About Crestridge and the Endangered Habitat Conservancy
Crestridge Ecological Reserve (CER) is a large island of habitat (about 3,000 acres) almost entirely surrounded by residential development. It is centrally located at the eastern edge of urban development between open space lands to the North of I-8 and to the south of I-8 and thus functions as a habitat link. The Crestridge reserve is bounded on the north by Interstate 8, on the east by Harbison Canyon, on the south by Mountain View and La Cresta Roads, and on the southwest by La Cresta Road.
Despite its proximity to urbanization, much of Crestridge shows relatively few signs of disturbance. Crestridge supports mature riparian habitat and Coast Live/Englemann oak woodlands, surrounded by coastal sage scrub and chaparral. These habitats provide nesting and foraging habitat for raptor species, including the Black-shouldered Kite and Cooper's Hawk.
The reserve is valued as open space by the surrounding community of Crest. Crestridge was also valued in prehistoric times as evidenced by the existence of archaeological sites on the reserve, including an ancient Kumeyaay village.
The Endangered Habitats Conservancy (EHC) manages Crestridge Ecological Reserve for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. EHC is a nonprofit land-trust organization that works to help conserve the remaining natural wild lands of Southern California. The mission of EHC is to acquire, manage, monitor and maintain land in Southern California for habitat protection and restoration, agricultural preservation and other conservation purposes. Incorporated in 2005, EHC currently manages approximately 8,000 acres of conserved open-space lands.
EHC plays a critical role in assembling our preserve system through strategic land acquisitions. It also leads the way by providing quality management and monitoring practices for the stewardship of preserved lands.
The History of Crestridge.
The Crestridge property was known locally as “Oakridge.” It was once the home of the Cornelius family in the early 1920s. Sometime before World War II, Colonel Ed Fletcher bought the “S” Tract of Rancho El Cajon. Mr. Buck Rickles worked for the Ed Fletcher Company, Inc. from 1963 to 1976, and raised his family on the property. Rickles and Mr. Waller, who was the handyman for the Ed Fletcher Company, had cows, horses, and various other livestock, mostly in the area of the avocado grove just beyond the reserve. Mr. Waller cleared the area that is now annual grassland north of the oak grove on the reserve, erected fences, and used it to raise quarter horses. None of the rest of the property has been cleared.
During the 1990s, plans were approved by San Diego County for residential development. In response to the development proposal, the citizens of Crest formed the Crest Open Space Supporters and the Back Country Land Trust to advocate for conservation of the property as open space and incorporation into the County of San Diego MSCP preserve system. The Crest Open Space Supporters contacted Endangered Habitats League (EHL) in 1998 about preserving the property, which had an approved 92-lot subdivision. From 1998-2000, EHL negotiated the sale of Crestridge from the owner Frank Gatlin. The property was sold to the California Department of Fish and Game in 2000.
Also located on this property is a straw bale house designed by James Hubbell, celebrated San Diego artist and architect. It serves as the park kiosk and an example of straw bale architecture. Unfortunately, the building sustained extensive dam-age in the 2003 wildfires and was rebuilt in 2005
Eyes on the Land
EHC and EDI want to know if you see things of interest or concern when you are out and about at Crestridge. Animal sightings, invasive plants, vandalism, illegal uses are all important for us to know about and we depend on your feedback.
EHC also has a volunteer work day on most Wednesdays. Please let us know if you are interested and we'll put you on our email list. You can reach us a ehcinfo77@gmail.com or 619-381-9357.
Earth Discovery Institute
The Earth Discovery Institute conducts environmental education and conservation outreach events for the community with multiple partners at Crestridge Ecological Reserve and other locations.
Love the outdoors? Enjoy hiking or riding in San Diego's open spaces? Want to learn more about our remarkable natural resources? Want to help preserve and improve the habitat you enjoy?
To get more information or to participate in events call us at 619-654-3793 or email info@earchdiscovery.org or sign up at www.earthdiscovery.org