Thank you to all who made Love Your Wetlands Day a huge success

Over 1,300 attendees gathered for the 20th anniversary of Love Your Wetlands Day on Saturday, February 1st, hosted by UC San Diego Natural Reserve System and San Diego Bird Alliance in partnership with the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

We are grateful to the many people who made this event possible. Local leaders started the day by giving speeches about the importance of wetlands. Scientists from throughout the southern California and Baja California region shared their research findings, including one session of Spanish-language science talks. Marsh walk leaders guided volunteers along the edge of the marsh to pick up trash and representatives from Kumeyaay Community College taught traditional tule boat construction techniques. Thirty eight environmental community organizations engaged kids and adults in activities at their booths. Kayaking guides led trash cleanup efforts from the water, and educational fish seining efforts revealed what lies beneath the water's surface. Volunteers participated in a community mural, and dancers and musicians shared their talents as well.

We appreciate everyone who shared their love of wetlands this year. Thank you for celebrating this amazing ecosystem with us. Find the full write up and more photos at UC San Diego Today. 

Meet our team of UC San Diego undergraduates assisting in community engagement thanks to the support of the Roy Little Fellowship. 

Interview with Lilian Nguyen

What is your year and major? Third year in Environmental Systems: Ecology Behavior, Evolution (EBE) & Marine Biology

Your hometown? Orange County

What led you to pursue environmental systems?
My interest in environmental studies started in elementary school where my teacher allowed us to pursue any type of scientific project and helped guide me towards natural sciences. After doing a deep dive into environmental sciences, I knew right then and there that this was a field that I wanted to pursue. 

Why EBE and Marine Biology?
I was always fascinated by the evolution of animals and their certain behaviors that allowed them to better survive natural selection. Even more so, marine animals and their adaptations to the ocean itself was always an area of curiosity for me. Only once I entered university did I realize that I could pursue both areas of interest rather than picking one. 

Why did you want to work with the NRS?
During my first quarter at UCSD I took an introductory biology lab course that took us on this field trip to Scripps Coastal Reserve and only after learning that UC San Diego ran four of these reserves, I was keen on finding a way to join the NRS and help manage these beautiful ecosystems that hold great importance to the ecosystem. 

What is a fun fact about you?
I have two older brothers and also do photography. 

Main Goal to achieve this year?
My main goal is to help out with the reserves as much as possible and try to get more people to come to NRS.