Research
Engaging people in meaningful science to inform our actions
Our work is based on sound science. We also know it is important to be an expert on the health of the river and its wildlife. We focus on emerging issues as well as maintain a robust water health monitoring program. We train and support community members. We also use science as a powerful tool to engage students in appreciation of nature.
SUPPORT WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(during the process you can select an area to focus on)
Current focus areas:
Southwestern Pond Turtles
The southwestern pond turtle is the only remaining freshwater turtle species native to California. While its range used to stretch from Washington state to northern Baja, it is now increasingly rare, and considered a Species of Special Concern in California. Habitat loss and invasive species are some of the largest threats. Thankfully, southwestern pond turtles like this one photographed in Cedar Creek during one of our headwaters assessment surveys, are still finding refuge in the upper San Diego River watershed. However, they are at risk of having a sustainable population. These pond turtles leave the water during parts of the year. Males may travel up to 500 meters from the water. During drought turtles may have to look for other creeks, ponds and other water places. Our research program documents their locations and maps threats to their water home and the places the land they may move, too. Then we work to conserve any lands they may need.
Bats
Bats are under unprecendented threat worldwide due to habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species and other stresses. Bats are a signature species along The San Diego River and the creeks that feed it because they eat insects that hatch from the water. Most of the 16 species of bats founs in our watershed are insectivores, meaning they also benefit us by consuming pests like mosquitoes and flies. Our research team uses acoustic monitors to listen for their ultrasonic calls which act like a sonic fingerprint to identify each bat species we encounter. Some bat species are at risk.
Our bat research includes providing education including our popular bat walks, documenting bat locations and sharing this with local bat experts, and helping manage properties where bats live. 
Cougars, Bobcats, and Other Large Mammals
Many of the species that rely on the habitats along the San Diego River and its tributaries are elusive, and some are nocturnal. Humans often do not see them when we are out on the river, but we see evidence in the form of their tracks or scat. Another way we can document the presence and movement of these species is through motion-triggered camera, which regularly capture all kinds of animals, like this bobcat below, or cougars, gray fox, ringtailed cats, long-tailed weasels, badger, hawks, owls, and more. Sometimes we see interesting behaviors, cubs and kits, or even invasive, nonnative animals. Understanding how these animals move through the land helps us prioritize our land conservation and land management.
Badgers
The America badger has a very large home range, with a single individual travelling across over 2,000 acres of land to find food, shelter and mates. This range makes them uniquely suitable as an indicator speciies for assessing connectivity of grasslands and upland habitats. Each spring we invite community members to help find where badgers have recently been. This data is shared with USGS and other partners.
Our research includes surveying our preserves and other conserved lands identify where badgers are located. They appear to move over the years to new locations and so may not be seen in one area for a few years. However, we want to make sure the badgers can return and have enough room to thrive. We use this land to focus our acquisition and land management efforts.
Wild Trout
Yes, there are wild rainbow trout in the San Diego River Watershed! Our reserach works to identify these areas so they may be monitored and conserved. We also support education and reintroduction efforts. Did you know that steelhead used to be in the San Diego River? Rainbow trout are landlocked steelhead. Our dream would be to one day have a healthy enoug San Diego River that we could release fingerlings raised by our school program, Trout in the Classroom, into the river in Mission Valley.
River Health
Working for a healthy river is at our core. For nearly two decades we have collected data about the health of the river. We use the data for advocacy efforts and to identify problems that we can act on. We conduct monthly monitoring of water chemistry and nutrient levels at 16 different locations on the lower river. We also do focused studies to further understand the health of the river, and work on long-term studies such as our work with the US Bureau of Reclamation. The health of the river is not only important for public health but also for wildlife.
Research Collaboration
We partner with government agencies, academic researchers and nonprofits to advance our understanding of the health of the river and its ecosystem. We also work on regional studies where our efforts can support larger studies.
Our open space preserves are available for both short-term and long-term research. We are especially interested in rapid climate change research and species conservation. If you are interested in conducting work on one of our properties, please let us know.
Learn More
For more information on any of these programs, contact our Senior Program Manager, Natalie at natalie@sandiegoriver.org or call our office at 619-297-7380.
