Unique San Diego With Philip R. Pryde – Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 11 a.m.

San Diego County is truly unique in many respects. It was the first place on the west coast of the United States to be visited by Europeans. Though not the largest county in land area, in 1850 it was larger than the state of Indiana. Highly diverse biologically, we enjoy more ecological zones than any other U.S. county. As a result, more bird species have been seen in San Diego County than in any other (over 520 species). Its natural diversity extends from tide pools on the west to a portion of America’s driest desert on the east, with a spectacular 300-foot waterfall in between. The largest living creature on Earth, the Blue Whale, can be seen offshore. Although its Native American population is not the largest, it has the most Reservations of any county. In the late 1880s the highest dam in the United States was built here, and in 1948 the world’s most powerful telescope was installed on Palomar Mountain. And we have more farms than any other county. This engaging slide show will acquaint you with the many ways that San Diego County is one of the most fascinating and unique regions in the United States. Dr. Philip Pryde is a Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University, where he taught courses in environmental policy for 32 years.