The Port of San Diego has named the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista as its Anchors of Excellence award recipient for the month of August, recognizing the nonprofit’s decades of work in sustainability, environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and education. The honor was presented by Port Chair Danielle Moore during the August 12 Board of Port Commissioners meeting.
“The Port of San Diego is proud to honor the Living Coast Discovery Center with our Anchors of Excellence Award,” said Moore. “They inspire local youth and the public at large to connect with San Diego Bay through exciting education programs and a rich history of conservation efforts. As climate change continues to impact communities around the world, innovative organizations like Living Coast Discovery Center are inspiring community action today that will allow future generations to enjoy the beauty of our coastal environment.”
The Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit zoo and aquarium on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, has served the region for more than 30 years. Its programs reach thousands of children annually, including through a partnership with the Port and the Chula Vista Elementary School District, which provides field trips, scout activities, and community outreach. Since 1999, the center has also raised and released nearly 700 endangered Ridgway’s rails back into the wild.
“The Living Coast is thrilled to receive the Anchors of Excellence Award,” said Ben Vallejos, Executive Director of the center. “Thanks to the Port of San Diego’s partnership, we’re able to continue delivering impactful education and conservation programs that connect our community to the San Diego Bay and our coastal environment.”
The Anchors of Excellence program recognizes individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that make significant contributions to the region. Nominations are accepted year-round and are reviewed by an internal Port selection committee, with an emphasis on alignment with Port values and representation across the five member cities: Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego.
