Protect the Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail: A Keystone Species for Conservation
Why the Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail Matters
The Light-footed Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus levipes) is a critically federal and state-listed endangered bird that plays a crucial role in the health of Southern California’s coastal wetlands. As a keystone species, the rail’s presence indicates a healthy ecosystem. If the population of the Light-footed Ridgway’s rail continues to decline, it could signal the collapse of the wetlands they depend on—and with it, the potential loss of other species and valuable habitat. Healthy wetlands are essential for wildlife and humans, from filtering pollutants and storing carbon to buffering against floodwaters.
Protecting Critical Habitat: Sweetwater Marsh and Beyond
The Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is home to the Living Coast Discovery Center and one of the last remaining strongholds of the Light-footed Ridgway’s rail. These marshlands offer vital breeding and foraging habitats for the rails, providing them with the dense vegetation necessary for protection from predators.
Collaborative Conservation Efforts
The Living Coast Discovery Center, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld, and other scientific organizations, has been actively involved in conserving the Light-footed Ridgway’s rail. Through these efforts, over 1,000 rails have been successfully released into salt marsh habitats throughout Southern California since 2001. Research is also underway in Baja California, Mexico, to explore ways to protect the rail’s habitat across borders. This binational collaboration is vital to ensuring the continued survival of this keystone species in the southern California region.
.How You Can Help
You can make a tangible impact on conserving the Light-footed Ridgway’s rail by making a gift today. Your investment will directly benefit the specialized care and feeding of the rails. Every contribution helps provide the specialized care, food, and habitat the Light-footed Ridgway’s rail needs to thrive. Together, we can protect this endangered species and ensure these vital ecosystems remain healthy for generations.
Your Contribution Saves Species
$50: Fuel a week’s supply of insects or a month’s supply of vitamins
$100: Furnish a bird bath for shorebirds
$250: Supply dietary pellets to enhance nutrient variety for an entire year
$500: Track and monitor the elusive rails on outdoor trail cameras
$1,000: Ensure the continued comprehensive veterinary care for rails, including blood work, enrichment, and habitat maintenance
Your support is critical in preserving these habitats for future generations
Leave a Legacy
Want to make a lasting impact? Consider including the Living Coast Discovery Center in your estate plans. Your legacy can help protect wildlife and preserve the coastal environment for years. Learn more about planned giving here.
There are a number of ways to support our mission:
- Give a cash donation
- Become a member
- Volunteer
- Give appreciated securities/stock
- Include us in your estate plans
Does your company offer an employee charitable match?
Your gift could be doubled – ask us how!
Here are some of the exciting programs and projects that need your support:
Environmental education for K-12 students:
- Living Lab Field Trips
- Our Wild San Diego Outreach
- Wildlife Day Camps
- Provide the items needed for the specialized care of the animal ambassadors at the Living Coast.
Please make gifts by check payable to:
Living Coast Discovery Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Drive
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Tax ID: 33-0750177
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) organization that inspires the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. Your donation is tax-deductible as permissible by law.
