Friends Of Lake Hodges

We’re excited to announce a special birding outing hosted by our very own board member, Brian Cadwell, in partnership with The San Diego Bird Alliance!(link in bio)
Brian has spent years exploring and documenting the incredible diversity of wildlife around Lake Hodges, and we’re thrilled to offer an outing guided through his expertise as both a local naturalist and photographer.
This event is a unique opportunity to experience Lake Hodges’ rich birdlife, from our well-loved resident species to the rare visitors that make this place so extraordinary.
We hope you’ll join us for a beautiful day on the trail and a deeper look into the wildlife that makes Lake Hodges truly special. 🐦✨

✨ Great day with the Escondido Senior Anglers! 🎣💧

Today we were invited to speak and help bring these dedicated fishermen up to speed on the latest updates about Lake Hodges and the work we’ve been doing with Friends of Lake Hodges.

Rhonda, the president of Friends of Lake Hodges, delivered an amazing presentation—clear, informative, and full of passion for protecting and restoring our lake. We’re grateful for the warm welcome and the opportunity to share our mission.

Learn more about their organization here: senioranglersofescondido.net

Jam for the Dam 2025 ✨

What an incredible evening celebrating community, music, and our shared love for Lake Hodges! 💧🎶

Thank you to everyone who joined and supported Friends of Lake Hodges at our annual Jam for the Dam fundraiser on October 4th. Together, we’re raising awareness and funds to support dam safety, water quality, wildlife habitat, and public access — ensuring Lake Hodges thrives for generations to come. 🌿💙

Huge thanks as well to our incredible local wineries who donated their amazing wines: Altipiano, Cordiano’s, Domaine Artefact, Espinosa, Highland Valley Vineyards, Mia Marie, Myrtle Creek, Old Survey, Orfila, and Speckle Rock. 🍷

A special thank-you to San Diego City Council Member Marni von Wilpert and her team for their continued leadership and dedication in keeping the Lake Hodges protection moving forward. Your support means so much to our community. 🙌

And of course, a big shoutout to Brian and Paul from Highland Way for bringing such great energy and music to the night! 🎸

Every glass poured, every note played, and every donation made brings us closer to a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant Lake Hodges. 💪🌊

🎶 We’re excited to announce our second annual JAM FOR THE DAM — a fun-filled afternoon of live music, wine tasting, and community spirit! 💃🎻🍷

🎤 Join Brian and Paul from Highland Way as they jam to raise funds for Friends of Lake Hodges 💙

🗓 Saturday, October 4
🕓 4 PM – 6 PM
📍 Lomas Serenas home, Escondido (address shared with ticket)

🎟 Tickets:
$45 each, $80 for two, $110 for three
($50 each after Sept 22)

💥 Tap the link in bio or scan the QR to grab your tickets now!

So excited to report that the City passed the budget and there will be no cuts to the current operating hours at the lakes for 2026, including Lake Hodges!!!!!
Thanks for all of your support!
Our voices made the difference.

URGENT: Help Save Access to Our Lake! We need your voice now more than ever.

As you may know, the future of Lake Hodges is at risk. The City of San Diego is currently preparing its 2026 budget, and without strong public support, there is a very real possibility that funding to maintain public access to Lake Hodges could be reduced to just two days per week.

Lake Hodges is more than just a reservoir—it’s a vital natural resource, a beloved recreational area, and a cornerstone of our community’s identity. From kayaking and birdwatching to hiking and fishing, Lake Hodges brings joy to thousands of residents and visitors each year. Its ecological, recreational, and cultural significance cannot be overstated.

What You Can Do: Submit a Public Comment
We urge you to submit a public comment to the City of San Diego advocating for the continuation of Lake Hodges Funding in the 2026 budget. Your voice can help ensure the City recognizes the importance of restoring and preserving this irreplaceable natural space.

How to Submit a Public Comment:

Visit this link. Provide your comment before Monday’s budget meeting.
https://www.sandiego.gov/council-committees/budget-review-committee-public-comment-form. Suggested message:

“I strongly urge the City of San Diego to prioritize funding for public access to Lake Hodges in the 2026 budget. Lake Hodges is an essential environmental and recreational asset that must be protected for future generations.”

Even just a few sentences can make a huge impact. Public pressure works—especially when it comes from people who care.

Please take a moment to speak up for Lake Hodges. Share this message with your friends and neighbors. Together, we can make sure Lake Hodges remains open, vibrant, and accessible to all.

With gratitude,

Rhonda Farrar

President
Friends of Lake Hodges
[email protected]

⸻

Huge thanks to our 130 amazing volunteers and sponsors for making today’s Earth Day clean-up a success — 243.4 lbs of trash and recyclables collected! Together, we’re making a greener future!

Friends of Lake Hodges Clean Up Event!

Date: Sunday, April 27

Time: 9:30 am to 11:00 am

Location: Lake Hodges Visitor Center Parking Lot: 20102 Lake Drive, Escondido, CA 92101

Let’s come together to make a difference! In celebration of Earth Day, join us for a community clean-up event to take care of our treasured reservoir and make our local environment cleaner and healthier for everyone.

What to Expect: Cleaning up litter and debris around the lake, hiking trails, and public areas. Engaging in discussions on sustainability and environmental protection. Connecting with like-minded individuals passionate about preserving our planet.

How You Can Help: Dress comfortably and appropriately for outdoor activities.

Spread the word! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us.
All registrants before April 8th will receive a free event T Shirt!

We will provide reusable gloves, trash bags, grabber tools, hand sanitizers, sunscreens, water bottles and water. Let’s make every day Earth Day!

A special thanks to our generous event sponsors, ASML, San Diego County Water Authority, Conscious Water Company, Franklin Energy, and Nomad Ventures!

Lake Hodges: A Haven for Grebes

Lake Hodges is home to many birds, including a thriving population of grebes. These sleek, graceful swimmers dive and glide through the water, making it their peaceful home. But here’s the thing—when fishing line and plastic trash collect along the shore, it can become a real danger for these birds. Grebes, with their delicate bodies and long necks, can get tangled in the line or swallow bits of plastic, which is just no good for anyone. Very special thanks to for capturing these breathtaking photos

Stay updated on the latest Dam News! Check out the Friends of Lake Hodges News Page: https://friendsoflakehodges.org/news/