PRESERVES

Biological Open Space Preserves

Biological Open Space Preserves are not open to the public. These preserves are set aside and closed to the public for a variety of reasons, such as limited access, sensitive species, or for mitigation purposes. While these preserves are not open to the public, their protection plays a critical role in preserving native plants, wildlife, and the natural beauty of our community for future generations.

Preserves may be accessible for limited reasons, such as docent led hikes, volunteer groups, or research. For more information, please contact us or visit our special use permit section for more information on how to access. 


Large rocky hill with many boulders and sparse bushes under a partly cloudy sky.

Rock Mountain Preserve

Rock Mountain Preserve is an iconic visual landmark in Fallbrook, looking north towards De Luz. The 78-acre preserve is situated in the Santa Margarita River Valley and is home to coastal California gnatcatchers, red diamond rattlesnakes, mule deer, and mountain lions. Closed to the general public, docent-led hikes occur periodically. 

A dirt trail running through a dry, grassy landscape surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.

Cleveland Corridor Conservation Bank

Cleveland Corridor Conservation Bank is a 598 acre preserve located near Sutherland Reservoir in Ramona. California mule deer, red-diamond rattlesnakes and a variety of birds, including California quail, towhees, and roadrunners call the preserve home. ​The Preserve was previously the private ranch of Buddy Ebsen who starred as Jed Clampett in "The Beverly Hillbillies".   For over 50 years, Mr. Ebsen preserved the ranch for his family and friends to enjoy the great outdoors.  

More information about the CCCB and conservation credits can be found here.  https://clevelandcorridorconservationbank.com/

Purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers growing in soil with mulch.

Don & Peggy Durling Preserve

Protected through the generosity of Don and Peggy Durling, the 184-acre Durling Preserve is an example of how private landowners can preserve their land for the benefit of future generations. The Preserve is steep, rugged chaparral providing vital habitat for large mammals like mountain lion and deer, and our smaller feathered friends like quail. This Preserve was acquired through a partnership with the Department of Navy and Don and Peggy Durling.

Close-up of a yellow flower with a dark center in a garden with colorful trees in the background.

Margarita Peak Preserve

Margarita Peak Preserve is our largest preserve, encompassing over 1,200-acres in the Tenaja area adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest, in northwest San Diego County. The peak sits at 3,193 feet above mean sea level, making it is the highest point in San Diego County west of Interstate 15.  This remote and pristine property is home to an abundance of native plant and animal species. This Preserve was acquired through a partnership with the Department of Navy, Trust for Public Lands, and the Wildlife Conservation Board.

A dirt lot with small plants marked by pink flags, a pathway down the middle, and residential houses with trees and cypress trees on a clear sunny day.

Appleton Preserve

Appleton Preserve was set aside as mitigation for the Malabar Ranch development, situated along Via Monserate and La Canada Roads in Fallbrook.

The 23-acre Appleton Preserve was former nursery land and has been largely restored to coastal sage scrub habitat through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, and our Environmental Education Program.   

You can see their progress on our Environmental Education page.

More Open Spaces

  • Bonsall Preserve protects the outlet of Ostrich Farms Creek, as it reaches the San Luis Rey River. This 27-acre Preserve provides critical habitat within the dense riparian corridor for migratory and resident songbirds. This Preserve was permanently protected through a generous grant from the California Department of Transportation’s Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program.

  • Loretta Street Preserve is in the City of Oceanside, along the San Luis Rey River. This Preserve supports the federally listed coastal California gnatcatcher and least Bell’s vireo. The coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent scrub and riparian habitats of the Preserve are a prime example of protection of sensitive habitats along the urban edge. This Preserve was acquired through a partnership with the Department of Navy, Trust for Public Lands, and the Wildlife Conservation Board, and State Coastal Conservancy.

  • Granger Preserve is a 52-acre preserve located in Pauma Valley. Granger Preserve is mitigation land for a solar project in San Diego County and protects chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland habitats. The steep slopes and dense chaparral make access difficult but offer a refuge for songbirds and wildflowers.

  • Sycamore Springs Preserves in Oceanside is 4.75 acres set aside as mitigation for the Sycamore Springs development. While the acreage may sound small, the preserve supports riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub, and native grassland habitats. The preserve is home to numerous species, including least Bell’s vireo, yellow warbler, and orange-throated whiptail.

  • The Pala Mesa Highlands Preserves consist of two separate tracts of land set aside as mitigation for the Aurora Heights development. The onsite preserve is located within the neighborhood and is bordered by a walking trail within the community. The onsite preserve borders Engel Family Preserve, increasing habitat connectivity for large mammals such as mountain lions and mule deer, and songbirds such as the coastal California gnatcatcher. The offsite preserve is located on Old Highway 395, near Camino del Rey, in Bonsall. This preserve also supports coastal California gnatcatcher.

  • Darling Preserve is adjacent to San Marcos Highland Open Space Preserve and was acquired as mitigation lands for the San Marcos Highlands development. This Preserve increases the width of the preserved lands between developed lands and provides critical connectivity for wildlife.

  • As the name suggests, The Horse Creek Ridge Offsite Preserve is situated along Gavilan Mountain in the De Luz area of Fallbrook.  This Preserve was set aside as additional mitigation for the Horse Creek Ridge residential development. Owned by San Diego State University, the Preserve is managed in partnership with Fallbrook Land Conservancy.

  • Located in Temecula, Long Valley Wash is an approximately 15-acre preserve consisting of riparian/floodplain scrub and Riversidean sage scrub habitats. The preserve functions as a flood control system to protect residents on either side while providing high quality habitat for native species. A pathway, maintained by the HOA, is located on both sides of the preserve.