Vote Online Now: WiLDCOAST Nominated for Eco Ambassador Award

For their role in clean water and coastline conservation efforts, Earth 8 nominated WiLDCOAST as a finalist for their Eco Ambassador award earlier this month.

As of Friday, the Imperial Beach environmental group is second in total votes behind the Anza-Borrego Desert National History Association.

Voting ends at 12 p.m. Dec. 6.

Winner of the Eco Ambassador award will receive a $25,000 grant from Earth 8, SDG&E and The San Diego River Park Foundation.

Click here to vote.

Votes may be cast once every 24-hour period.

WiLDCOAST is well-known for being a conservation advocate to decision makers and regularly assisting in cleanups in the Tijuana River Valley.

Last month, the group hosted its annual Dempsey Holder Ocean Festival and Surf Contest in Imperial Beach, which brings educational elements to South Bay's largest surf competition.

On Saturday WiLDCOAST will hold the second half of its MPA Watch volunteer class, a program to teach volunteers how to conduct research and protect the newly created Tijuana River Mouth Marine Protected Area.

On Dec. 12 WiLDCOAST will help host an ocean water quality workshop at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center where beachgoers can learn about what pollution closes local beaches and how to stay safe.

Visit WiLDCOAST's website or watch this video about the organization to learn more about projects in San Diego and Baja California.

Earlier this year, Dr. Mike McCoy of Imperial Beach came in 2nd place in the Cox Conserves Heroes contest votes. His Southwest Wetland Interpretive Association received $2,500 and media promotion for the award.

McCoy helped establish the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and has played a role in conservation across San Diego's South Bay community.

Editor's Note: WiLDCOAST Executive Director Serge Dedina writes the Southwest Surf column weekly for IB Patch.