This fall and winter, the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (ICR) will be planting 1,000 prickly pear cactus south of Lake Hodges at Bernardo Bay in partnership with the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department, River Park JPA, and the Conservancy. The project will expand potential habitat for the declining Coastal Cactus Wren. Once planting is complete, ICR will begin propagating plants for future restoration efforts by collecting cactus pads from Lake Hodges and the Safari Park’s Biodiversity Reserve.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you are interested in helping restore critical habitat for Cactus Wren, we’re looking for volunteers! Volunteer activities are scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays starting this November through March 2017. It’s a great opportunity to learn about native plants and help build healthy habitat for our local wildlife.

For more information, please contact ICR Research Associate Ryan Fitch at rfitch@sandiegozoo.org.