As an intern for the San Diego Diplomacy Council, I had the privilege of volunteering at my first staffing event on February 16, 2024. Partnering with the U.S. State Department-sponsored Sports Visitor and Sports Visitor Program from Croatia, we gathered at The San Diego River Park Foundation Garden Club within the scenic Point Loma Native Plant Garden.
The mission of the San Diego River Park Foundation is to actively involve community members in enhancing the San Diego River. Their ongoing efforts focus on creating and conserving a river-long park and trail system. The river has been a vital resource for over 8,000 years, and through award-winning volunteer programs, social gatherings, hikes, educational initiatives, river clean-ups, surveys, and water quality monitoring, the foundation tirelessly cares for this precious environment. They continually provide unique opportunities for the community to engage and make a positive impact on the well-being of San Diego.
Our Work
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to delve into the work of this remarkable organization and take part in the beautification of the Point Loma Native Plant Garden. Housing a range of rare and endangered native plants, this garden is a sanctuary benefiting the maintenance of many plants and maintaining resources for many animals from the region along the San Diego River. Learning about the unique flora, some exclusive to this region, and witnessing the harmonious relationship between animals and plants that sustain this ecosystem was genuinely inspiring. Collaborating with members of the Sports Visitor Program from Croatia, we worked together as a cohesive team to nurture the garden.
Experiencing the collective joy and enthusiasm on that beautiful Friday morning, and being part of the ongoing enhancement of this garden for future generations, is a memory etched in my mind. This activity introduced me to the changes we can all make in our gardens to foster the continuous growth of our ecosystem. This volunteer experience not only unites our community in creating lasting memories but also makes a meaningful difference in enhancing the beauty of our region and demonstrates to our visitors the rich nature found in the region.
Insights
Reflecting on my time at the Point Loma Native Plant Garden fills me with motivation and gratitude. This experience fostered learning, personal growth, and the opportunity to connect with others. It serves as a reminder that each of us can contribute to positive change in our local communities by collaborating. Furthermore, this experience allowed me to gain insights into the impactful experiences that the Sports Visitor Program offered to its members from Croatia during their time in the United States. I am thrilled to have been part of a remarkable group of people and to have contributed to the commendable efforts of the San Diego River Park Foundation for the betterment of our community.
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