San Diego, like many other cities around the country, has undergone unprecedented urbanization and development in recent years. Although this has allowed for the growth and expansion of our human communities, it has greatly diminished and fragmented our natural ones. Our local wildlife depending upon our native coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats, is now struggling to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape. Although confronting habitat loss and fragmentation will certainly be challenging, opportunities abound.

Many species can survive and thrive in natural urban spaces. Spaces that may offer habitat value for wildlife include backyards, schoolyards, and any other open space where grass lawns can be replaced with native plants. This means that we have a great opportunity to combat habitat loss and fragmentation – everyone can take part in creating habitat and there is no shortage of space to get started!

The San Diego Flyway Cities Coalition

The San Diego Flyway Cities Coalition (SDFCC) is a local collaborative of over 25 organizations working to increase wildlife habitat and public engagement in habitat protection to enhance the connectivity of the Pacific Flyway within the San Diego metropolitan area. The coalition launched in June 2008 and has since been collaborating to develop innovative strategies to protect wildlife and their habitats.

The Coalition has most recently been working to increase the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat by creatively promoting native plant use through creative community outreach programs, demonstration habitat gardens, and a Top 10 native plant pocket-guide.

The Coalition is also working to identify flyway stopover points and other ecologically sensitive areas throughout San Diego County. These 'hotspots' will serve as focus areas for coalition-supported restoration and community outreach efforts.

Get involved in the Flyway Cities Coalition! Join with others in your metropolitan area to protect and restore wildlife habitat.