Submitted by: Laurel Perun, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Escondido Creek Conservancy

The Escondido Creek Conservancy (Conservancy) is thrilled to offer free yoga coupled with a guided hike twice monthly in 2025. This new program, called Connect to Nature: Yoga + Guided Hike takes place at the Mountain Meadow Preserve in Escondido from 9AM to 11AM on the second Friday and third Saturday of each month in 2025.

The 693-acre Mountain Meadow Preserve was created by a partnership between the Conservancy, San Diego County Parks and Recreation, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The Conservancy manages the preserve to protect native plants and wildlife. The site boasts evergreen chaparral scrub, fragrant coastal sage scrub, and canyons of coast live oak woodlands.

This new program was funded by the Conrad Prebys Foundation’s Healing Through Nature Initiative. The Conservancy’s goal is to create opportunities for people across San Diego, especially those from the Escondido area, to heal in nature. If it’s your first time doing yoga or going out for a hike, have no fear! Each yoga session and guided hike is beginner-friendly.

Friday’s yoga session is led by the Conservancy’s very own Preserve Manager, Donna Leon. Donna is a talented biologist who also happens to be a Certified Yoga Instructor. Saturday’s yoga session is led by a variety of Certified Yoga Instructors who each specialize in a unique healing practice – from yoga, to sound healing, reiki, and more! Materials such as yoga mats, straps, blankets, and bolsters are provided by the Conservancy. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies.

The 1-mile guided hike that follows the gentle yoga session is led by Conservancy staff or dedicated volunteer naturalists. During the hike, attendees learn about a few of the Conservancy’s ongoing conservation projects, such as a recently installed MOTUS wildlife tracking system, native plant nursery and habitat restoration volunteer opportunities, and an Outdoor Classroom for community and student events. 

Since January, over 80 attendees have experienced the benefits of the program with 95% of participants reporting that they have left it feeling a sense of healing in nature. The Escondido Creek Conservancy offers this free program on the second Friday and third Saturday of each month of 2025. Register to attend by visiting the Escondido Creek Conservancy’s Eventbrite page, or by viewing the upcoming events page on their website!