Río Vivo, a watershed journey through Tecate
*A cross-border field trip for San Diego Climate Week 2026*
Tecate, Baja California, Mexico
Monday, October 5, 2026 (full day), Guided site visit / field trip 20–26 guests, including invited leaders and interpreters
Environmental challenges do not stop at the border, and neither do the solutions. The Tecate River is a tributary of the Tijuana River watershed, the very cause at the heart of San Diego Climate Week. “Río Vivo, A Watershed Journey Through Tecate” takes participants across the border to experience, on the ground, a real and working model of watershed recovery from the Mexican side, a public park, a women-led community garden, a nature-based wastewater treatment plant in operation, community projects and infrastructure you can walk through. It gives the tri-national vision a physical anchor in Mexico.
*The journey (4 acts)*
Land & welcome @ Parque del Profesor, a Kumiai opening facing sacred Mt. Kuuchamaa, a walk through native chaparral, the story of Fundación La Puerta (50 years of work), and the vision of the River Plan.
Community @ Huerto "Mujeres Lluvia del Sur" A women-led community garden in an underserved neighborhood, food security and community-building, lived rather than described.
Water @ Tres Estrellas water treatment plant, an operating nature-based wastewater solution.
Connection @ La Cocina que Canta/ organic garden, local food and casual conversation with allied voices to build a lasting cross-border network.
*Schedule*
8:30 Meet @ Tecate, CA, US, Border Crossing “Baja Duty Free” (https://maps.app.goo.glRfot7bUhhaeHobJ37)
8:40 Southbound walking crossing (accompanied by our staff)
8.50 Transfer to Parque del Profesor (Open in Google Maps)
9.00 Parque del Profesor, Kumiai welcome/ceremony & interpretive trail
9.45 Presentations @ “Las Cuevas” (coffee & bread)
- The story of Fundación La Puerta by Sarah Brightwood (25 min + 5 Q&A)
- Vision of the River Plan by Osvaldo Nieto (15 min + 5 Q&A)
10.30 Transfer to La Colosio
10.50 Community garden "Mujeres Lluvia del Sur" @ La Colosio
11.40 Transfer to Rancho Tres Estrellas
12.10 Water treatment plant @ Tres Estrellas
13.00 Transfer to Organic Garden/ La Cocina que Canta
13:15 Snacks/food/Salad & conversation @ La Cocina que Canta
14.15 Transfer to Tecate Border Crossing
14.30 Northbound walking crossing (accompanied by our staff)
Good to know before you register
Getting there. We meet at 8:30 AM sharp on the US side, at "Baja Duty Free" by the Tecate border crossing (map) — note this is Tecate, California, about an hour east of San Diego. If coming from SD plan to leave around 7:20 AM. Several day lots near the crossing charge roughly $10–20 USD; We strongly encourage carpooling, which is better for the watershed we're coming to talk about and splits the parking cost. Tell us if you can offer a ride or need one and we'll help connect you. If you're already in Mexico, meet us at Parque del Profesor at 9:00 AM (map).
Crossing the border. This event takes place in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. Everyone traveling with us needs valid documentation to re-enter the United States (Passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license)
On your feet. This is a full day outdoors, and that's the best part. Between the interpretive trail, the community garden, and the treatment plant, expect a good amount of walking on uneven ground under the October sun. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Mornings in Tecate are cool and midday is warm, so light layers help. Restrooms are available at our main stops. If you have mobility or accessibility questions, write to us.
Food & language. Food is plant-forward and grown a few steps from where we'll eat. Tell us about any dietary needs when you register. The whole day is bilingual, with interpretation throughout.
One more thing. Space is limited to our vehicle capacity, so we'll ask you to confirm your spot a few days ahead. This event is for participants 18 and over.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of San Diego Climate Week and our event platform partner, Climatebase. Your information will not be shared with third parties.