REGION — The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy is accepting enrollments for the 2024-25 season of Exploring Our Sense of Place, a program of excursions that dives into the watershed’s natural history and enables participants to connect with local nature.
In a series of seven guided hikes, the program’s participants, or “explorers,” will venture into areas that are not accessible to the public. Guides who are experts in the fields of wildlife, geology, indigenous culture, birds, native plants and ecology of wetlands will provide information and conversations on such topics during the hikes.
Each hike also includes a “reflection time” for explorers to encourage their own connections with nature.
The program ends with a graduation luncheon at San Dieguito Lagoon.
To date, more than 275 explorers have graduated from the Exploring Our Sense of Place program, and many of them continue to participate in alumni hikes and educational experiences.
Years ago, Mark Hennenfent participated in the program with his wife. The couple enjoyed it so much, they signed up as volunteers for the next session. Mark has gone on to become a co-administrator of the program and a member of the Conservancy’s board of directors.
“We enjoy meeting new people while continuously learning and exploring the amazing San Dieguito watershed,” Hennenfent said. “We are blessed to have such great experts joining us on the hikes. The experience is truly unique and enriching.”
To enroll in Exploring our Sense of Place, visit https://sites.google.com/a/exploringoursenseofplace.org/exploringoursenseofplace/.
Enrollment is capped at 25 people and closes Aug. 7.
