Escondido Creek Conservancy

79 acres and what do you get? LeoMar Preserve for the missing Lynx at Olivenhain

“The LeoMar preserve is important as is every part of our beautiful planet. We must always do our best to protect and preserve our precious earth.” — Martha Blane, namesake of the newly created LeoMar Preserve at Olivenhain In a day that will live in conservation, Escondido Creek Conservancy officials said the group closed escrow Monday, June 7, 2021 on 79 Olivenhain acres representing the…


Chainsaw training stumps local eucalyptus

In our never-ending battle against invasive species, chainsaws are a most important tool. But the safety of our staff and volunteers always takes precedent. So, last month, Conservancy staff, volunteers, and some of our conservation partners spent a full day learning the basics of chainsaw safety and maintenance. “Investing in this training is worth it,” said Conservancy Land Director Hannah Walchak, “because not knowing how…


Fairy shrimp are real and were at Escondido

Escondido Creek Conservancy biological surveyors recently discovered Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lindahli) at the Mountain Meadow Preserve near Hidden Meadows. This elusive species is fairly uncommon in San Diego County due to the loss of preferred habitat — vernal pools. And while they won’t grant you three wishes — most vernal pools in San Diego have been destroyed by urban development — making their discovery is…