Escondido Creek Conservancy

Land program expenses are used for managing 3,000+/- acres of conservation land in the Escondido Creek watershed area while also working to save additional land. Lands managed are owned in fee or controlled via a conservation easement or other legal instrument. Expenses include the salaries of our land team, general expenses needed to run the organization, habitat acquisition expenses and habitat restoration expenses. Some expenses are paid by grants and donated funds, and other expenses are paid for by endowments for preserves that are endowed[av1] [av2] . The main purpose of our land programs is fulfilling the mission of the Conservancy to preserve and restore the Escondido Creek watershed.

Escondido Creek watershed invasive plant control, restoration, and fire prevention program: the project, by the Escondido Creek Conservancy (Conservancy), will address invasive, non-native plant species across the Escondido Creek watershed in north san diego county. It will primarily utilize mechanical and chemical treatment of invasive, non-native plants in nature preserves owned and managed by the grantee, in riparian areas, along 8 miles of Escondido Creek, from upper to mid watershed. It will also treat invasive plants on neighboring, privately-owned lands in order to accomplish watershed-scale control of certain plants and engage the community in conservation. Retreatments and monitoring of progress will ensure long-term maintenance of gains. The work will include cutting with hand tools and chainsaws, painting and/or targeted spraying of stumps with herbicides, replanting with native riparian vegetation in a few selected areas, and working with neighbors for treatment and maintenance.

Our outdoor education programs serve school children and adults in north san diego county. We educate people of all ages about why wildlands and wildlife are important. These programs are sponsored by grants from individuals, or are paid programming provided by schools. The purpose of these programs includes engaging youth with a range of outdoor educational and environmental activities to improve their connection to nature and shape future land stewards. Expenses include the salaries of our education team as well as general expenses of the Conservancy's operations. The Conservancy's education programs help fulfill the Conservancy's vision for the watershed to become a model of vibrant urban communities and viable natural ecosystems thriving together.

Reidy Creek restoration & beautification project: the portion of reidy Creek, behind the Escondido police department, has become an area of public safety concern over the last decade due to unauthorized encampments and resultant trash and water pollution. In recent years, the city of Escondido has been working to address these issues. Last year, the city and calfire began a program to reduce non-native plants in reidy Creek, which has greatly improved the area. This september, the Conservancy is beginning a multi-year program to remove hundreds of non-native trees and plants that are choking the Creek and taking up space that might otherwise be used by native plants and wildlife. The Conservancy will also be involving local high school students in the restoration and providing opportunities for local residents to explore and learn about the Creek. We're excited for the upcoming changes for the surrounding communities and grateful to the California department of fish and wildlife for funding the project. General programs: including education and outreach on watershed activities.