“Urban refuge” might sound like an oxymoron. But here at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, that’s precisely what we are. This unique refuge plays a vital role in protecting a rich diversity of species. These species include endangered, threatened, migratory, and native ones. They all thrive amidst a highly urbanized coastal environment.
Established to protect endangered and threatened species, the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 2,620 acres of land and water in and around San Diego Bay.
Did you know that the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is actually made up of two units? There’s the Sweetwater Marsh Unit and the South San Diego Bay Unit. Sweetwater Marsh, established in 1988, is 316 acres. The South San Diego Bay Unit, dedicated in 1999, covers 2,300 acres.
Let’s step back in time for a moment at the Sweetwater Marsh Unit. The Kumeyaay peoples used this area for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Fast forward to World War I. A 30-acre kelp processing plant was here. It produced potash, a key ingredient in smokeless gunpowder, for the British Army. This area is now known as “Gunpowder Point.”
Today, Sweetwater Marsh supports the California least tern, Western snowy plover, osprey, and belted kingfisher. It is also home to Palmer’s frankenia. This rare salt marsh plant is found in few other places.
Perhaps one of the refuge’s most remarkable achievements is its breeding program for the endangered light-footed Ridgway’s rail. Carried out with the Living Coast Discovery Center, Sea World San Diego, and the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. Hundreds of these rails have been reared and released into the wild.
The South San Diego Bay Unit is located at the southernmost tip of the San Diego Bay. It’s within the cities of Imperial Beach, Coronado, National City, and San Diego.
Eelgrass beds and the largest mudflat in southern California thrive here. They are a vital food source for overwintering waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, and migrating Pacific green sea turtles. This unit also provides nesting habitat for thousands of seabirds. You might spot the California least tern, Belding’s savannah sparrow, and western snowy plover.
The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is not just a haven for wildlife. It’s a place for people to connect with nature. You can birdwatch, walk, or bike along the bay. Monthly tours of the refuge are also available. The refuge also serves as an outdoor classroom for environmental education programs.
Remember the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a place where wildlife and people can thrive together.