Lagoona Kahuna 2025 Family/Duo/Individual Teams

THE MINI KAHUNA

On a brisk and cloudy day, families, dynamic duos, and passionate individuals showed up in full force to make a real impact at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.


Together, we removed hundreds of pounds of trash and invasive weeds, making the habitat cleaner, safer, and healthier for all who call it home — humans and wildlife alike.


But it wasn’t just about the clean-up! From kayak and paddleboard adventures to the Giant Jenga and Blind Cornhole, teams brought their A-game. Laughter echoed across the water, new bonds formed, and unforgettable memories were made. Even some marine life made a surprise appearance, popping up near the shore — as if to thank our volunteers for showing up with heart and purpose, despite the chilly weather.


A huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and cheered us on. The ripple effect of your efforts goes far beyond one day. 


DIVISION III WINNER: Gibson Family

DIVISION III RUNNER UP: Renner Family

Cleanup by the Numbers

This year’s participants didn’t just bring their A-game—they brought their dedication to protecting our lagoon. Here's what we accomplished together:

  • Solid Waste Collected: 3,040 lbs
  • Recyclables Recovered: 115 lbs
  • Organic Waste Removed: 405 lbs


🎉 Grand Total: 3,560 pounds of trash and invasive species cleared from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon!


That’s more than just a stat—it’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when we roll up our sleeves and rally for a cause that matters.


With Gratitude to Our 2025 Event Sponsors 💙

This incredible day wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our event sponsors. Your commitment to preserving the lagoon not only powers this annual cleanup—it also fuels our mission to provide hands-on environmental education to people of all ages.


Because of you, we’re restoring habitats, educating future stewards, and building a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.


Here’s to cleaner shores, stronger partnerships, and an even brighter future ahead! 🌊🌿

EVENT PHOTOS

share this

Related Articles
Sign:

Taco 'Bout Great Volunteers

October 8, 2025
On September 23rd, we gathered at the Discovery Campus to celebrate the people who make everything we do possible — our incredible volunteers! The Taco ’bout Great Volunteers appreciation event was our way of saying a heartfelt thank you to the long-term, dedicated individuals who have poured their time, passion, and care into the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation (AHLF).
Plastic water bottle on a sandy beach with driftwood and a blurry ocean view.

Plastic Beach Recycling Partnership

October 8, 2025
We are thrilled to announce a new sustainable edition to the Discovery Campus. In partnership with Plastic Beach , AHLF is determined to make an impact on the billions of single use soft plastics that end up in landfill each year. Since these types of plastics cannot be recycled in typical Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or Recycling Centers, Plastic Beach has worked to collect and properly dispose of over 50,000 pounds of plastic since its founding. 

Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie's Dream Lagoon

September 5, 2025
Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie’s Dream Lagoon truly felt like stepping into a pink-and-blue glitter world—overflowing with magic, cocktails, dancing, and dazzling games. The evening began with an intimate VIP Patron Party at the Water Tower, honoring our 2025 Hero on a Quest awardee: Carlsbad Educational Foundation . With live music by violinists Amanda Wirtz and Claire Braby and breathtaking ocean views, it was a sparkling kickoff to the night. Thank you to VIP Sponsor, Grand Pacific Resorts , for making this celebration possible! As cocktail hour began, the excitement grew. Guests—dressed in their best pinks and blues—were welcomed with live music from Whit Aadland at check-in and Gin N’ Tonix on the terrace. Along the way, they walked through a hallway tribute to our very own AHLF Barbies and Kens—the incredible individuals who bring the Dream Lagoon to life. Drinks flowed, “shell-fies” were snapped with Mermaid Barbie (Lavender Moon Goddess) and the sparkling Barbie & Ken backdrop… and then came the first surprise of the night: a flashmob performance by the AHLF team! A playful nod to the disco dance in the 2023 Barbie movie, it set the stage for an unforgettable four-course dinner. The Live Auction brought paddle battles for trips to Hawaii, Palm Springs, and more. Tears followed during the Impact Video , sharing our vision for Discovery Island —a classroom and exhibit space ensuring environmental education can thrive rain or shine. Watch the video » New this year, donors who gave $100 during Raise the Paddle were entered into a secret prize drawing featuring a stay at Omni La Costa, local dining gift cards, and diamond stud earrings. Congratulations to Tim Stripe , our lucky winner! We also honored our very own “Barbie and Ken”—Heather and Jimmy Ukegawa . Joined on stage by their son Jade, with daughter Mia delivering heartfelt remarks, the Ukegawa family was celebrated with proclamations from Mayor Keith Blackburn and county, state, and federal representatives—recognizing their unwavering dedication to community and environmental education. And of course… the catwalk! Our Barbies and Kens lit up the runway, showcasing opportunity drawing items with fabulous style. To close out the night, guests returned to the terrace where the Mojo Dojo Casa House (casino + horse race game) and Barbie’s Disco (DJ Barbie + glitter tattoos) kept the energy alive until the very end. A night of sparkle, joy, and purpose—thank you to everyone who made Discovery Gala 2025 ~ Barbie’s Dream Lagoon a dream come true! Photo Gallery Here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ic1xcFYDvOMPNFSC6tt0tgaSeMVAAFtN?usp=sharing Thank You Gala Sponsors Presenting Sponsor: NRG Energy VIP Patron Party Sponsor: Grand Pacific Resorts Program Sponsor: The Henry Valet Sponsor: BMW of Carlsbad Invite Sponsor: Vigilucci’s Restaurant Group Specialty Cocktail Sponsor: DUAL North America VIP Cocktail Sponsor: Hale & Associates Paddle Sponsor: The Silva Group (Lynnell Talone Honda) VIP Patron Party Invite Sponsor: RDQ Inc. Bar Sponsor: Pangea Biological and Withum Entertainment Table Sponsor: California Watersports, Cbar, Dudek, Inspectors of the Election
ALL ARTICLES