Rob Hutsel, President and CEO of the San Diego River Park Foundation: Giving the River a Voice and a Seat at the Table

The Finest City

The conversation about River Parks continues this week, as Jen welcomes Rob Hutsel, President and CEO of the San Diego River Park Foundation. Learn about the Foundation’s mission to protect and enhance the San Diego River and its impact on the river’s health. Rob discusses how the Foundation formed as a grassroots organization, focusing on access, education, and enjoyment of the river for the whole community. He talks about the importance of the San Diego River as a connecting point between land and water, supporting diverse animal and plant species. Lastly, Rob covers the Foundation’s initiatives, including education programs and the “One River Many Stories” project, aimed at engaging students and celebrating the river’s rich heritage.

Timestamps:

[2:12] How “River Rob” became President and CEO.

[2:33] What are the defining characteristics of the San Diego River?

[3:38] Why the San Diego River has been an instrumental part of life in San Diego.

[3:41] What kinds of animals and plant species rely on the river?

[4:05] There are more species here in San Diego County than anywhere else in the country.

[6:12] Why the San Diego River is such an important connecting point for land and water.

[7:00] How did the San Diego River Park Foundation form and what was the original mission?

[9:45] The relationship between the San Diego River Park and the San Diego River Park Foundation.

[11:20] What role did community-based watershed management planning have in shaping the San Diego River Park vision and the evolution of your organization?

[13:27] How does the Foundation bring ecosystem space management and stewardship into the picture in an accessible way?

[15:31] Why is the San Diego River so special?

[18:38] Biggest threats to the environment today, and how we can help others overcome confusion and apathy towards the future and taking action.

[21:08] What is the River Center doing to make sure that local students of all backgrounds know about the river?

[24:22] What is the “One River Many Stories” project?

About C-3

In its 60 years of existence, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) has brought together local thought leaders from planning, design, policy, academia, community development, and more to address our region’s distinctive and pressing land use challenges. In founding C-3 almost 60 years ago, architect Lloyd Ruocco’s vision was to bring together our region’s most creative minds from the arts, sciences, academia, and government to share ideas, learn new perspectives, and build fellowship around the idea of creating livable communities.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

San Diego River Park Foundation

Rob: [e-mail]