East County families have a free, fun Saturday to look forward to: Nature Day returns to Mt. Helix Park on Saturday, March 14, with an impressive lineup of outdoor activities and conservation exhibits.

The annual event, held at the historic nature preserve atop Mt. Helix, will feature live animals, butterfly releases, a native plant sale, hands-on crafts, ecosystem tours, and booths representing more than 30 nonprofit nature and conservation organizations. It is open to the public at no charge.

Proceeds from the native plant sale benefit the Mt. Helix Park Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that stewards the beloved hilltop preserve overlooking El Cajon and the surrounding East County communities.

Attendees are asked to park at Grossmont High School and take a free shuttle bus to the top of Mt. Helix. For details, vendor information, or to learn more about the event, visit mthelixpark.org/natureday.

Mt. Helix Park is located in La Mesa and is easily accessible from Santee and surrounding East County communities via surface streets. It remains one of the region's most beloved open-space landmarks.