Press Release - Sweetwater Vistas Biological Open Space Preserve

San Diego County, CA — San Diego Habitat Conservancy (SDHC) will soon begin active management of the 28.8-acre Sweetwater Vistas Biological Open Space Preserve. The preserve is located southwest and southeast of the intersection of Jamacha Boulevard and Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in the unincorporated community of Spring Valley, San Diego County, California. These parcels serve as onsite mitigation for the Sweetwater Vistas master planned community project and are within the South County and Metro-Lakeside-Jamul segments of the County’s Multiple Species Conservation Program Subarea Plan. The preserve is comprised of Diegan coastal scrub, cismontane alkali marsh, mule fat scrub, freshwater marsh, southern willow scrub, as well as disturbed and nonnative habitat, including Arundo-dominated riparian, Tamarisk scrub, and Eucalyptus woodland.

The preserve includes areas undergoing active restoration; which were required to provide mitigation for impacts to native habitat by construction of the residential development. This 5-year maintenance and monitoring period will include restoration of Diegan coastal sage scrub, establishment of streambed and wetland waters, and enhancement of existing riparian habitat. These restoration efforts will help to improve habitat for a variety of sensitive species known to occur within the preserve, including graceful tarplant (Holocarpha virgata ssp. elongata), coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), and least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus).

In order to ensure the long-term viability of the sensitive resources and wildlife present within the preserve, SDHC’s long-term management duties will include sensitive species surveys, vegetation mapping, monthly monitoring and security patrols, community outreach and coordination, removal of invasive plants and trash, and reporting to the County.

SDHC, a nationally accredited land trust, was established in 2000 and currently manages 33 open space preserves throughout the San Diego region. Our focus is to preserve and manage sensitive habitat and species that are unique to our southern California environment. SDHC strives to share our knowledge and appreciation of the natural environment with the San Diego community, encouraging participation in the stewardship of our region’s precious open space. The mission of SDHC is to conserve and manage sensitive habitats and species while inspiring land stewardship through education and outreach.

For more information please contact Don Scoles at (619) 365-4839 or via email at dons@sdhabitat.org.

SDHC Becomes Steward of the Sweetwater Vistas Biological Open Space Preserve