In the 1990s, Rob Hutsel was a weekend volunteer, working to care for local parks and open spaces. But when 34 million gallons of untreated sewage spilled into the San Diego River, Hutsel saw an opportunity to take action rather than just a setback. The disaster motivated him to rally the community and transform the situation into a chance to make a lasting impact.
“I realized that if we could unite the community, we could overcome the barriers to a better future for the river,” Hutsel, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of the San Diego River Park Foundation shared with GB Magazine. This sentiment sparked his long-term commitment to protecting and revitalizing the river.
Hutsel and the San Diego River Park Foundation took on the monumental task of creating a river-long parkway. Over the course of ten years, they worked closely with the City of San Diego to adopt the River Park Master Plan. In that time, they raised millions of dollars to conserve at-risk open spaces, heal lands scarred by years of abuse, and provide nature education to tens of thousands of schoolchildren.
“I am proud of the role I have played in helping the San Diego River become more than just a waterway,” Hutsel reflects. “It is now a cultural, natural, and recreational treasure.”
While significant progress has been made, Hutsel acknowledges that the river has not yet reached its full potential. “The river still needs a steadfast voice,” he says. “We continue to invite people to join us in supporting projects that are critical for its future, like Grant Park – a 17-acre educational facility in Mission Valley that provides STEAM learning experiences to thousands of kids annually.”
One of the foundation’s major upcoming events is Fiesta del Rio, a fundraising event on the riverbanks of Mission Valley on September 20th. The event will honor local conservation heroes while raising funds to offer free nature learning experiences to more children. The Fiesta del Rio is just one of the many ways Hutsel and his team are working to connect the community with the river and inspire future generations to become environmental stewards.
For Hutsel, making a difference starts with taking the first step. “Start with one person, talk to a friend or a neighbor,” he shares. “You would be surprised how often you will find people who share your interests and are waiting for someone else to take the lead.”
In a world where many challenges seem insurmountable, Hutsel’s story is a powerful reminder that even the smallest steps can lead to transformative change. His ongoing dedication continues to leave a lasting impact on the San Diego River and its surrounding community.
