top of page
Lagoon-Foundation-Home-Banner.jpg

HISTORY

  • March 3rd, 1990

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation formed 

  • June 12th, 2000

Caulerpa taxifolia first confirmed identification in the lagoon 

  • September 11th 2002

Confirmed eradication of Caulerpa taxifolia in the lagoon 

  • 2003-2005

Land donated by the Kelly Family; Discovery Center Building donated from the Aviara Planned Community Sales Office, operations begin at the Discovery Center 

AWARDS

  • 2007

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence – Science Program Winner, Outstanding Educational Program Awards 

  • 2013

San Diego Gas & Electric Earth and Eco Ambassadors Award for Academy of Environmental Stewardship School Program 

  • 2017

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards – Community Impact Award 

  • 2018
    • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards - MVP In the Workplace (Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Team) 

    • Harrah’s All-in 4 Change Popular Vote Winner 

  • 2019

Senator Patricia Bates Honors AHLF CEO Lisa Rodman, as 36th Senate District Woman of the Year

  • 2020

Voted #1 Nature Center in California by Best Things California 

  • 2021
    • Kids Out and About Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around San Diego – Voted #7

    • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 dynamic young leaders – COO, Samantha Richter 

    • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement and Distinction Awards – Non-Profit of the Year 

    • North County Economic Development Council – Non-Profit of the Year dual award with CSUSM Senior Experience Program 

      • CSUSM Senior Experience Program / Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Project – A recipient of the Burnham Leadership Grant for non-profits, the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation utilized a CSUSM Senior Experience team to deliver a detailed market analysis of Agua Hedionda's virtual offerings and provided recommendations for the non-profit to increase revenue and expand its community programs. 

    • December 4th, is officially Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Day, recognized by County Supervisor Jim Desmond as a Community Hero Award.

bottom of page