San Diego Wildlife Refuge Nature Walk – Sweetwater Trail Loop

San Diego Wildlife Refuge Nature Walk – Sweetwater Trail Loop
Saturday, January 18, 2025 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
11970 Singer Lane · Spring Valley, CA

The Sweetwater Trail Loop winds up from the parking lot to the entry kiosk into the National Wildlife Refuge on Millar Ranch Rd and then alongside the upland vegetation of the Sweetwater River. We’ll follow the trail among nonnative grasses and early sprouting native annuals above the river, checking out the herbs and shrubs along the way. Distinctive boulders and iconic bridges above and below the Sweetwater Dam await the group for photos of the wildlife coming out to enjoy a (hopefully) cool weather sunny day. It’ll be early for significant blooms, but the fresh air and fragrant plants will help balance out the new year’s demanding resolutions with a relaxing, slow- paced walk. The Refuge is managed by US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), and was assembled in 1996 to save this amazing collection of grasslands, sage scrub, and riparian woodlands within the Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) for the County of San Diego.

MEETING LOCATION: Park at the lot on Millar Ranch Rd immediately after turning off the Hwy 94 / Campo Rd from Rancho San Diego, OR alternatively, park at the Old Iron Bridge lot and walk across the bridge. We’ll gather here near the Sweetwater Sycamore until just after 9 am, then head up to the gate on Millar Ranch Rd to the Refuge entry HERE:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxjesfRh1wsRjAZGA

If you arrive late, you’ll be able to catch up as we head down the trail south to the first bridge, where we’ll cross and cross back to the second bridge past the dam. The loop comes back to the entry point linked above and we’ll decide along the way where to go and when. Expected return around noon, but an extra hour is given to allow for exploration and trail side talks.

DIFFICULTY: EASY to MEDIUM (Possibly muddy soils) 3.0 miles roundtrip (4.8 km)
PLANT KNOWLEDGE: Beginner to Novice, Professionals are always welcome!
REQUIRED FEES: None.
AMENITIES: Restrooms are available at nearby businesses in Rancho San Diego (3/4 mile north).
DOGS: Allowed. All dogs must stay leashed, on trail, and in control at all times.
[EXTREME TEMPS above 90oF or forecast for heavy rain or flash floods will cancel]
CARPOOL: (PLEASE RSVP or Carpool may be skipped): Possible from Fashion Valley Mall Transit Center and leaving at 8:15 am. Parking at the Transit Center parking lot is free for 24 hrs (park in the diagonal spaces only) and is patrolled by security. That being said, the same risks apply there as to regular street parking. Donations for gas are welcome, but not required. ($5 is suggested to cover gas). Return is expected by 2 pm. For anyone willing & capable of offering a separate carpool, please message the group to coordinate.