Tickets On Sale for 2nd Annual Outdoor Education Elevated Fundraiser

– A Benefit to Support Environmental Education Programs at The Escondido Creek Conservancy –

The Escondido Creek Conservancy is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Outdoor Education Elevated Fundraiser happening on Saturday, October 25, 2025, a benefit to expand its offerings and access to quality outdoor educational programs for schools and communities along the Escondido Creek watershed. The Conservancy’s goal is to raise a minimum of $50,000, unlocking a $50,000 matching gift, for a total of $100,000. Festivities include a full schedule of family-friendly and environmentally engaging activities including:

Guest speaker: Dr. Fernando Najera, DVM, PhD, co-director UC Davis California Carnivore Project, presenting on California mountain lion research 

• Nature photography lessons with Andy Putnam
• Outdoor yoga sessions 
• Guided 1-mile and 3-mile hikes
• Nature artwork and kids activities
• Local, eco-friendly vendors
• Raffle prizes and giveaways
• Lunch is included with ticket price

“Building on the success of last year’s event, which raised $50,000, we are hoping to double our impact for 2025,” said Ariel Reed, Education Director. “With grants being the primary source of funding for our outdoor educational programs, this year’s event is even more critical to sustaining our curriculum offerings and activities which reach over 7,000 North County community members annually.”

Funds from 2024 supported the development and launch of two new educational initiatives: the High School Habitat Restoration Field Trip program and the Adopt-A-Plot habitat restoration program, collectively serving 200 students in its first year. 

A portion of the funds were also used for the construction of the new Swenerton Outdoor Education Center at the Mountain Meadow Preserve, and to sustain existing exhibits and programs, like our Third Grade Habitats Field Trips, which serve 1,800 students each year. 

“This event is the perfect opportunity to visit one of our beautiful preserves and meet other like-minded, nature-loving community members, while supporting the environment and education,” said Ann Van Leer, Executive Director. “Our hope is to expand our educational programs to 

engage more schools, students, and families in North County so we can all work together in preserving critical habitats along the Escondido Creek watershed.”

Also at the event, the Conservancy will showcase the new Swenerton Education Center, recently unveiled on August 15. Named in honor of longtime supporter, former principal, and past Board Member, Jeff Swenerton, the Center provides a scenic outdoor space for events and hands-on learning activities about native habitats and conservation. This milestone project reflects the Conservancy’s mission to connect the community with nature and inspire future environmental stewards. 

Established in 1991, the mission of The Escondido Creek Conservancy is to preserve and restore the Escondido Creek watershed. Flowing from the mountains above Lake Wolford in Escondido to the San Elijo Lagoon and shores of Encinitas and Solana Beach, the Escondido Creek watershed encompasses over 75 square miles of land in North San Diego County. The Conservancy’s vision is to serve as a model of vibrant urban communities and viable natural ecosystems thriving together. For more information, visit escondidocreek.org.