FREE OUTDOOR PROGRAMS THIS MONTH

The Encinitas-based Nature Collective is running a number of nature programs ranging from a guided tour at the San Elijo Lagoon to a habitat restoration day and educational presentation about migrating ducks.

Lagoon Discovery Tour: The monthly Nature Collective guided tour is from 10 to 11 a.m. today and will focus on a variety of birds and native plants at the salt marsh and mudflats of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve in Cardiff. The Nature Center Loop Trail is accessible. Meet at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave.

Habitat restoration: Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to noon today to help remove invasive plants at the San Elijo Lagoon as part of the Nature Collective’s efforts to restore 38 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat, which is home to numerous plants and creatures, including the federally endangered bird, the California gnatcatcher. Seedlings local to the area will be planted, such as California buckwheat, spiny redberry, bush monkeyflower, and native grasses that provide pollen, nectar and seeds for butterflies, insects, birds and other animals.

Family Fun Day focuses on migrating ducks: Handson bird-themed activities, including craft-making and animal encounters is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. Young attendees can earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Marine Protected Area training: The class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 10 will give an overview of Nature Collective with a focus on its

Swami’s and Cardiff State Beach Ambassador programs. Potential volunteers can learn how to protect these marine protected areas (MPAs) by collecting data on human use of the coast and ocean for the statewide MPA Watch community science program.

San Elijo Lagoon Restoration virtual presentation: Nature Collective Science Director Tim Stillinger will give an online talk from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16 about the nearly completed restoration of the San Elijo Lagoon and which types of habitats are thriving. Stillinger will also discuss the 50-year ecosystem monitoring program at the lagoon.

The events are free; donations are appreciated. Reserve a spot at thenaturecollective.org/events.