HELP NEEDED TO RESTORE HABITAT AT SAN DIEGO RIVER JUNE 19 & JUNE 26

June 12, 2010 (San Diego) -- San Diego River Park Foundation and Friends of the Mission Valley Preserve are teaming up again to continue habitat restoration efforts in the Mission Valley Nature Preserve.

Volunteers are urgently needed to help eradicate non-native plant species that prevent beneficial native vegetation from providing food and shelter to endangered birds and other local wildlife. Removal of the non-native plants also helps to save thousands of gallons of water each day, according to organizers.

All tools and supplies will be provided. Court-ordered and school-ordered community service hours can be verified for those that need them. Be sure to dress in clothes that can get a little dirty; long pants and sleeves are recommended, along with hats and sunscreen. Closed shoes or boots are required; no sandals.

Volunteers will meet in the parking lot at the YMCA at 5505 Friars RD. 92110 at the Mission Valley Preserve garden. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

A second cleanup will be held on June 26 to clean trash and debris dumpsites along the San Diego River. Volunteers will meet near Kahala Travel at 3838 Camino Del Rio North 92108. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on June 26.

For more info call (619)297-7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org.