The second part of the event featured presentations and a panel discussion with Sula Vanderplank of SUVA Research, Adrian Munguia-Vega from the Applied Genomics Lab and the University of Arizona, and Francisco Basso Medel, a wildlife conservationist and scientific communicator. The speakers shared insights from their current work across the binational San Diego-Baja California region. A key theme that emerged was the value of including a wider range of participants in field expeditions, which leads to stronger and more complete biodiversity data and reflects the increasing diversity and inclusivity of today’s research teams. County staff can apply these insights as they implement the County’s biodiversity efforts.

The County is also taking important steps to support regional biodiversity through multiple initiatives, including:

• Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) – Preserves San Diego’s native habitats and wildlife for future generations, while balancing development to support healthy community growth. The South County Subarea Plan was adopted in 1997 with a goal to establish a 98,379-acre Preserve that supports 85 plant and animal species covered by the plan. The County is actively working on developing the North County Plan for the northwestern portion of the unincorporated area; check out opportunities for project engagement.
• Native Landscape Program – Promotes the use of native plants in landscaping both on private properties and County facilities to support biodiversity, conserve water, and advance nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
• Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program – Expands tree canopy in underserved communities to improve shade, air quality, and walkability. The program includes tree giveaways, community education, workforce development, and increases County planting efforts beyond the Comprehensive Tree Planting Program.