Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Eagle Mesa features the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, two amazingly powerful birds. In this area you can learn about bird flight, how these big raptors hunt their prey and more. The Center also has a Raptor Row, which focuses on native birds of prey that were injured and would be unable to survive on their own. Visitors to Raptor Row will see several kinds of hawks, owls, falcon, kestrel and even a turkey vulture. The Nature Center’s location in the National Wildlife Refuge means that the area attracts an abundance of shorebirds that thrive in the area where salt water and fresh water mix. The Shorebird Aviary focuses on education of endangered birds, including the Light-Footed Clapper Rail. Other birds that can be seen include egrets, mergansers, ducks, oyster catchers, ibis and more. There are 1.5 miles of walking trails which go from the Nature Center to San Diego Bay. Because San Diego has such a mild climate, this trail is lovely year round. The trail will take you past some historical remnants, including the foundation of the gunpowder factory that used to stand on the aptly-named Gunpowder Point. The Hercules Powder Plant Company took kelp from the bay and processed it into acetone. The resulting acetone was exported to Europe where it was used to make explosives that were used by the British in World War I There are also remnants of the railroad that delivered the kelp to gunpowder factory. Trail walkers will also be delighted by the shorebirds, raptors and rabbits and more. Feel free to bring food and snacks to the Nature Center and make a day of it. They also sell some snacks and beverages at the gift shop. Be sure to bring sunscreen and binoculars if you plan to walk the nature trail. Don’t forget the camera to take photos of the little one (and big kids too) petting the rays and sharks. A light windbreaker is a good idea too, since the winds can pick up along the bay.

Chula Vista Nature Center Eagle Mesa

Chula Vista Nature

The Chula Vista Nature Center is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is currently $11 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students and children. Children under 3 are free. There is always plenty of staff, including volunteer docents who are on hand to make your visit a fun one. In addition to the typical day visits, the Nature Center runs a variety of programs, including arts and craft session, composting workshops, day camps, docent training program, bird tours, overnight stays and also kayaking opportunities. Getting There: From I-5 take the E Street exit in Chula Vista and head west. Follow the signs to the parking area at 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive. The Nature Center is accessed by a shuttle that runs from the main parking lot to the center every 15 minutes. A shuttle system is used since the Nature Center is located in the wildlife refuge. This keeps extra auto traffic and noise from disrupting the sensitive habitats. The shuttle can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. If you prefer to take public transit, the San Diego Trolley stops at the Bayfront/E Street station and the Nature Center shuttle will pick you up at the trolley stop. You will just need to call the Nature Center at 619-409-5900 to request the pick up once you arrive at the station. Chula Vista Nature Center 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive Chula Vista, Ca. 91910

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