SDG&E Employee Volunteers Help San Diego Audubon Prepare a Nesting Site for Endangered Least Tern

Last month, SDG&E kicked-off the first Environmental All Star event with the San Diego Audubon to help prepare a nesting site for the endangered California Least Tern at Mariner’s Point in Mission Bay Park. Employees, their family and friends gathered to clear the area of invasive weeds to improve the native coastal dune habitat that the federally-listed endangered bird uses during its breeding season.

Making a difference

With the help of SDG&E employees, over 2 acres of plants and weeds were cleared from Mariner’s Point, which would have potentially interfered with the upcoming Least Tern nesting season.

“Last year’s Environmental All Star program was a hit and our employees were looking forward to additional events this year,” said Pedro Villegas, director of community relations for SDG&E. “Our partnership with the San Diego Audubon Society is a great example of how we can work together to provide opportunities for employees to support the community in which we all live and work – we are proud to partner for a second year in a row.”

For over 20 years, in conjunction with the City of San Diego, the San Diego Audubon has led the maintenance of Mariner’s Point site in Mission Bay Park during the California Least Tern’s breeding season, typically mid-April through August. 

The Mariner’s Point nesting site is one of the most productive breeding grounds in Mission Bay, and the success of the birds breeding here is integral to their survival in the region. Mission Bay Park is home to one of the few remaining native coastal dune habitats in Southern California, and hosts over 5,000 migratory waterbirds and shorebirds –including 9 sensitive bird species.

Learn more about SDG&E in the community

SDG&E’s Environmental All Stars program provides employees with opportunities to enjoy and help protect and restore the environment. To learn more about SDG&E’s commitment to the community, visit: www.sdge.com/community.