Upcoming events
Community Garden Day!
What: Community Garden Day!
Date: Thursday, February 1st
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Pacific
Description: EPIC D4Y interns invite you to Community Garden Day! This hands-on, family-friendly event invites community members to pot and adopt a plant, learn why native plants matter, and explore simple ways to care for plants long-term. We’ll wrap up with a fun worms-in-the-dirt treat and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and neighbors.
Fee: FREE! (YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE!)
Location: 8855 Dallas Street, La Mesa CA 91942 - La Mesita Park
Nature’s Market Celebration
What: Nature’s Market: Celebration!
Date: Sunday, January 25th
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM Pacific
Description: Join EPIC D4Y interns for a Nature’s Market Celebration at César Chávez Park! This community farmer’s market will feature local vendors, youth artists, and creative experiences centered on sustainability and connection to nature. All are welcome, come celebrate with us!
Fee: FREE!
Location: César Chávez Park, San Diego CA
Study at Wifi Focus Park
What: Study at Wifi Focus Park
(Tentative) Date: Sunday, January 25th
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM Pacific
Description: EPIC D4Y interns is making it possible for a focus-filled study session in nature. Interns are creating a productive and relaxation space for students to come study for the subjects they are learning at their school. Come out and connect with peers and access tutoring support while enjoying a relaxing environment.
Fee: FREE! (YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE!)
Location: TBD
Nature’s Market Clean Up Event!
What: Nature’s Market: Clean Up Event
Date: Sunday, January 18th
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM Pacific
Description: Interns from EPIC D4Y Interns invites you to take action at our Nature’s Market Clean Up Event! At César Chávez Park, this community trash pickup empowers youth and volunteers to protect local green spaces while learning about environmental stewardship. Join us in turning care into action. Register today!
Fee: FREE! (YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE!)
Location: César Chávez Park, San Diego CA
Aves vs. Aviation
On Sunday, January 4th, 2026, EcoLogik’s annual winter gathering is a celebration of all things - you guessed it - birds, pilots, aerospace, and a little thing called biomimicry. Grab your family and come prepared to learn from our resident bird biologist Sam Wynns, who will be joined by her pilot and aerospace engineer partner, Paul. There will be themed hands-on activities, trivia, a tour of an aircraft, and even a meet-n-greet with Peep the parrot.
Put it on your calendars, then click on the button below to RSVP (RSVP required!). Looking forward to celebrating with you, bird nerds and sky cadets!
New Year New Plants: Community Planting Event
The EPIC D4Y groups are officially launching their prototypes, many of which are community events open to youth, families, and friends!
Back in July of 2025, Interns Lucinda A., Mayumi L., Apprentice Kate W., and facilitators Sam and Paul Wynns, ran an inaugural three-day symposium, EPIC D4Y (Efficient, Precise, Innovative, Collaborative Design for Youth) for high schoolers! During this immersive experience, participants gained new, innovative skills which the students ultimately implemented to solve problems in their community.
So, what kind of problems are these youth addressing? Drumroll, please…🥁
GETTING YOUTH OUTSIDE MORE TO BENEFIT FROM THE HEALING POWERS OF NATURE! 🌿🌎
EPIC D4Y will kick off its first prototype event, New Year, New Plants, on Sunday, January 4th from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, marking the first of many youth-designed events to come!
🌱New Year, New Plants: Community Planting Event
This hands-on restoration event where the interns from Inspired Movement (D4Y group #3), their friends, and EcoLogik youth apprentices are teaming up with the San Diego River Park Foundation to plant native species along the river and kick off the year with purpose. Participants will enjoy the fun, community-building energy of restoring a local habitat together while making a real, lasting impact on the health of the local ecosystem. All tools and supplies will be provided, including a light breakfast to fuel the morning. This event is made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from the San Diego Foundation and the EPIC D4Y programming by the EcoLogik Institute.
Join us—click the link below to learn more! 👇
Research I CESAP Capstone- "Research Defense
What: You're Invited! Research I CESAP Capstone- "Research Defense"
Date: Sunday, December 28th
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Pacific
Description: Apprentices will be presenting their analysis of community science data taken at Cabrillo National Monument using the iNaturalist app.
Fee: FREE!
Location: Zoom
Radio Telemetry
What: Radio Telemetry STEAM Workshop
Date: Wednesday, December 10th
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM Pacific
Description: Learn how scientists track snakes in the wild using radio signals! Engage in hands-on activities using radio transmitters and receivers to track and record data (such as GPS coordinates, temperature) and use that data to learn about local wildlife and habitat.
Fee: FREE!
Location: Homeschool Resource Center - Mission Valley
2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92108
EcoLogik at the Artisan Fair With San Dieguito River Park!
What: Join us at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead Artisan Fair
Date: Sunday, December 7th
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM Pacific
Description: EcoLogik apprentices will host a special booth featuring their beautiful watershed-inspired paintings. Our Winter/Spring 2025 research team will be there representing the cohort, selling paintings created by our previous Arts Team. This is not only an opportunity to support our youth by purchasing their artwork, but also a chance for them to share the stories of San Diego’s watershed and local ecosystems.
Fee: FREE!
Location: 12655 Sunset Dr. Escondido, CA 92025
Drastic Plastics STEAM Workshop
What: Drastic Plastics STEAM Workshop
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 PM Pacific
Description: Plastic is everywhere, impacting our lives and the world around us. But what can we do to help solve this environmental problem? Come to our hands-on lesson and art activity where we will explore the effects of plastics on our environment and discuss what we can all do to help mitigate plastic pollution.
Location: Balboa Branch Library
4255 Mt Abernathy Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
AIRC x Ecologik - GIS Awareness Week
I wanted to call your attention to a really special event coming up this weekend on November 23rd, 3-5 PM Pacific over Zoom. GIS is a powerful tool to take geospatial data, and one of those skills that employers look for in environmental and earth sciences and engineering. I invite you to join this incredible panel - including EcoLogik's own Zion Kowieski - for:
A free virtual event designed to inspire the next generation of GIS, GeoAI, and data-science leaders.
Join us for an interactive and uplifting GIS Awareness Week celebration featuring a keynote and presentations from professionals, researchers, and students working across GeoAI, public-sector GIS, environmental mapping, civil engineering, geomatics, and applied geocomputation.
The event includes a participant prize draw (books, Esri software licenses, and academic resources).
Hope you can make it!
If you are interested, please reach out to info@ecologikinstitute.org to RSVP in order to obtain the zoom link!
Write Out 2025
This October, apprentices from the EcoLogik Institute’s Arts Cohort are teaming up with the National Writing Project for Write Out 2025! This year’s theme, “Awaken the Senses,” invites you to step outside and create works of writing inspired by the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of the outdoor spaces you love.
While Cabrillo National Monument remains closed due to the federal government shutdown, our Arts Cohort apprentices will be exploring the park through sensory connection, demonstrating that inspiration from nature can be found anywhere.
Through this experience, you’ll:
Step outside (or bring nature indoors!) and connect with public lands
Explore biodiversity and learn about the mission to protect natural resources
Create original writing inspired by nature
Whether you write about your local public lands, your favorite place in nature, or even your own backyard, this event is a chance to connect, reflect, and create alongside a community of nature-minded writers.
Arts team fall/winter 2025 event: write out 2025
This October, apprentices from the EcoLogik Institute’s Arts Cohort are teaming up with the National Writing Project for Write Out 2025! This year’s theme, “Awaken the Senses,” invites you to step outside and create works of writing inspired by the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of the outdoor spaces you love.
While Cabrillo National Monument remains closed due to the federal government shutdown, our Arts Cohort apprentices will be exploring the park through sensory connection, demonstrating that inspiration from nature can be found anywhere.
Through this virtual experience, you’ll:
Step outside (or bring nature indoors!) and connect with public lands
Explore biodiversity and learn about the mission to protect natural resources
Create original writing inspired by nature
Whether you write about your local public lands, your favorite place in nature, or even your own backyard, this event is a chance to connect, reflect, and create alongside a community of nature-minded writers.
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: Celebrate Native Plant Communities with CESAP
Celebrate Native Plant Communities with CESAP
Date: Saturday, August 16th and 30th
Time: Table Activity: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM and a Educational Walk: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Description: Ever wonder how plants shape the world around us? Join CESAP to explore our native plants and the habitats they call home. Put your new knowledge into action by making your own seed bomb to help restore habitats in your community. We will end by going on a guided educational walk to see habitat restoration in action!
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry
Location: Meet CESAP in the Breezeway of Cabrillo National Monument!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: The Key to Green: Reveal the Plant
The Key to Green: Reveal the Plant
Date: Saturday, August 16th and 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:45 PM Pacific
Description: Join CESAP for a fun, hands-on activity where you will use a dichotomous keys to uncover the secrets of our native plants. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry
Location: Meet CESAP in the Breezeway of Cabrillo National Park!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
BIODIVERSITY SNAPSHOT WORKSHOP
Biodiversity Snapshot
Date: Friday, August 22nd
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Pacific
Description: Scientist cant be everywhere at once! Learn how you can contribute to scientific discoveries using tools many of us have in the palm of our hands.
Fee: FREE!
Location: 4255 Mt. Abernathy Ave.
San Diego, CA 92117
Ecological Time Travel with the EcoLogik Institute
Ecological Time Travel with the EcoLogik Institute
Date: Wednesday, August 20th
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Pacific
Description: Have you ever wondered how different types of scientists
work together to discover the
history of San Diego and protect the future of its plants, animals, and people? Come travel through time as you practice ecology and anthropology to learn how its
done!
Fee: FREE!
Location: 13330 Salmon River Road San Diego, CA 92129
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: Bayside Trail PLant walk
Bayside Trail Plant walk
Date: Sunday, August 10th and 17th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pacific
Description: Our youth apprentices will be leading a plant walk of the Bayside Trail themed around plant adaptations, phenology monitoring, and habitat restoration. This is an opportunity to learn not just about the backbone of our beautiful ecosystem and biodiversity at Cabrillo National Monument- but learn how you can help out plants wherever you are in the world! Please bring sun protection, and good hiking shoes strongly recommended.
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry unless they are a Volunteer in Park.
Location: Meet CESAP at the Visitor’s Center of Cabrillo National Monument!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: Plant Pals Scavenger Hunt
Plant Pals Scavenger Hunt
Date: Sunday, August 10th and 17th
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 PM Pacific
Description: Our youth apprentices will be hosting a Plant Pals Scavenger Hunt. Participants will get the opportunity to learn about native plants while helping scientists collect real data!
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry unless they are a Volunteer in Park.
Location: Meet CESAP at the Vistor’s Center of Cabrillo National Monument!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: Celebrate Native Plant Communities with CESAP
Celebrate Native Plant Communities with CESAP
Date: Saturday, August 16th and 30th
Time: Table Activity: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM and a Educational Walk: 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Description: Ever wonder how plants shape the world around us? Join CESAP to explore our native plants and the habitats they call home. Put your new knowledge into action by making your own seed bomb to help restore habitats in your community. We will end by going on a guided educational walk to see habitat restoration in action!
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry
Location: Meet CESAP in the Breezeway of Cabrillo National Monument!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: The Key to Green: Reveal the Plant
The Key to Green: Reveal the Plant
Date: Saturday, August 16th and 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:45 PM Pacific
Description: Join CESAP for a fun, hands-on activity where you will use a dichotomous keys to uncover the secrets of our native plants. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry
Location: Meet CESAP in the Breezeway of Cabrillo National Monument!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Ecological Time Travel with the EcoLogik Institute
Ecological Time Travel with the EcoLogik Institute
Date: Friday, August 15th
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific
Description: Have you ever wondered how different types of scientists
work together to discover the
history of San Diego and protect the future of its plants, animals, and people? Come travel through time as you practice ecology and anthropology to learn how its
done!
Fee: FREE!
Location: 330 Park Blv. San Diego, CA 92101
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: Bayside Trail PLant walk
Bayside Trail Plant walk
Date: Sunday, August 10th and 17th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pacific
Description: Our youth apprentices will be leading a plant walk of the Bayside Trail themed around plant adaptations, phenology monitoring, and habitat restoration. This is an opportunity to learn not just about the backbone of our beautiful ecosystem and biodiversity at Cabrillo National Monument- but learn how you can help out plants wherever you are in the world! Please bring sun protection, and good hiking shoes strongly recommended.
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry unless they are a Volunteer in Park.
Location: Meet CESAP at the Visitor’s Center of Cabrillo National Park!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Apprentice Program (CESAP) Event: Plant Pals Scavenger Hunt
Plant Pals Scavenger Hunt
Date: Sunday, August 10th and 17th
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific
Description: Our youth apprentices will be hosting a Plant Pals Scavenger Hunt. Participants will get the opportunity to learn about native plants while helping scientists collect real data!
Fee: The activity is free for all to join with park entry unless they are a Volunteer in Park.
Location: Meet CESAP at the Visitor’s Center of Cabrillo National Monument!
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
EcoLogik Game Night!
Join advisors, apprentices, and EcoLogik campers for a night full of fun and games!
EPIC D4Y Design Thinking Symposium for youth
EPIC D4Y Symposium – Apply Now!
Do you want to learn real-world design skills and turn your ideas into action? Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?
Apply for the EPIC D4Y Symposium — a free, three-day event held this summer on the University of San Diego (USD) campus for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders!
Hosted in collaboration with the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education at USD, the UCSD Design Lab, the Prebys Foundation, and the San Diego Foundation, this unique experience empowers youth to use design thinking to tackle real challenges related to youth access to nature — and receive funding to implement their solutions in their own communities!
We’re now welcoming both individuals and teams of up to five youth to apply!
What to Expect:
When: July 12th - July 14th, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cost: Free!
Hands-on workshops using design thinking strategies
Guidance from community leaders and experts
Tours of USD and the UCSD Design Lab
Guest speakers, networking, and community-building
A certificate of completion, swag, and more
Free breakfast and lunch each day
A chance to receive funding to launch your project
This is an incredible opportunity for any high schooler ready to innovate and lead change. We’d greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word to students, families, and your wider community!
Apply now using the flyer above or through the link below:
EcoLogik Game Night!
Join advisors, apprentices, and EcoLogik campers for a night full of fun and games!
Youth Intern Addison’s Workshop: Science in Motion
Date: Tuesday, July 10th
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM Pacific
Description: Explore science in a whole new way through movement! Join Youth Intern Addison’s workshop on Science Communication Through Movement.
Fee: FREE
Location: 10301 Scripps Lake Dr, San Diego, CA 92131
Wildlife Detective: Using Camera Traps to Monitor and Analyze Animals in the Wild
Ever wonder how scientists monitor animals when we can't be near them? Join us as we look at real camera trap footage from Cabrillo National Monument and identify the animal species we see! Afterwards, we'll analyze our findings and put together an ecosystem web of life!
Mentorship Monday with neuroscientist and IF/THEN Ambassador Dr. Lataisia Jones
Mondays at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Pacific join amazing women-in-STEM mentors to hear about their STEM journeys, ask questions, and get career advice. Sign up to get the Zoom link to these live chats! Check back regularly as more women in STEM mentors are added!
Youth Intern CJ’s Workshop: Drastic Plastic!
Plastic is everywhere, impacting our lives and the world around us. But what can we do to help solve this environmental problem? Come to our hands-on lesson and art activity where we’ll explore the effects of plastics on our environment and discuss what we can all do to help mitigate plastic pollution.