stewardship of the San Diego River takes a holistic approach and knows no bounds!
From volunteering to beautify the exciting new Grant Park, to helping teach innovative nature learning experiences to students, to rolling up her sleeves at community river cleanups and collecting trash mapping data, Jessica is always ready to step in where help is needed. She even uses her platform, Nature Needs SD, to promote the San Diego River Park Foundation’s volunteer events and inspire others to get involved. We are incredibly grateful to Jessica for taking action to protect our precious San Diego River Watershed—and for encouraging fellow San Diegans to join her in this important work.
Jessica’s passion for nature began at a young age. She recalls, “I remember asking my mom if it was okay if I picked up trash on the street by our house when I was a little kid. I think I have always seen trash and waste and thought that if I don’t do something about it, then it may not get done. When I moved to San Diego and learned that San Diego County was a biodiversity hotspot, I got very concerned. I felt like it wasn’t just about picking up trash anymore, but also saving the unique ecosystem that is so special for my own children to enjoy one day.”
Her deep sense of responsibility aligns beautifully with the San Diego River Park Foundation’s mission to engage people in creating a better future for the river and to celebrate it as a natural, cultural, and recreational treasure. The San Diego River Watershed is considered by many experts to be one of the most biodiverse areas in the nation. Inspiring more people to care for this unique environment is essential—and volunteers like Jessica are the heart of this effort.
Jessica shares her perspective on the river’s importance: “Sometimes the only time people talk about the river is during a rainstorm when it floods Mission Valley. But the river has such an important history, and visitors should know about its significance in the past and present. This is a unique natural space that is not only used by animals, but is also a vital natural resource.”
Despite its beauty, the river faces threats such as pollution, urban development, and climate change. Through data-driven solutions and robust volunteer programs, SDRPF works to meet these challenges head-on. Jessica’s volunteerism contributes directly to these efforts—whether it’s pulling invasive weeds, removing thousands of pounds of trash, or educating and inspiring others to take action.
For Jessica, volunteering is about more than nature alone. “I have always wanted to make my community a better place. When I found SDRPF, I appreciated their holistic care for the environment. The river is home to native plants and animals, but also to our unhoused neighbors. I love knowing that my volunteering not only impacts the ecosystem, but also supports outreach providers who help those who need it most.”
Jessica is especially excited about the progress at Grant Park and the development of the new educational center. “I have helped a few times on the Cool River Education Team, and they do an amazing job providing students with hands-on experiences at the river. These kiddos are our future. The more they know and care about the watershed, the more they will continue this good work.”
Beyond her time in the field, Jessica supports SDRPF by donating proceeds from her book Intentional: A Holistic Approach to Building and Maintaining a Sustainable Lifestyle, helping to ensure programs to care for the river can continue.
Jessica also has advice for new volunteers: “Some people love habitat restoration, while others prefer trash cleanups. There is something for everyone. I have two kiddos, so I always check if an event is family-friendly. The SDRPF is really clear about which events are a good fit for children, which makes it easy for families to get involved.”
With leaders like Jessica showing the way, the future of the San Diego River looks brighter. Her dedication demonstrates how one person’s passion can ripple outward—caring for wildlife habitats, strengthening community, and inspiring the next generation.
We thank Jessica for her incredible contributions and invite you to join her. Whether you want to bring your family, meet new nature friends, or simply give back outdoors, there’s a place for you in River Community. Together, we can ensure a better future for the San Diego River and that it is celebrated as natural, cultural, and recreational treasure for generations to come. Join us!