Taco 'Bout Great Volunteers

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).

The evening featured a delicious catered dinner from Rubio’s and Veggie Grill, complete with sweet desserts and a refreshing variety of drinks from local favorites. Volunteers enjoyed a relaxed evening surrounded by friends old and new, sharing stories about their experiences supporting the lagoon’s programs, events, and daily operations.

As a small token of our gratitude, each volunteer took home a succulent plant and Mexican candy, symbolizing the growth, resilience, and sweetness they bring to our community. 

To top off the night, everyone joined in a lively round of trivia, featuring a mix of environmental and AHLF-related questions. The competition was friendly but fierce, as teams put their knowledge to the test for fun prizes — and, of course, bragging rights as lagoon trivia champions!

The Taco ’bout Great Volunteers event was more than a celebration — it was a reminder of the power of community and the impact of giving back. From maintaining the trails and habitats to supporting educational programs and special events, our volunteers make a lasting difference every single day.

To all our volunteers: thank you for your time, your energy, and your heart. You truly make the lagoon thrive. 

share this

Related Articles
June 29, 2026
Bright and early on Sunday morning, more than 90 people gathered with binoculars and coffee in hand for a morning of birding, learning, and adventure. Participants of all ages kicked off the day with local birding experts Bobby Brett and Rick Grove, who introduced the basics of birdwatching before leading groups along the Discovery Trail and throughout the Discovery Campus. Along the way, guests spotted native birds, learned fascinating bird facts, and took turns viewing wildlife through high-powered spotting scopes. After a quick coffee refill, attendees gathered on beautiful Newell's Terrace for an unforgettable presentation by Hillary Hankey, founder of Avian Behavior Conservancy. Hillary and her team introduced four incredible avian ambassadors—the Swainson's Hawk, White-faced Owl, King Vulture, and White-necked Raven—giving guests the rare opportunity to see these remarkable birds up close while learning about their behaviors, adaptations, and conservation. The undeniable star of the show was the mischievous White-necked Raven, whose playful antics and impressive tricks had the audience laughing throughout the presentation. Following the program, guests met the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation's Raptor Specialists and interns while getting an up-close look at the birds of prey that call the Discovery Campus home. With a hands-on craft station for children, beautiful weather, and a meaningful way to celebrate Father's Day surrounded by nature, Avian Adventure Day was the perfect blend of education, exploration, and family fun.
May 14, 2026
Lagoona Kahuna Clean Up Challenge Recap, brought to you by Capture The Impact Sponsor:
May 14, 2026
Lagoona Kahuna Clean Up Challenge Recap, brought to you by Capture The Impact Sponsor:
ALL ARTICLES