Tijuana
Slough NWR 
Home
to many endangered birds and one endangered plant, this beautiful
1051 acre wetland where the Tijuana River meets the sea is southern
California's only coastal lagoon not bisected by roads and rail
lines. The refuge is also part of the Tijuana River National Estuarine
Research Reserve, one of only 26 NERRs in the entire U.S.
Over 370 species of birds have been recorded on the refuge and in
the adjacent river valley. The endangered California Least Tern,
Least Bell's Vireo, California Brown Pelican, Light-footed Clapper
Rail and an endangered plant, Salt Marsh Bird's Beak can all be
found on the refuge. The Western Snowy Plover, a threatened species,
is a year round resident and nests on refuge beaches.
Tijuana Slough's habitats include open water, tidal salt marsh,
beach dune, riparian, vernal pool and upland surrounded by residential
neighborhoods.
Hours of Operation
The award-winning Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center is open to the
public Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the native plant garden is open 7 days a
week. The Center offers the “Tijuana Estuary Explorer”
education program, interactive exhibits, guided bird and nature
walks along four miles of trails, research, Junior Ranger and many
other programs for people of all ages. Refuge trails are open daily
from sunrise to sunset. For information, please call (619) 575-2704
or (619) 575-3613.
All
photos this page courtesy of Phil Roullard
