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San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park JPA 18372 Sycamore Creek Road Escondido, CA
92025 858.664.2275 The San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park is a 55 mile-long open space greenbelt “in progress” extending from the eastern end of the San Dieguito Watershed at Volcan Mountain near Julian to the ocean at Del Mar. Most of the habitats known to occur in California can be found within this watershed, including coastal wetland, fresh water marsh, riparian, and lake habitats. Two areas of the River Park are particularly suitable for educational experiences. The Lake Hodges area is a globally important birding area. There are the North Shores Lake Hodges Trail; the Ruth Merrill Children’s Interpretive Trail, which includes riparian areas; Piedras Pintadas emphasizes native plants and the Kumeyaay people (supplemental book available). Trail booklets in Spanish and English and “teacher backpacks” are available for the Ruth Merrill Trail. The Mule Hill Interpretive Trail/San Pasqual Agricultural Trail, set to open by 2002, includes riparian areas. A docent program is available. The other area is the Coastal Lagoon, which includes fresh water marsh, saltwater marsh, and upland areas. A restoration program to improve the health of the coastal wetland system should commence in 2001. Extensive public access and interpretation, including a nature center will be included. |
