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Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge 301 Caspian Way Imperial Beach, CA 91932 Located within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Tijuana Slough is a beautiful 1,500-acre wetland, home to many endangered birds and one endangered plant. It is located in Imperial Beach where the Tijuana River meets the sea and is southern California’s only coastal estuary not bisected by roads and rail lines. More than 370 species of birds have been recorded on the refuge and in the adjacent river valley. Endangered birds include the light-footed clapper rail, California least tern, California brown pelican, Belding’s savannah sparrow, and an endangered plant—salt marsh bird’s beak. Destined at one time to become a boat marina and restaurant complex, local citizens lobbied to have the slough and its uplands protected as a National Wildlife Refuge. Later, 2,500 acres including the refuge was established as the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of only 25 NERRs in the entire U.S. Tijuana Slough’s habitats include open water, tidal salt marsh, beach dune, riparian, vernal pool and upland surrounded by residential neighborhoods. Winter, spring and fall are good times to see large numbers of birds, but since many species are residents, visitors can often see a variety of birds in smaller numbers even in summer. Native plant gardens are best viewed in winter and spring. The award-winning Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center and native plant garden is open 7 days a week. The Center offers interactive exhibits, guided bird and nature walks along four miles of trails and a variety of education programs. |
