Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve - TRNERR

Video footage ©William Bay
Drone footage ©Joshua Rittenberry

Experience Southern California's largest coastal wetland

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.

Plan your visit

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.

Explore our educational offerings

Current Announcements

Junior Rangers at the Tijuana Estuary

Current Conditions

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.

Listen to the podcast

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.

Watch our archives on YouTube

Upcoming Events

February 21, 2025
Friday Stewardship Session for Long-term Volunteers
See more details

February 22, 2025
Nature Book Club
See more details
February 22, 2025
Junior Rangers
See more details

View full calendar

Registration is now open for our PORTS virtual fie

Registration is now open for our PORTS virtual field trips for the Spring semester. Explore California State Parks virtually! Sign up to experience the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve with our 3rd-5th grade program called "Salt Marsh Secrets". Follow the link in our bio.

A new “Junior Rangers” program is now at the T

A new “Junior Rangers” program is now at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR). Children ages 8 to 12 are invited to take part in this exciting program, designed to help them discover the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved in parks. The Junior Ranger Program takes place every SATURDAY from 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. with different educational activities at each session. Junior Rangers earn awards such as pins, certificates, and patches as they progress through the program. Programs are held rain or shine and it’s FREE!

Link for more info in bio.

(Note: we previously held Junior Rangers on Thursdays, we changed it to SATURDAY to better serve our community as well as visitors from both near and far!)

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, it's a gr

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, it's a great time of year for birding at the estuary! Come see a great diversity of wintering migrant species. Our docent Jorge has been volunteering for several years providing exceptional birding experiences. Let's join him for his final bird walk and give him a great send off.
Bird Walk starts at the Visitor Center at 10 a.m.
-
-
-
-
Image shows Jorge Ayon participating in avian research while holding a small yellow bird. All wildlife handling and research done at the Reserve is done with the required permits and protocols.

Have you ever seen a King Tide? Join California St

Have you ever seen a King Tide? Join California State Parks Interpreter Jessie Looney for a morning hike during one of the November King Tides, the highest tides of the winter. We are expecting an approximate 7 ft. high tide. You’ll find out about how our Research Reserve continuously measures water depth and is a sentinel site keeping track of trends with a changing climate. You’ll also learn about our award winning planning to adapt to the impacts from riverine flooding and sea level rise. This year, we are excited to have fellow environmental educators from the San Diego Natural History Museum and San Diego Bird Alliance; the latter will provide Spanish translation as needed.

The walk starts at the Visitor Center and will make its way over to almost the south end of Seacoast Drive and then back, approximately 2 miles round trip. This hike is geared for ages 12 and up with adult supervision.

**Please RSVP on our Facebook event page, link in bio**
.
.
.
.
.
.
Image: An estuary flooded due to the high King Tide with a flock of birds flying overhead. There is also text for the event and logos of affiliated organizations.

Thinking about what you are going to do after lunc

Thinking about what you are going to do after lunch today on this beautiful day? Join us at the San Diego Natural History Musem's 150th Big Birthday Block Party along with two dozen other organizations.

You can find us next to the fountain in Balboa Park. The NAT is free today as well. We'll be there until 3 p.m..

-
-
-
-
State Park Interpreter Jessie Looney and Docent Ares telling visitors about County wildlife at the NAT's Big Birthday Block Party on October 19th.

Come join our partner, the Friends of San Diego Wi

Come join our partner, the Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges, who will present the free event “Birds at Sunset” tomorrow, Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. The event will include a nature film related to birds and birding and a live bird presentation.
-
-
-
-
Graphic of "Birds at Sunset" event with Charles Gailband's raptor presentation and a Bird identification video.

As we celebrate a successful TRAM (Tijuana River A

As we celebrate a successful TRAM (Tijuana River Action Month), please join us at the Tijuana River Valley Fall Festival on Saturday, October 19th. Interactive offerings and workshops will be held at both the Community Garden and the Wild Willow Farm & Education Center. This event is free and family-friendly. See you there!

Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM) is going strong!

Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM) is going strong! TRAM is a series of education and stewardship events held during September and October to benefit the Tijuana River Watershed. Events take place on both sides of the border and anyone can participate.
Visit the calendar for more information and updates on the events. [Link in bio]

tijuanaestuary on Instagram