Based on statistics by Land Manager Chris Peregrin, in 2011 the Tijuana Estuary received help from 77 volunteers reaching an estimated 4,000 hours in volunteer work, equivalent to two full-time employees. Since the estuary is a nonprofit organization, they receive no funding for the maintenance of this precious natural reserve.

Southwestern College Environmentalist Club President Joahna Ortiz said that her advisor is planning volunteer work for the club to do at the Tijuana Estuary for next semester.

Shade West, 18, a high school student at Mar Vista High says she has been volunteering for four years at the estuary working in the Visitor Center and giving tours. She is also a Jr. Ranger educating kids from 7 to 12 years old. She said that it is a great place to enjoy the wild and to learn about the different animals.

“The estuary is important because its home to endangered animals,” she said. “It’s also a big nesting ground for different species.”

Volunteer Joan Brooks said that she enjoys observing the plants grow over time learning what it does and how it works. She has worked at the estuary for five years teaching the public about the natural reserve and why it is important.

“The estuary preserves wildlife so that the plants and animals can survive,” she said. “I am very happy to see the agave plant, that has recently been put, grow so big.”

Cristina Arana and Jane Allen are also volunteers as participants in the Mountain Assistance Unit Program where they ride their horses to patrol the reserve’s trails. Arana said that it is great riding and seeing the different flowers while on patrol.

“It’s a great place for the kids to learn about the plants and animals,” she said.

Lisa Cox, an official staff member in Outreach for Fish and Wildlife said the ecology that exists in the watersheds act like a natural recycling center for water. It is important to also know that the watershed works as a filter that prevents polluted water from entering the ocean. Cox also interprets the role of a park ranger making sure the visitors respect the reserve. She said that she enjoys caring for the natural reserve and dedicates most of her time watching over it.

“I am happy with my career, it feels good to connect people with the wildlife,” she said. “Its important for people to learn everything about the watershed.”

On April 19, the Tijuana Estuary celebrated its 30 year anniversary with an 80s theme party. All of the Estuary volunteers were invited and received awards in appreciation for their hard work, dressed up in their 80s outfits.

Stewardship Coordinator and Land Manager Chris Peregrin shared his gratitude by speaking on their behalf and rewarding them for the hours they put into maintaining the wetlands. He said that its great how the volunteers apply advocacy in the volunteer program as they share everything they learn with the public.

“I appreciate the time and hard work that each of them put into preserving the land and helping restore the natural plant species that live here,” he said.

Friends of Wildlife Refuges Board Member Dick Pilgrim, 73, a volunteer in the stewardship program has been involved for five years. He said that he is really proud of the center where he helped restore native plants by battling out the invasive ones that cause the destruction of the native species. He also said that the scent of fresh air keeps bringing him back.

“The Estuary provides a big wide open space for us to breathe, all you have to do is stop and take a deep breath,” he said. “ It is a beautiful area and the smell is great.”