Canyon Blog
On November 5th the world shifted.
The broad progress on climate change, clean energy, conservation, and environmental justice that the Inflation Reduction Act promised is now in doubt. Basic human rights are under assault. The United States standing as a world leader addressing the greatest threat ever faced by mankind, global climate change, will be set back decades just as our standing as defenders of human rights diminishes.
In the face of more frequent and intensifying wildfires and urban impacts, San Diego’s canyons stand vulnerable—yet they hold the power to become fire-resilient, biodiversity hotspots with your support. The threat of wildfires isn’t abstract to our region—it is real, relentless, and close to home. This season, wildfires across California have swept dangerously close to neighborhoods, scorching landscapes, and displacing families. Our natural spaces, wildlife, homes, and critical infrastructure are all at risk.
But here’s the good news: we’re stepping up to meet this crisis, and with 20+ years of history in this work, we have already made a significant difference for San Diego’s communities and natural resources. Our annual giving campaign “From Wildfires to Wildflowers” is highlighting our ever important commitment to transforming San Diego’s vulnerable, high fire-risk areas into resilient, thriving landscapes filled with native plants and animals. Each project completed is a new line of defense against wildfire threat, turning fire-prone vegetation into resilient green spaces that can help buffer the impact of urban wildfires and protect nearby homes. With your support, we hope to continue this work and expand our reach to build a regional conservation workforce proficient to meet the needs of a changing climate and create spaces of resilience and beauty—spaces that give life to our city.
This year, our team has mobilized in 18 canyons and many other natural spaces to reduce the presence of invasive, flammable plants and replace them with deep-rooted, hardened, native species, which create natural firebreaks and prevent further ecosystem degradation.
We at Canyonlands are addressing this urgent threat. Not only through direct environmental action but also by equipping local residents, many from underserved communities, with nature-based, on-the-job training or volunteer opportunities in habitat restoration and fire mitigation. We are invested in the regenerative potential of giving back to our city, and are empowering residents to steward the landscapes in their backyards. This initiative is the backbone of our fire resilience efforts—individuals who understand the stakes personally, becoming part of the solution. Each dollar you give strengthens this community rooted initiative, helping protect neighborhoods and foster the conservation leaders of tomorrow.
From pioneering streambed restoration to stewarding complex habitats, our programs are leading the charge for environmental and community resilience. And yet, this essential work is only possible because of the support from donors like you. Your contribution today is more than a response to the climate emergency—it’s a deeply impactful investment in the future of our region. Together, we can transform San Diego’s vulnerable landscapes into resilient, thriving ecosystems that protect and sustain our community for generations to come.
I believe that the environment inspires the artwork and the artwork reflects society. In my work, the vibrant colors and beauty intrigue people, and once they look closer, they learn about a specific species or plant. I spend so much time and attention on the subjects and that translates to the viewer. The artwork is my way of persuading others to connect with species native to San Diego.
¡Hola! My name is Maria de Lourdes Muñoz but I have always gone by Lourdes, or Lulu for short. Growing up Latina, I was surrounded by my Mexican heritage, taking in all the vibrant colors and artisan crafts that came with it. I am very proud of my culture and find it often influences me as a graphic designer, incorporating bright colors and a playfulness to my work. With a passion for wildlife conservation, using my design and photography skills to bring awareness and be part of the catalyst for change.
California gnatcatchers are such a beautifully emblematic mascot for San Diego and such an integral part of its ecosystem that they should easily capture the heart of anyone who lives here and is lucky enough to encounter one. It’s why the bird is front and center on our logo here at Canyonlands and why I hope you’ll also adopt them into your environmental ethos. After all, this is their home too.
One of the first tell-tale signs that you may be near a bird nest or nesting grounds is witnessing a mating display, which can be difficult to spot or hard to miss depending on the bird. For instance, a potential pair of red-tailed hawks will circle each other way up in the sky, making their iconic hawk screech (which you may recognize whenever there’s a bald eagle on TV), before the male does a series of showy dives, flight maneuvers, or even handing off prey to the female mid-flight, finally letting down his legs and touching her briefly from above. It’s less likely you’ll see smaller birds doing their displays, but it’s always a possibility!
It’s breeding season and with that comes birds searching for a place to nest and raise their hatchlings. If they’re a bird of prey or raptor, it will have to be a spot high up, close to the heavens, that they will call home for at least a month. The go-to tree would most likely be the eucalyptus tree, as they are abundant and are some of the tallest trees reaching up to 300 feet in height, and that can be found in canyons and open spaces. However, Eucalyptus trees are an invasive tree species, so where else could these San Diego raptors call home?
