February 2026 Newsletter
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
Composting 101 with Asilia
We recently hosted a hands-on workshop about hot composting and vermicomposting at Centro Cultural de la Raza, led by Asilia Diaz Vasquez (they/she/he), one of our California Climate Action Fellows. Participants of all experience levels got their hands dirty as they learned how composting works and how organic waste can be diverted from landfills. Community members learned how to compost at home and take green waste to local composting centers to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change! The composting activities supported the community garden adjacent to the center.
Trekking at Torrey Pines
Our education team took twelve families to hike at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve extension trail over two weekends this February. For most of these families, this was their first time witnessing the stunning views of the reserve, and for some, this was their first time ever hiking! Children and adults alike had the chance to explore the cliffside trails, identify native plants, and take in the astonishing ocean views. Several docents and one of the park's own Interpreters joined both weekends to teach us all about the unique natural wonders of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve!
EDI is thrilled to offer events like this as part of our Education Through Recreation program. This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.
New Grant Alert!
We’re excited to announce that we’ve secured funding through the Wildlife Conservation Board for a new project in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge! Over the next 3 years, the focus of this project will be on restoring critical cactus scrub habitat to support the Coastal Cactus Wren (much like our El Monte project but in a new location of San Diego)! Work will begin this spring, and we’ll be hosting many volunteer events as part of this project. We hope you'll join us in planting cacti, restoring habitat, and continuing to make a difference for Coastal Cactus Wren as well as many other native species!