What is the Tijuana River National Probers of the Mudflat Cold Blooded Critters Estuarine Research Reserve? Tijuana River

Encompassing 2,500 acres, the Tijuana Estuary Over 40 species of shorebirds visit the National Estuarine What do snakes, alligators, and turtles is the endpoint of the Tijuana River watershed, Tijuana Estuary while journeying along have in common? They’re all reptiles consisting of Border Field State Park, the Research Reserve the pacific flyway, and the mudflats are which means “things that creep.” Map Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, their all-you-can-eat buffet. Play the local reptiles, play “Life as a Lizard, “ and Navy lands, San Diego County property, and feeding game, observe shorebirds in ac- become an expert on reptile behavior. San Diego City property. Designated as a tion, or build-a-bird. Research Reserve by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it is one of 28 Reserves in the country devoted to education and research. The Reserve is managed Scales, Tails, and Kumeyaay Ways of cooperatively by the California Department of Operculums Life Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Fish &

Wildlife Service. Have you ever seen the jumping fish of What importance do willow, jojoba, San Diego bays and estuaries? Did you buckwheat, and sage have to the native know estuaries are important nurseries for people of the region? Learn a little about many fish like halibut? Make a fish print, the Kumeyaay ways of life through a pin-the-fin on the fish, or go fishing for fun plant walk, crafts, a story, or games. fish facts.

What’s the Danger in Hands On Activities! The Beach Beyond Being Endangered?

Kelp, sanderlings, shells, crabs, sand, You don’t have to go to the zoo to see waves and more make up the beach endangered species. San Diego County Directions to the Visitor Center: environment. Study sand crabs, imitate has more than any other area of its size in From I-5, exit Coronado Avenue in Imperial Beach hungry shorebirds, or learn where sand the continental U.S. Clapper rails and and head west. Around 13th Street, Coronado comes from. least terns are just a few found at the re- Avenue will become Imperial Beach Blvd. Turn left onto 3rd Street, then left onto Caspian Way, (Meets at IB Blvd. & Seacoast Dr.) serve. Find out why and how you can which leads into the parking lot. help, play Jeopardy, or go for a walk.

Pollution & Solutions Explore Local Habitats! Here Come the

Natives! Did you know that 1 gallon of motor oil

can pollute one million gallons of water? Native plants that is! Native plants pro- Find out what simple everyday things you vide habitat that our local wildlife need. Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center can do to help prevent pollution and re- Play a game, destroy weeds, and plant 301 Caspian Way duce our impact on climate change. natives. If you like to dig, pull, and get Imperial Beach, California 91932 Play Gagging on Garbage, visit a storm dirty, this program is for you! drain, or make recycled instruments. 619.575.3613 • www.trnerr.org What is Junior Rangers? Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve “Junior Rangers” gather at more than 70 state parks from the redwood region, to the 2015 Jr. Ranger Calendar high sierra, to the sunny Southern California beaches. Children ages 7 to 12 are invit- ed to take part in this exciting program, designed to help them discover the rich nat- ural and cultural heritage preserved in parks.

1 2 8 9 At Tijuana Estuary, the Jr. Ranger Program takes place every Thursday from 3:30- 15 16 4:30pm with different topics presented at each session. Estuarine ecology, natural 22 23 29 30 and cultural history, plants, and wildlife are among the subjects likely to be explored. Jr. Rangers earn awards such as pins, certificates, and patches as they progress through the program. The Jr. Ranger Program is offered free of charge. Each Jr. Ranger must be signed up by a parent or guardian and can do so at the beginning 5 6 of any program. 12 13 19 20 26 27 3 Everybody’s Some- 5 3 Wonderful Wetlands! 12 10 body’s Lunch 19 17 26 24 Did you know that wetlands are found Ever thought about what a clapper rail worldwide and are one of the richest eats, or what eats a clapper rail? Discov- habitats, just as rich as a tropical rainfor- er how living things are connected est? Learn why wetlands are so im- through food webs. Examine plankton 2 1 9 8 portant, play Marsh Metaphors, create up close, try to catch fish like a heron 16 15 your own wetland and munch on part of does, and play the Predator-Prey game. 23 22 a mudflat. 30 29

5 7 12 14 19 Accumulators, Incredible Inverts! 21 26 Excreters, & Excluders 28 Backbone or no backbone, that is the What do you think would happen if you question. Discover the variety of estuary watered your plants with salt water? Salt invertebrates. Go for an insect walk, dig 4 3 11 10 water is a harsh environment for most through stinky wetland mud, and dissect 18 17 plants but salt marsh plants are up to the a common wetland invertebrate. 20 24 25 challenge. Play plant bingo, become a botanist, and restore marsh habitat.

Dates & lessons are subject to change. Please call 619.575.3613 to confirm information.