PROTECT OUR PRESERVES, INC.
SAN DIEGO
Saving special habitat into the future
POPs Supported San Diego Habitat Preserves
The 900-acre Del Mar Mesa Preserve lies on the east end of Del Mar Mesa. It is protected under the city's Multiple Species Habitat Plan. Parts of the Preserve are under State and Federal jurisdiction. Home to dozens of endangered and threatened species of plants and animals unique to San Diego, the Preserve was created through negotiations between government, community, environmental representatives, and land owners, who dedicated up to 75% of their land in exchange for higher housing densities. The Preserve is also home to many vernal pool complexes. The Preserve is contiguous to Los Penasquitos Canyon and serves as a critical animal migration corridor for the City and County.
A popular recreational destination for equestrians, trail bike riders, naturalists, and hikers, the City Parks Department developed a Resource Management Plan to designate compatible trails in consultation with community, environmental and recreational user groups which was enacted by the San Diego City Council.
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is an urban park in San Diego, California. Stretching approximately 7 miles, the park encompasses some 4,000 acres of both Peñasquitos and Lopez canyons. With over 4,000 acres of open space, this preserve is home to many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Visitors using the 37 miles of multi-use trails have the opportunity to pass through 14 different habitat types and view a waterfall.
Carmel Mountain Preserve encompasses approximately 300 acres of listed and endangered habitat with view of Los Penasquitos Lagoon, Torrey Pines State Park and Shaw Valley. It serves as an essential wildlife corridor connecting through Shaw Valley to Los Penasquitos Canyon and Del Mar Mesa Preserves. It is home to a multitude of unique habitats including southern maritime chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and vernal pools.
Shaw Valley located in Del Mar Mesa connects Carmel Mountain Preserve to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. The Valley is home to the 5 star Del Mar Grand Hotel and to the popular equestrian and hiking Shaw Valley Trail. The hotel's golf course is designed to blend with the Del Mar Mesa's native plants ensuring protection and migration of critical wildlife. On the valley's southern end are large protected vernal pool areas. The area is part of the City of San Diego's Multiple Species Habitat Program that conserves lands host to many endangered and listed species, some exclusive to San Diego.
Neighboring Preserves:
San Dieguito River Park Conservancy
Envisions a 92,000 acre river park, including the 55 mile Coast to Crest Trail.
A State Marsh Natural Preserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines.