Head outdoors this Friday, Nov. 24 for “Green Friday”. County Parks and Recreation is again hosting the annual holiday to encourage more quality time together outside on the day after Thanksgiving.
Parking fees will be waived that day so visitors can picnic, play and explore 380 miles of trails at dozens of County parks without worrying about fees!
So go green. Plan your own adventure or attend one of several events planned throughout the holiday weekend. Events are active, educational and open to residents and visitors of all ages, interests and abilities.
Fitness and Educational Events
Mountain Biking with a Ranger
Noon – 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24
Morrison Pond County Preserve, 5102 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902 | 619-472-7572
Join a ranger-led mountain bike ride along the river, through the picturesque Sweetwater Valley. BYOB (bike) for this wheeled adventure, which will include safety information and fun facts about the land and local wildlife.
Star Party
6 – 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24
Sycamore Canyon (Highway 67 Staging Area), 13898 CA-67, Lakeside, CA 92040 | 858-513-4737
Join park rangers and the San Diego Astronomy Association for an evening of stargazing and out-of-this-world educational fun. Peer through giant telescopes to learn about the planets and stars above. Warm clothing and flashlights are encouraged. If you plan to stay for 2 hours, pack chairs and blankets. Inclement weather will cancel.
Junior Rangers: Trees and Leaves
2 – 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25
Potrero County Park 24800 Potrero Park Drive, Potrero, CA 91963 | 619-478-5212
Learn about the seeds, leaves and the many parts of trees! Make a craft or a gift for our feathered friends while discovering the creatures that make their homes in and around roots, trunks and branches. This hands-on, all supplies provided workshop is designed for youth ages 5 to 12.
Kumeyaay Nature Hike
4 – 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25
Potrero County Park 24800 Potrero Park Drive, Potrero, CA 91963 | 619-478-5212
During this short hike along the Nature Trail, a ranger will discuss the Kumeyaay People who lived on this land many years ago, and the many native plants and animals that inhabit the park.
Volunteer Opportunities
Get your hands dirty while having fun and exercising your green thumb Thanksgiving weekend. There are more than a dozen opportunities to volunteer to plant trees in local parks.
Please note that days and times are subject to change. Inclement weather will cancel.
Friday, Nov. 24
- Planting at Heritage County Park
- Tree Planting at Barnett Ranch County Preserve
- Tree Planting at Dos Picos County Park
- Tree Planting at Louis A. Stelzer County Park
- Tree Planting at San Dieguito County Park
- Tree Planting at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
- Tree Planting at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
Saturday, Nov. 25
- Tree Planting at Eucalyptus County Park
- Tree Planting at Goodan Ranch Visitor Center
- Tree Planting at Louis A. Stelzer County Park
- Tree Planting at Live Oak County Park
- Tree Planting at Rancho Guajome Adobe
- Climate Action Day at Otay Valley Regional Park
Sunday, Nov. 26
