The third Backyard Collective of the season brought more than 30 volunteers from San Diego based member companies Eagle Creek, Ocean Minded and STM Bags out of the office and onto the trails.  Partnering with the Escondido Creek Conservancy, based out of Escondido, California, the San Diego Backyard Collective focused on a trail building project in Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. This hard working group of volunteers built a rock trail that linked the main trailhead at Elfin Forest to the park’s interpretive center.

Jeff Anderson, Park Ranger of the Elfin Forest Recreation Reserve said this about ConservationNEXT and the San Diego Backyard Collective event:

“Through the cooperation of groups like yours who unselfishly give back to the community and environment, parks like ours are able to provide a more rewarding and inspiring experience to those who visit our great parks and open spaces.  In turn, hopefully they too will be inspired to give back after experiencing and appreciating what so many people are becoming detached from now days.  Undisturbed open space is a precious commodity in the area we live.  Your investment in the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve will touch countless others and has made our park a better place.  Thank you very much.”

After a day of hard work, volunteers were treated to a BBQ lunch, complete with beverages provided by BYC sponsor, Stone Brewing Company.

A huge thanks to Deanna Lloyd (The Forest Group), the Escondido Creek Conservancy, Eagle Creek, Ocean Minded, STM Bags, Prana, and Patagonia for providing support, raffle donations and volunteers to yet another successful Backyard Collective!

We are planning additional Backyard Collective events in Seattle, Salt Lake City, Portland, Denver, Bend, and elsewhere. Click here for details.

A pack of 10 wolves was caught on film traveling in Northeastern Oregon. Once extinct in the region, wolves were re-introduced to Central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park in 1994. A few stragglers have ventured into Oregon since then, but this is the first time a full pack has been confirmed. It’s exciting to see wolves back in the Beaver State!