Partners in Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM) – Maria Lopez Vazquez – Landscape Architecture 2026

My work with Lorena Warner-Lara has allowed me to participate in planning the Tijuana River Action Month (TRAM), and it’s incredible how many ideas come up during these sessions. Besides the brainstorming and collaborations between organizations, there is a lot of resource sharing. In this meeting, we were hosted by Living Coast, where we set up our in-person meeting and were able to interact with the partner participants in person.

Besides enhancing the estuary and community outreach, every organization has its specific focus within the reserve, to mention a few:

I have been a member of San Diego Audubon for years, and it was nice to invite them to join forces with Tijuana River Estuary to raise awareness of the many birds that inhabit the estuary year-round and its importance in the Pacific flyway for migratory birds. I was pleasantly surprised to see my friend Karina Ornelas planning fantastic events for the birds and community.

In the last meeting, I spoke with Lynn Reizer-Heftmann, the president of The Tijuana River Valley Equestrian Association (TRVEA), and learned so much about horses and the importance of trail etiquette: Since the trails are used by horse riders, pedestrians, and cyclists, it is vital to understand how to interact with each when encountering them at the same trail. Horses are beautiful animals that need their space.

I am fortunate to be in an organization where it is easy to ask questions and meet new people and how this network grows.