REI Sponsors Local Non-Profit Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek with Grant
Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek, an independent, not-for-profit, environmental business that works within the Chollas Creek area, has been awarded a $5,000 grant by REI, a national outdoor retail co-op committed to connecting people with nature. The grant will support the Cactus Wren Restoration Project. The project enables 120 students to plant, monitor and help maintain Chollas Creek upland and open space in southeast San Diego.
The grant will make possible programs lead by adult mentors and volunteers, who will support students involved with the habitat restoration project. The students, who attend Millennial Tech Middle School, will participate in outdoor hiking, planting and species monitoring field trips. They will be part of a larger neighborhood volunteer backyard habitat effort, as well as the California Natural Conservation Communities Program to repopulate the cactus wren in creek and canyon areas.
Amid a tremendous loss of habitat throughout San Diego County due to wildfires, Southeast San Diego’s Encanto and Radio canyons provide a home for the cactus wren.
“It is crucial for students to understand the importance of conserving our natural resources, and REI applauds Groundwork’s efforts to engage youth in active conservation and experiential learning at an early age,” said Peter Streit, grant program manager for REI. “We’re thrilled to support Groundwork San Diego in raising local awareness and encouraging scientific exploration.”
Initiated in late 2009, the Cactus Wren Restoration Project was launched by Groundwork San Diego Chollas Creek to rehabilitate nearly 75 acres of cactus-wren friendly canyonland near Market Street in Encanto.
The goal of the program is to not only learn more about the coastal cactus wren and improve the quality of the habitat for this small brown and white bird, but also to connect the community with nature through hard work, learning and collaboration.
REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions. The grant is the result of a nomination made by the REI San Diego store.
Founded in 2007, Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek works in partnership with the City of San Diego and the Chollas Creek communities of Southeastern San Diego to improve the environment, economy and quality of life there. With the assistance of students, families, businesses, and partner organizations, Groundwork restores creek and open space, tracks and saves species, and provides educational outreach around conservation, clean water, and climate challenge issues. Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek is part of the Groundwork USA national network of trusts, in partnership with EPA and National park Service.