PRESS RELEASE
September 24, 2007
Project Will Enhance New Stretch of 55-mile Hiking Trail
DEL MAR – Officials gathered today to kick off the San Dieguito River Estuary North Bank Restoration at the project site near Interstate 5 on the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The project will restore 1.15 acres of land along the north side of the San Dieguito River, where many non-native plants now exist. The San Dieguito Lagoon area is home to several endangered species, including the California Gnatcatcher and Brown Pelican.
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy has received a $19,350 grant from the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project to restore native coastal sage scrub habitat along a new segment of the San Dieguito River Park’s Coast-to-Crest Trail.
“The Conservancy is very pleased to be partnering with the Fairgrounds on this project,” said Leslie Woollenweber, the conservancy’s resources specialist. “Every acre of this special habitat that can be restored here counts toward our continued enjoyment of nature close to where we live.”
The project aims to replace all non-native plants with native species. Volunteers will carry out most of the work. The Conservancy will also partner with the San Dieguito River Park rangers as they add the latest piece of the 55-mile regional trail.
“The 22nd DAA is proud to assist with this project,” said Tim Fennell, CEO and General Manager of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. “We are committed to being a good steward of the environment.”
County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price represents the county’s Third District as the appointee to the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority (JPA). The JPA is responsible for creating the Coast-to-Crest Trail that will stretch over 55 miles, from the ocean in Del Mar to Volcan Mountain, just north of Julian.
“Thanks to the work between the Fairgrounds, the Conservancy, and the JPA, the Coast-to-Crest Trail will allow hikers to enjoy this beautiful river,” Slater-Price said. “This park is the Yosemite of Southern California.”
The restoration project should take about six months to complete. To learn more about the project, visit www.sdrvc.org and the trail at www.sdrp.org/trails.htm.
Contact Erica Holloway @ (619) 531-5857 or (619) 358-3076 (cell)
