Video footage ©William Bay
Drone footage ©Joshua Rittenberry

Experience Southern California's largest coastal wetland

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The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 30 Reserves in the United States. We preserve, protect, and manage the natural and cultural resources of the Tijuana River Estuary by creating opportunities for education and research while promoting public access for recreation throughout the Reserve. Come experience the beauty and wonder of this natural wetland habitat.

A mother and child overlooking the wetlands at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Explore the Tijuana Estuary

From hiking and biking to birding and horseback riding, the Tijuana Estuary has something for everyone.

Student researcher Nancy Torres washes and separates the samples she's collected into multiple composites in the Tijuana Estuary.

Our Research

The unique socio-ecological setting of the Tijuana Estuary makes it an ideal "living laboratory" for researchers.

Students participate in an educational class at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center

Education Programs

The Tijuana Estuary offers a variety of educational programs that celebrate the natural and cultural resources found in the Reserve.

Current Announcements

If you are a middle or high school educator looking to provide an enriching on-site experience for your students, we have great news -- Teachers on the Estuary training is back!

TOTE is a teacher training program that explores Authentic Data Literacy and brings coastal research into the classroom. It is designed for middle and high school teachers.

At this training you will:

  • See and experience science being done at the Tijuana River NERR and learn how you can use it to enhance your teaching.
  • Interact with Reserve researchers, visit wetland restoration sites, and see the long-term monitoring that is used to manage these projects (living experiments).
  • Find out how to integrate your training experiences with online nationwide Reserve data and our virtual and in-person monitoring-based field trips.

Training will be June 27th - June 28th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on both days. If you would like to register to attend training, please click here. The deadline to register is Monday, June 12th.

Current Conditions

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Water Temp

66.52° F

Dissolved Oxygen

18.24 mg/L

Water Level

3.94 ft

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Divided Together Podcast

Divided Together is a California State Parks podcast series that explores the land, the history, and the people surrounding Border Field State Park.

CA State Parks Research Assistant recording and informational video at the Tijuana Estuary

Lunchtime Live

Join us every other Tuesday at 12pm on Facebook for our Lunchtime Live event where we highlight a variety of species and topics at the Estuary.

Upcoming Events

  • March 31, 2023
    Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers
    See more details

  • April 7, 2023
    Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers
    See more details