Stewarding Plants at Kendall-Frost Marsh: Adaptation through Relationships and Knowledge Sharing

On January 10, 2026 over 90 community members, academic leaders, environmental organizations as well as our Tribal, state, and federal partners came together on Kumeyaay lands at the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve. The Climate Science Alliance team was happy to host this event in collaboration with our partners Tipey Joa Native Warriors and UC San Diego Natural Reserve System. Thank you to all the participants and partners who made this day so incredible with listening sessions, native plant restoration, cultural demonstrations, and Reserve trail walks with the new "Hear Our Names: Meet the Plants and Animals of Our Region" signage.

On Saturday, January 10th the Climate Science Alliance, in partnership with Tipey Joa Native Warriors and UC San Diego Natural Reserve System, hosted the event Stewarding Plants at Kendall-Frost Marsh: Adaptation through Relationships and Knowledge Sharing. Located on Kumeyaay homelands on the north end of San Diego’s Mission Bay, the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve consists of 16 acres of restored wetland habitat. Usually closed to the public, the Reserve was opened for attendees representing many different agencies, academic institutions, organizations, and communities to visit and explore as part of the event.

After a week of clouds and rain, the day began with warm sunshine and birds fluttering about the marsh. The event opened with a blessing from a Kumiai Elder, followed by welcoming remarks from the leadership of Tipey Joa Native Warriors, Climate Science Alliance, and partners from UC San Diego. Elders and cultural bearers from across California and Baja California shared their basket weaving, bead work, and clay pottery practices. Attendees were given opportunities to connect with each other and learn how to engage with natural materials to create clay pots and medallions. Native youth who were present facilitated the Kumeyaay game P’shook, playing with an intergenerational audience throughout the day. Those that attended came with open hearts, listening to the offerings and story sharings of Elders. There was a collective resonance of care for the land and the stories shared at this special gathering.

The day’s main activity was an interactive panel Adaptation through Relationships and Knowledge Sharing, which uplifted the experiences of cultural bearers, academic leaders, and partners. Gathered around the panelists at an open space overlooking the marsh, attendees heard the stories of community partners from across many Native communities that had common threads in caring for plant relatives and the land. One of the panelists, an Elder from Baja California, stressed the effects that drought and high temperatures in the winter is having on the plants. He addressed how climate change has already had a negative impact on his community and the ecosystem in comparison to what he remembers from his youth. Panelists discussed the importance of building connections together to address shared challenges, such as climate change, and to create more spaces for ceremony and healing with the land for times to come.

Throughout the day, attendees explored the trails adorned with 12 new interactive Hear Our Names signs that offer a unique experience to learning: by scanning a QR code with a mobile device, the participant can hear the plant’s name in Kumeyaay and learn more about the plant and its connection to climate change. The creation and placement of the Hear Our Names signs is part of a collaborative and on-going effort between the Climate Science Alliance and partners to integrate Indigenous knowledges, participation, and leadership in climate adaptation planning and stewardship. Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve is currently one of three locations that host the Hear Our Names signs, through partnership between Tipey Joa Native Warriors, UC San Diego Natural Reserve System, and Climate Science Alliance; you can learn more about other locations and collaborations by visiting https://www.climatesciencealliance.org/hear-our-names.

Attendees were eager to get their hands in the dirt and planted several native species along the walking trails, contributing to the overall restoration efforts. The marsh is home to many species, including native plants planted on Saturday such as Pellytaay [White Sage (Salvia apiana)], ‘Aakull [Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei)], and Ha'anya yul [Black Sage (Salvia mellifera)].

Once the day wrapped up, participants were encouraged to celebrate the Climate Science Alliance’s 10th Birthday by taking home a gift bundle. We thank the 90+ community members and partners who participated in the event and made this day memorable.

Learn more about Hear Our Names: Meet the Plants and Animals of Our Region here: https://www.climatesciencealliance.org/hear-our-names