Nature Collective has been working to protect San Diego’s wild spaces for 40 years. This October, they’re opening up a lineup of free events that includes a guided wildlife tour at San Elijo Lagoon, a casual open house with their team, volunteer opportunities for all ages, and a full fall festival in Del Mar.

Everything’s free, but most events require registration.

Coffee on the Observation Deck With the CEO

CEO Jennifer Bright and key Nature Collective staff will be at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center’s Observation Deck for an open-house-style morning. The Coffee + Connections event is a low-key way to learn what Nature Collective is working on, meet the people behind it, and connect with others who care about the coast. Ages 9 and up, registration required.

📆 Friday, October 9 | 9 AM – 11 AM
🎟️ RSVP here

Migratory Birds, Pickleweed, and the Tiny Insect That Dyes Your Lipstick Red

The Wildlife Tour at San Elijo Lagoon takes autumn seriously. While the pickleweed turns rose-colored and the cottonwoods go gold, guides lead participants through one of the more unusual stops on the trail: searching prickly pear cactus for cochineal, a tiny insect that produces the brilliant red dye known as carminic acid – used in everything from lipstick to yogurt to artist paints.

The event is weather permitting, ages 15 and up, and the meet-up location is shared ahead of time.

📆 Saturday, October 10 | 9 AM – 11 AM
🎟️ Reserve your spot here

Remove Invasive Plants, Grow Native Ones, and Actually Make a Difference

For those ready to get their hands in the dirt, Nature Collective is hosting a Volunteer Restoration Event at San Elijo Lagoon – removing invasive plants and helping grow native species to support a more balanced ecosystem.

It’s open to ages 6 and up, with guardians required for minors.

New to volunteering with Nature Collective? Two virtual Volunteer Orientations in October are the place to start – open to ages 16 and up, they cover the different roles available, how to get involved, and what to expect. Login instructions are sent after completing the volunteer application.

📆 Volunteer Restoration: October 10 & 17 , 9 AM – 12 PM | October 16, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
ℹ️ RSVP: October 10 | October 16 | October 17

Live Animal Encounters, a Costume Parade, and $5 Parking in Del Mar

The Fall Festival is the big one. All ages are welcome at San Dieguito County Park in Del Mar for a morning of nature crafts, a costume parade, and live animal encounters.

Nature Collective’s Discovery Booths cover some of the most interesting local subjects around – native plants with clever adaptations to San Diego’s hot summers, and the creatures hiding in tide pools along the coast.

The festival is free, sponsored by San Diego Parks and Recreation and supported by Nature Collective. On-site parking is $5, with free street parking available nearby. Bring a reusable bottle.

📆 Sunday, October 18 | 10 AM – 1 PM
🎟️ Reserve your spot here

See you there!

Forty years in, Nature Collective is still finding new ways to get San Diego outside. Everything this October is free. All you need to bring is curiosity.

ℹ️ Visit the website here for updates

See you there, San Diego!