Help Keep San Elijo Beautiful!
Re-purpose your melted ice chest water to water our trees at shrubs at San Elijo Campground
During the summer a campsite can easily go through 30lbs of ice a day as we keep our food, water, drinks, and beer cold. That’s 3-4 gallons of water! Don’t let that water go on the street – Use it to keep our campsites green and beautiful by directing your ice chest drain to the newly planted trees and shrubs on your campsite.
No new plants or trees on your site? WATER EXISTING ONES!! The remaining vegetation at the park needs as much help as possible combat the stresses of camp life. Yes – Camp life is pretty easy on us. But for the trees – its pretty rough.
This project was designed as a pilot. If we can all work together to recycle our water, and help grow these trees and shrubs – more funding is likely for future beautification projects. Lets make it happen!
It take a little extra effort – but the results if we all do this will be amazing!
Be water wise, be eco-friendly and water our trees!
Background
Remember when San Elijo Campground was full of lush vegetation between campsites and along the roads? Years of drought, intensive use, and pest damage have severely impacted the vegetation on the site. Vince Mikulanis, a long-time camper of the park and member of SDRUFC and State Parks Ranger Cory Hawkins met in late 2016 to discuss ways to bring back the vegetation, and the beauty and benefits it provides. SDRUFC offered to conduct a tree planting and donate approximately 2 dozen California native trees to help revitalize the landscaping, provide shade to the campers, and air quality improvements to the surrounding community. Ranger Cory also was able to secure additional funding through the State Parks Foundation to plant additional native plants.
It all came together for Earth Day 2017 when members of the San Diego Regional Urban Forests Council, and a huge team of volunteers organized by California State Parks made a difference at San Elijo Campground, planting two dozen native trees and the over 100 native shrubs.
By recycling your water and being gentle to the landscaping – YOU can now do your part to keep our beloved campground green and beautiful. It just takes a little more time, but hey – you are camping!
Thank you for your efforts!
