PRESERVING
& RESTORING
THE ESCONDIDO CREEK WATERSHED

OUR VISION

Through the Conservancy’s leadership, the Escondido Creek Watershed will become a model of vibrant urban communities and viable natural ecosystems thriving together.

THE
ESCONDIDO CREEK

WATERSHED

The Conservancy is focused on the health and vitality of the Escondido Creek Watershed in North San Diego County, California. Since 1991, we have purchased and protected over 7,000 acres of critical habitat from destruction and urban development.

The Escondido Creek watershed extends from above Lake Wohlford, through the City of Escondido, Harmony Grove, Elfin Forest and Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, and into the San Elijo lagoon in Solana Beach and Encinitas. By delivering on our promise to build and protect healthy communities for wildlife and people, we bring everyone closer to the vital resources that nature has to offer our quality of life.

We ask that you join us on our mission to preserve, protect and restore the Escondido Creek Watershed, so that our community and nature flows together.

7,000+

Acres Preserved

3,100+

Acres Owned & Managed

27,000+

Youth Reached

Miles from Bear Valley to the Ocean

OUR STORY

We believe that everyone benefits by being part of nature, not apart from it.

The Escondido Creek Conservancy exists to enhance the lives of people and wildlife in our watershed. We do this by leading, educating and advocating for our natural surroundings.

OUR TEAM

Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Board

Our Founding Documents

Bylaws
Articles of Incorporation

IRS Determination Letter

Learn More About Us

Get Involved

Get to know the passionate individuals at the forefront our mission. Our stewards are dedicated to preserving and restoring crucial lands for the benefit of all.

Get Involved

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nature provides so many benefits to the individual and our communities as a whole.

Join us for events in and around the Escondido Creek watershed or explore the trails with your friends and family!

GALLERY: OUR PRESERVES

Our region is spectacular, and our supporters are passionate about keeping it that way. Below, enjoy a glimpse of the diverse conservation lands we protect.

Explore

Mountain Meadow Preserve

These 693 acres will never be developed, protected in perpetuity for native plants and animals by the Conservancy, San Diego County Parks and Recreation and the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. (if there was room to add all three logos I can get you the other two). The site is not open for public access, but the Conservancy often leads hikes there you can join; follow us on Eventbrite for details. Additionally, there is an active weekly volunteer program at the Preserve you can join; contact information@escondidocreek.org.

LeoMar Preserve

To create our newest wildlife sanctuary, the Conservancy is purchasing smaller properties with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Wildlife Conservation Board and stitching them together to create a wildlife corridor connecting sensitive habitat areas in Olivenhain to the Keithley Preserve in Elfin Forest. There is not an official trail system at the Preserve at this time, but the Conservancy does lead groups there and you can join us. Follow us on Eventbrite to stay up to date.

Sardina Preserve

This 282-acre preserve was created with grants from the California Wildlife Conservation Board and the California Transportation Commission. It includes an Engleman oak forest, grass and oak meadows and two tributaries to Escondido Creek. The site is undergoing restoration in partnership with CalFire and others who are removing highly flammable non-native eucalyptus trees and restoring the Preserve to native habitat. The Conservancy leads hikes to the Preserve; follow us on Eventbrite for details.

Bottle Peak Preserve

The spectacular Bottle Peak is visible from many locations in Escondido. The Wildlife Conservation Board, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and San Diego County Parks and Recreation partnered with the Conservancy to protect the iconic peak. The county purchased 380 acres of the land near the peak; the Conservancy bought another 418 acres including the peak. The Conservancy leads hikes to the Preserve; follow us on Eventbrite for details.

Harmony Heights Preserve

With support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Wildlife Conservation Board, and a private donor, the Conservancy facilitated the protection of 502 acres of important habitat linkage connecting the upper elevations of Harmony Grove towards the peaks of San Marcos. The Conservancy eventually retained 258 acres and sold 244 acres to San Diego County Parks and Recreation; the Conservancy leads hikes to the Preserve; follow us on Eventbrite for details.

Keithley Preserve

Comprised of 6 properties acquired over 11 years with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Wildlife Conservation Board, SANDAG and SDG&E, the Keithley Preserve is 910 acres and supports some of the most sensitive coastal sage shrub habitat in the Escondido Creek watershed and a peaceful trail system that partially follows Escondido Creek. You can visit the preserve, which is adjacent to the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, during daylight hours

PRESERVING
& RESTORING
THE ESCONDIDO CREEK WATERSHED

OUR VISION

THE
ESCONDIDO CREEK

WATERSHED

The Conservancy is focused on the health and vitality of the Escondido Creek Watershed in North San Diego County, California. Since 1991, we have purchased and protected over 7,000 acres of critical habitat from destruction and urban development.

OUR STORY

We believe that everyone benefits by being part of nature, not apart from it.

OUR TEAM

Our Founding Documents

Get Involved

UPCOMING EVENTS

GALLERY: OUR PRESERVES

Don't Miss a Thing

Recieve our Latest News & Updates

Get In Touch

PRESERVING & RESTORING THE ESCONDIDO CREEK WATERSHED

OUR VISION

THE ESCONDIDO CREEK

WATERSHED

The Conservancy is focused on the health and vitality of the Escondido Creek Watershed in North San Diego County, California. Since 1991, we have purchased and protected over 7,000 acres of critical habitat from destruction and urban development.

​

OUR STORY

We believe that everyone benefits by being part of nature, not apart from it.

OUR TEAM

Our Founding Documents

Get Involved

UPCOMING EVENTS

GALLERY: OUR PRESERVES

Don't Miss a Thing

Recieve our Latest News & Updates

Get In Touch

PRESERVING
& RESTORING
THE ESCONDIDO CREEK WATERSHED

THE
ESCONDIDO CREEK