Canyon Day and Canyon Classroom 2022
Due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns, 2022 Canyon Day and Canyon Classroom will not be held as an in-person activities. Community members are highly encouraged to enjoy and explore the canyon safety and be good stewards of the environment.
- Please refer to our Canyon Safety webpage
- Please visit our Community Partners webpages for more info.
Canyon Day
Since we cannot gather together to clean Tecolote Canyon this year, in the spirit of Canyon Day, participants will be cleaning their own local neighborhood or canyon to help keep San Diego clean and pollution free.
About
Canyon Day is an annual canyon clean-up hosted by Mesa College in conjunction with the City of San Diego and Park Rangers from the Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center. Students, faculty, and staff from Mesa College, along with members of the broader community join together to clean a section of Tecolote Canyon and the nature trails adjacent to the college. We remove trash, debris and non-native plants, to improve the environment and quality of the trails. Canyon Day is recommended for 8 years and older. Everyone is welcome to participate and refreshments will be provided. Volunteers will also receive a FREE commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last). Students can earn up to 4 hours of community service hours for participating.
Canyon Classroom is a free family-friendly educational outreach event with interactive educational booths and activities, designed to inform elementary and middle school children about the wonderful environmental and recreational resources in Tecolote Canyon. A limited number of Canyon tours will also be conducted once the canyon is cleaned. Canyon Classroom is supported by students and staff in Mesa’s teacher education program. Canyon Classroom is all-ages and family friendly. Young attendees will receive a free give-away item (while supplies last). Students can earn up to 4 hours of community service hours for participating.
To participate in Canyon Classroom 2023 or to get more information, please Contact: Waverly Ray (wray@sdccd.edu) and Laurie Lorence (llorence@sdccd.edu)
Goals
In collaboration with representatives of the various communities surrounding Mesa
College, create an opportunity for community collaboration focusing on outreach, education
and awareness of conservation of the environment and preservation of Tecolote Canyon.
Community and College Partners
San Diego Mesa College appreciates all of our campus and community partners who help
support Canyon Day each year either via cash donations, in-kind donations or volunteerism.
Canyon Day at San Diego Mesa College was conceived of in 2007, and created in 2008
at the recommendation of then District 6 City Councilmember Donna Frye. We appreciate
her vision, contributions and participation in this annual event.
Partners
San Diego Mesa College
City of San Diego Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center
City of San Diego Park and Recreation
Nature Links
City of San Diego Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center
Canyon Day Committee
Canyon Day Co-Chairs: Jennifer Nichols Kearns, Director of Communications, and Lorenze Legaspi, V.P. of
Administrative Services
City of San Diego Park Rangers: Steven Smith, Sr. Park Ranger, City of San Diego
Canyon Classroom Co-chairs: Prof. Laurie Lorence, Teacher Education Program, and Prof. Waverly Ray, Geography
Members: Waverly Ray, Laurie Lorence, Jacqueline Collins, Ailene Crakes, Agustin Rivera, Ryan Shumaker, Michael Fitzgerald, Gilda Maldonado, Steven Smith, Ramiro Hernandez, Jennifer Park, Karla Trutna, Vanndaro Chhum, Shawn Fawcett, Dean Leavitt, Katlin Choi, Anabel Pulido and Hai Duong.
Honorary Members: Pamela Luster, President, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Community College District, Chris Manis, Vice Chancellor, Facilities.
Contact Information
Jennifer Nichols Kearns
Chair and Media Contact
jnkearns@sdccd.edu
Partnership and/or Business Sponsorship Opportunities
Contacts:
Jennifer Nichols Kearns
Director of Communications
Canyon Day Chair and Media Contact
jnkearns@sdccd.edu
Krista Stellmacher
Director of Resource Development
San Diego Mesa College
kstellmacher@sdccd.edu