For a quarter century, the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy has been at work implementing the San Dieguito River Park – extending its over 70 miles of recreational trails, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for youth and adults, engaging more than 400 volunteers each year, and restoring over 1,000 acres of threatened native habitat. The Conservancy’s accomplishments extend from the beach in Del Mar, through the Santa Fe and San Pasqual Valleys, to the pristine tops of Volcan Mountain in Julian. To learn more please visit sdrvc.org/accomplishments.

This year in celebration of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation’s 30-year legacy in the community and its longstanding partnership with the Conservancy, the Foundation has awarded the Conservancy a $1,000 Challenge Grant to move us one step closer to meeting our $30,000 challenge goal.

Your tax-deductible gift will honor our vital partnership to the community, and will assist in protecting our area’s precious natural resources.

 Please select 25th Anniversary Challenge from the Fund menu.

By donating to the 25^th Anniversary Challenge Fund, you help ensure that the following programs can continue:

• Our outdoor learning laboratory programs for youth and adults
• Plans to extend the Santa Fe Valley Trail to San Dieguito Road
• Acquiring key lands to expand the park and protect critical wildlife corridors

To learn more about the Conservancy’s accomplishments, please visit sdrvc.org/accomplishments.

 

 sdrvc.org/accomplishments

All materials are provided. Download the flyer here!

Drought-tolerant and fire-wise plants, many of them native, were selected for the garden.  Once the path and landscape boulders were in place, local volunteers planted and seeded the site.  The stone bench as well as four wooden benches were made by John Coughlin and donated by members of the community.  One bench is accessible to those with disabilities.  The remainder of the project was funded by the proceeds from two Del Mar Garden Club events as well as donations to the Conservancy in honor of Alice Goodkind, who was a prominent local voice for open space preservation in the San Dieguito River Valley.  The Garden Club and other volunteers maintain the garden, weeding and tending the new plants until they become established.

The project has beautifully enhanced the bluff along the rim of Crest Canyon for residents and visitors alike and provides a serene place to enjoy a lovely view of the western end of the river valley, observe its unique and fragile landscape and remember those who have made its preservation possible. 

To reach Crest Rim, exit I-5 at Del Mar Heights Road and go west.  Turn right onto Crest Way and continue as it turns into Crest Road.  Continue to Klish Way; the garden is located on the east side of Crest Road between Klish and Amphitheater Drive.  There is no stopping or parking on Crest Road, but parking is available on Klish Way and other side streets.

Every acre counts as we partner with the San Dieguito River Park to enhance, restore or maintain the native landscapes in the river valley. Our activities are suitable for all ages and we welcome individuals, school groups, community service organizations and corporate employees who want to volunteer with us.

River Park Volunteer Trail Patrol Training

Trail Patrol Volunteers will be trained in visitor relations, two-way radio procedures & equipment, and emergency situations.  Whether you are interested in hiking the trails, patrolling by bicycle, or taking your horse out as part of an equestrian unit, we need YOU!

The training will feature ranger led presentations, detailed Park information, a guest speaker, Lieutenant Joe Young, from the Oceanside Police Department presenting “Verbal Judo,” equipment use training, and in the field scenario/role playing.

Annual Trail Patrol Training

Date: January 28  and  29th, 2012
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
(attend both days)

 Cost: FREE

Details:  You must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one 3 or 4 hour patrol shift per month.

 To Register:  Please contact (858)674-2275 x 14 or Leana@sdrp.org.  Please call for location.

t Restoration

Habitat Restoration

Tools, training and work gloves provided! Please bring water, sun protection and wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Reservations are required for all volunteer events. Please contact volunteer@sdrvc.org to reserve a space and for directions.

Join us in the fall when our habitat restoration work parties begin again!  

Wwww.ranchovalencia.com

Guests attending our River Valley Fest at Rancho Valenica will receive a 15% discount on Luxury Suites for that evening (based on availability).

Carol Angus, Conservancy Board Member, talks about why she got involved and the Conservancy’s accomplishments.

Long-time Supporter, Chris Khoury talks about the San Dieguito River Park and its important legacy to San Diegans.

A Seminar Series in the Field

“You can’t know who you are until you know where you are.”  - Wendell Berry

WHAT:  An 8 session seminar series which includes a reception and 7 hikes with lectures by experts, and special “reflective time” sessions (please see the schedule below)

WHO:  Those who want to learn more about the River Park, strengthen their connection to nature, are able to hike at a relaxed pace for 3-4 miles, and are willing to make a commitment to attend at least 6 of the 8 sessions

WHY:  Would you like to…

Experience the San Dieguito River Valley in all seasons?

Follow its path from mountain to sea?

Encounter its plant, animal and human inhabitants?

Hear stories of the valley’s origins and first peoples?

Connect to the River Valley with your heart as well as your mind

WHEN:  The program will begin with a reception in September, 2011. The tentative schedule is as follows:

September 27, 2011, 5:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Tuesday): Introductory Reception at the Powerhouse in Del Mar

Saturday, October 1, 2011, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: “River Park Overview” at Dudley’s Bakery and on Volcan Mtn

Saturday, November 5, 2011, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: “Mammals & Tracking” at Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve East

Saturday, January 7, 2012, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: “Native Americans” at the San Diego Archeological Center and on the Clevenger Canyon North Trail

Saturday, February 4, 2012, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: “Birds” at the Ed Brown Senior Center and at Bernardo Bay (Lake Hodges)

Saturday, March 3, 2012, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: “Geology and Chaparral” at the San Diego Archeological Center and at Lake Sutherland

Saturday, April 7, 2012, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: “Botany” at the Ed Brown Senior Center and at the Piedras Pintadas Trail at Lake Hodges

Saturday, May 5, 2012, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: “Behind the Scenes” and Graduation at the Del Mar Lagoon

TUITION:  $250, which includes the two texts, course materials, and lectures by local experts on the topics. Participants must provide their own brown bag lunches and hiking supplies. 

ENROLLMENT:  Enrollment is limited to 25 participants, in order to maximize the experience for participants.  As stated above, all interested persons must have the ability to hike at least 3-4 miles at each session, should be able to commit to at least 6 of the 8 sessions, and must be SDRVC members.  If you are interested, please email the Program Administrators Jim and Cheryl Coffee at cj@jamescoffee.com. You may also call her at 877-247-9779 if you have questions.

APPLICATION:  To begin the registration process, download the Application here.

DEADLINE:  August 2, 2011

Get your application in quickly, as space is limited!

Photographs provided by James Coffee Studios

Photographs provided by James Coffee Studios

Located two miles north of Julian on the east side of Farmer Road, Volcan Mountain is home to a mixed conifer, oak and cedar forest, rugged canyons, and seasonal ponds.  The Mountain supports 22 sensitive plant species, 39 sensitive animal species and 30 different vegetation communities. Two trails will take you to the summit at Volcan Mountain Preserve, which are managed by the County of San Diego.

The Conservancy has been an active partner in the protection of Volcan Mountain for over 13 years. Approximately 9,000 acres of the 11,000-acre Rutherford Ranch on the north end of Volcan Mountain have been purchased by a coalition of public agencies, including the Conservancy. In addition in 2002, the Conservancy purchased a key 27-acre parcel – linking Volcan Mountain Preserve and Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve East.

Southwesterly views from atop the Russell Homestead property to be purchased on Volcan Mountain

To To learn more about the Russell Homestead property, see the December 2009 Currents newsletter and the Russell Homestead information packet. 

How You Can Help

A purchase agreement was recently signed for another 420 acres, known as the Russell Homestead property, high on the west central slodes of Volcan Mountain, in an area slated for residential development.  In partnership with the Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and the County of San Diego, the Conservancy has committed to raise $500,000, about 13% of the purchase price, from donors to complete this important purchase.

To help, please consider a donation to the Volcan Mountain Fund. To protect Volcan Mountain now, clickor CONTACT the Conservancy directly to find out how you can play a role in preserving Volcan Mountain forever.