For more than 25 years, one dedicated group of volunteers has worked to preserve, protect and enhance one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern California coast, the Batiquitos Lagoon.
The ecological reserve and associated watershed is looked after by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, which also runs the lagoon's nature center. The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization is involved in programs to educate the public in the values of this natural environment and the habitats it provides.
The lagoon, which is located in Carlsbad, consists of 610 acres with a drainage basin of about 55,000 acres. The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Fred Sandquist, president of the foundation, to learn more about the organization's work to care for the coastal salt marsh.
CBJ: What is the foundation's mission?
Sandquist: We help maintain a year-round tidally flushed lagoon and promote healthy water quality that supports a salt marsh habitat. The foundation also promotes implementation of a strong monitoring plan that ensures a healthy habitat for plants, fish, birds and other wildlife. We educate the public by promoting awareness of the environmental features and public benefits of the lagoon and wetlands. We work with private individuals, groups and government agencies to develop programs for ongoing monitoring, continuing conservation and restoration of the lagoon habitat. Our mission is also to preserve land in the lagoon watershed for habitat preservation, watershed management, public access, hiking trails, view point parks, educational opportunities and scientific research.
CBJ: What can you tell me about the lagoon that most people don't know?
Sandquist: We have over 180 species of birds, with typically 60 species viewable at any time. There are more than 20 species of fish in Batiquitos Lagoon at any point in time. The term Batiquitos means little watering hole in Spanish. The lagoon is tidally flushed, with fresh water flowing in via San Marcos Creek to the east and Encinitas Creek from the south. There are 13 trail heads along the lagoon's north shore for public access.
CBJ: How has your foundation helped the lagoon since it was established?
Sandquist: We have become recognized for our public walks and talks that our docents give. We also have provided specialized, environmentally-focused programs for local schools, augmenting their in-class environmental and sciences programs with in-field experiences. We have completed many invasive plant removal and native plant restoration programs with our community-based cadre of volunteers. In July of 2008, we successfully completed the acquisition of the former Mitsuuchi Property, an 18.2-acre piece of wetland, riparian and coastal sage habitat. The foundation holds the title to this $2.4 million property and assumed the role of landowner and open space steward.
CBJ: Why are the services the foundation provides needed?
Sandquist: Ensuring that the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve and associated watershed remains healthy requires constant attention. Public education on the environment also is an ongoing need. The foundation has earned a reputation as a solid steward and advocate for this Carlsbad and North County natural treasure. As one of a few tidally flushed coastal estuaries, it is vitally important to keep it healthy and ensure a proper balance between the natural flora and fauna and the public's interest in access and recreational use. We also have to be a public advocate when development threatens to impact the lagoon and associated watershed.
CBJ: What is unique about the foundation?
Sandquist: We have been extremely successful in sustaining our membership and volunteer base, and at getting grants to support our mission and programs.
CBJ: What needs does the nonprofit have?
Sandquist: Sustained financial support through corporate/business sponsors, grants and donations; expansion of our membership and volunteer base and more participation in our volunteer program opportunities.
CBJ: How can people get involved?
Sandquist: As a volunteer or member and by participating in our many programs. We have a tiered membership dues structure that ranges from $15 to $500.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of the foundation?
Sandquist: We have a number of significant existing and upcoming grants for expanding our trail system, invasive plant removal and restoration and upgrading our nature center, we are doubling its size and expect the project to be complete in the fall of 2010. Our future is very bright and we expect to grow significantly, both financially and through expanded membership.
CBJ: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sandquist: Upcoming key events include Lagoon Day July 18 with a Native American theme, our annual Kayak Clean-up fundraiser on Sept. 26-27, our twice monthly public walks and talks, our first and third Saturday weed-whacking/trail maintenance volunteer work events and Carlsbad's Club Pelican, which is July 27-31 and Aug. 3-7.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation:
7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad
(760) 931-0800
www.batiquitosfoundation.org
The ecological reserve and associated watershed is looked after by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, which also runs the lagoon's nature center. The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization is involved in programs to educate the public in the values of this natural environment and the habitats it provides.
The lagoon, which is located in Carlsbad, consists of 610 acres with a drainage basin of about 55,000 acres. The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Fred Sandquist, president of the foundation, to learn more about the organization's work to care for the coastal salt marsh.
CBJ: What is the foundation's mission?
Sandquist: We help maintain a year-round tidally flushed lagoon and promote healthy water quality that supports a salt marsh habitat. The foundation also promotes implementation of a strong monitoring plan that ensures a healthy habitat for plants, fish, birds and other wildlife. We educate the public by promoting awareness of the environmental features and public benefits of the lagoon and wetlands. We work with private individuals, groups and government agencies to develop programs for ongoing monitoring, continuing conservation and restoration of the lagoon habitat. Our mission is also to preserve land in the lagoon watershed for habitat preservation, watershed management, public access, hiking trails, view point parks, educational opportunities and scientific research.
CBJ: What can you tell me about the lagoon that most people don't know?
Sandquist: We have over 180 species of birds, with typically 60 species viewable at any time. There are more than 20 species of fish in Batiquitos Lagoon at any point in time. The term Batiquitos means little watering hole in Spanish. The lagoon is tidally flushed, with fresh water flowing in via San Marcos Creek to the east and Encinitas Creek from the south. There are 13 trail heads along the lagoon's north shore for public access.
CBJ: How has your foundation helped the lagoon since it was established?
Sandquist: We have become recognized for our public walks and talks that our docents give. We also have provided specialized, environmentally-focused programs for local schools, augmenting their in-class environmental and sciences programs with in-field experiences. We have completed many invasive plant removal and native plant restoration programs with our community-based cadre of volunteers. In July of 2008, we successfully completed the acquisition of the former Mitsuuchi Property, an 18.2-acre piece of wetland, riparian and coastal sage habitat. The foundation holds the title to this $2.4 million property and assumed the role of landowner and open space steward.
CBJ: Why are the services the foundation provides needed?
Sandquist: Ensuring that the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve and associated watershed remains healthy requires constant attention. Public education on the environment also is an ongoing need. The foundation has earned a reputation as a solid steward and advocate for this Carlsbad and North County natural treasure. As one of a few tidally flushed coastal estuaries, it is vitally important to keep it healthy and ensure a proper balance between the natural flora and fauna and the public's interest in access and recreational use. We also have to be a public advocate when development threatens to impact the lagoon and associated watershed.
CBJ: What is unique about the foundation?
Sandquist: We have been extremely successful in sustaining our membership and volunteer base, and at getting grants to support our mission and programs.
CBJ: What needs does the nonprofit have?
Sandquist: Sustained financial support through corporate/business sponsors, grants and donations; expansion of our membership and volunteer base and more participation in our volunteer program opportunities.
CBJ: How can people get involved?
Sandquist: As a volunteer or member and by participating in our many programs. We have a tiered membership dues structure that ranges from $15 to $500.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of the foundation?
Sandquist: We have a number of significant existing and upcoming grants for expanding our trail system, invasive plant removal and restoration and upgrading our nature center, we are doubling its size and expect the project to be complete in the fall of 2010. Our future is very bright and we expect to grow significantly, both financially and through expanded membership.
CBJ: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sandquist: Upcoming key events include Lagoon Day July 18 with a Native American theme, our annual Kayak Clean-up fundraiser on Sept. 26-27, our twice monthly public walks and talks, our first and third Saturday weed-whacking/trail maintenance volunteer work events and Carlsbad's Club Pelican, which is July 27-31 and Aug. 3-7.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation:
7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad
(760) 931-0800
www.batiquitosfoundation.org