Port-Funded Project Leads to Release of Endangered Birds

Thursday, 18 June 2009
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

Sixteen endangered light-footed clapper rails were released at San Elijo Lagoon in Encinitas on June 16 as part of a captive breeding program partially funded by the Port of San Diego. The critically endangered birds were set free through a special conservation effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in San Diego, the Chula Vista Nature Center, Sea World and the Wild Animal Park.

Baby Osprey Makes Home Above Port of San Diego Tidelands

Monday, 15 June 2009
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

The Port of San Diego's Environmental Department captured images of the first Osprey chick born in special nesting platforms constructed along the tidelands. The chick is believed to be six- to eight-weeks old and has been seen interacting with its parents on the entrance road to Pepper Park in National City.

The Port's General Services Department constructed the Osprey nesting platform in April 2007. Environmental Services Assistant Director Eileen Maher said the birds were first seen on the platform back in December of 2007. They actually began nesting about year later. The chick most likely hatched sometime in late-March or early April.

Port of San Diego Tightens Taps to Conserve Water

Wednesday, 03 June 2009
Contact: John Gilmore, (619) 686-7206, Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

The Port of San Diego is taking an active role in conserving water in light of the mandatory water use restrictions implemented June 1 by the City of San Diego.

"We actually went to a Stage 2 water level in April. We started working on conservation efforts before the city mandated it," said John Kampe, Maintenance Supervisor for the Port of San Diego's General Services Department.

The first step was to replace Bermuda Grass at Spanish Landing Park with water-saving succulents and sage. Once the waterwise plants are established, it is estimated water use for the 6,600-square-foot area along the bay will be reduced by 80 percent. The main objective is to save water while creating attractive landscaping.

"In Embarcadero Marina Park South, all the brush and bushes have been removed and we put mulch in that area," said Kampe. "All the area where grass is not used, we've shut the water off to those and our intention is that as the grass dies, we'll take out the grass and put in mulch."

Interactive Map Shows Marine Life in San Diego Bay

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

The Port of San Diego is responsible for protecting the natural resources of the San Diego Bay. In a continuing effort to raise public awareness of our unique surroundings, the Port invites the public to learn more about the plants and animals of San Diego Bay using Google Earth.

The new interactive tool, which maps San Diego Bay species, allows users to explore local habitats, discover unique species and become acquainted with all the Bay has to offer.

Port of San Diego Lends Hands to Creek to Bay Cleanup

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

There's a lot less trash around San Diego Bay following the 7th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup over the weekend. On Saturday, April 25, more than 4,000 volunteers got their hands dirty at 63 cleanup sites countywide. That included the Port of San Diego's volunteer crew, which cleaned up the D Street Fill along Port tidelands in the South Bay.