Ternwatchers

Dune Defenders: California Least Tern Habitat Restoration

12/10/2025 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Category

Conservation

Admission

  • Free

Location

Stony Point Nesting Preserve
32°46'18.8"N 117°13'41.2"W
Mission Bay, CA

Summary

Join us for a weekday opportunity to help with meaningful conservation work! These events will combine meaningful conservation work with a strong sense of community. Whether you're reconnecting with a favorite activity or joining us for the first time, all are welcome.

Description

Dune Defenders: Coastal Habitat Restoration in Mission Bay

Join the San Diego Bird Alliance’s Dune Defenders to help restore vital coastal dune habitat and support the nesting grounds of the California Least Tern, one of Mission Bay's most iconic and endangered seabirds.

Volunteers will assist with habitat restoration activities such as removing invasive vegetation, maintaining native plant communities, and occassionally perform other land management tasks.

No experience is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands sandy! All tools, gloves and guidance will be provided. Come prepared in close-toed shoes and bring a water bottle.

📍 Location: Varies weekly/monthly within Mission Bay 
🗓️ When: Weekly on most Wednesdays starting November 5 through the end of March. Check event calendar ahead of time for future dates.
👥 Who: Open to all ages and experience levels
📧 Sign up: Email csantamaria@sandiegobirdalliance.org to join the Dune Defenders mailing list and receive updates

DIRECTIONS TO STONY POINT

Meeting location: 32°46'18.8"N 117°13'41.2"W

Park at the Fiesta Island Dog Park (32°46'38.8"N 117°13'23.6"W)

  • Drive onto Fiesta Island. Keep left at the fork. You’ll cut across a bit of the island, and then emerge on the other side where you will be forced to turn left.
  • After turning left, look for a parking lot next to the Fiesta Island Dog Park on your right. Park there (this is outside of the entrance to the dog park). If you end up at the Fiesta Island Youth Camp, you are in the wrong place and will need to continue around the island until you approach the dog park.
  • Once parked, walk through the gates into the dog park. Keep the water on your right hand side and walk all the way to the end of the dog park. It will be about a 5-10 min walk.
  • You will come to a chain link buffer fence nearing the nesting preserve where the gate will be open.
  • Continue walking until you reach the nesting preserve gate and meeting location.

Learn more: Help save the endangered California Least Tern.