Conservation
LAND ACQUISITION
In partnership with organizations and government agencies, the Conservancy purchases land from willing sellers within the River Park's 92,000-acre planning area. Since 2000, the Conservancy has raised funds and participated in negotiations to secure many hundreds of acres.
VOLCAN MOUNTAIN
In 2001, the Conservancy purchased 27 acres on the west slope of Volcan Mountain to connnect Volcan Mountain Preserve with Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Volcan Mountain is the headwater for four river systems, including the San Dieguito, San Diego, San Luis Rey and San Felipe Creek. Volcan Mountain supports 30 different vegetation communities and a variety of wildlife, including mountain lions and golden eagles.
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LAKE SUTHERLAND
In 2001, the Conservancy purchased 233 acres at Lake Sutherland northeast of Ramona and north of Highway 78. The acquisition added to 1,000 adjoining acres of open space owned by the San Dieguito River Park JPA. Lake Sutherland East provides habitat for a wildlife corridor and for a future segment of the Coast to Crest Trail.
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PAMO VALLEY
In 2013, the Conservancy purchased 40 acres in Pamo Valley for $110,000 raised entirely by Conservancy supporters. The acreage was one of two private holdings surrounded by protected lands. The property overlooks the Pamo Valley segment of the Coast to Crest Trail.
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BERNARDO MOUNTAIN
For thousands of commuters on Interstate 15, Bernardo Mountain is a defining landmark—much like the calm waters of Lake Hodges that spread from the mountain's base. In 2001, the Conservancy campaigned to protect Bernardo Mountain from development and within a year secured the mountain as permanent open space within the San Dieguito River Park. In less than two months, more than 1,000 donors contributed in excess of $600,000 to match $3 million in government grants to acquire Bernardo Mountain.
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SAN PASQUAL VALLEY
In 2009, the Conservancy acquired 23-acres where the Santa Ysabel and Guejito creeks join in the San Pasqual Valley. The property enabled future mitigation credit sales to generate funding for other land purchases. Because the property is at the intersection of two riparian corridors, it has special habitat value and is rich in natural resources.
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DEL DIOS HIGHLANDS
The world was on lockdown in early 2021 but donors' generosity was wide open. In three short months, nearly 200 donors gifted $322,000 to the Conservancy to fund our share of a 117 acre acquisition in the scrubby hills overlooking Lake Hodges. The undisturbed land is rich in habitat value and provides important connections to adjoining open space reserves. After the close of escrow, we wasted no time in completing wildlife surveys and deploying automated cameras to track animals' movements.
DEL MAR
In the City of Del Mar, the Conservancy acquired four parcels along River Path Del Mar between 2004 and 2021. Located east of Jimmy Durante Boulevard and north of San Dieguito Drive, the lots provide valuable restoration and mitigation opportunities Del Mar needs to complete a final phase of the River Path.
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HABITAT RESTORATION
We are committed to conserving and restoring habitat throughout the river valley. Restoration projects are made possible through grants and the work of dedicated volunteers.
With every restoration project, our goal is to:
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Clear debris and other signs of human encroachment
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Remove non-native and invasive plants
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Plant, seed, and nurture native plants to create a viable, self-sustaining habitat for native species to flourish
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Facilitate safe human interaction with restored habitats so they can be enjoyed by future generations
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Click here to see an interactive map highlighting grant-funded habitat restoration projects in the San Dieguito River Park.
