CONSERVANCY ACQUIRES 76 ACRES ALONG ESCONDIDO CREEK

The Escondido Creek Conservancy (TECC) closed escrow Feb. 1, 2001 on a 76.2-acre undeveloped parcel along Escondido Creek in the Harmony Grove/Elfin Forest area. Adjacent to the 750-acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, TECC plans to maintain the parcel as open space, creating a larger, continuous block of unspoiled habitat. Indigenous plants and animals will be protected and North County residents will share in the many benefits associated with its preservation.

Coastal sage scrub, southern mixed chaparral, dramatic, towering granite cliffs, and 6.5 acres of riparian woodland all contribute to the breathtaking scenic beauty of this invaluable piece. Higher elevations on site will protect view sheds and help preserve the spectacular beauty of San Elijo Canyon.

Many generous donors enabled TECC to acquire this key parcel. The San Diego Foundation provided substantial grants from three anonymous donors totaling $580,000. One of these, a two-for-one challenge grant, tested TECC's ability to successfully raise funds; TECC rose to meet the challenge and received $120,000 from concerned local residents and another $70,000 from Citizens Against Rural Exploitation (CARE). In addition, TECC was supported by numerous private donors, The HW Fund and The Escondido Creek Conservancy Land Acquisition and Maintenance Fund at the San Diego Foundation, and The Descanso Foundation.

TECC's President, Leonard Wittwer stated, "The support TECC received from the community was critical to the successful completion of this acquisition. It validates TECC's longstanding hard work and efforts to preserve Escondido Creek habitat and speaks to the desire of residents to safeguard rapidly dwindling, irreplaceable open space."

TECC is a non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to the preservation and protection of Escondido Creek and the natural open space within its watershed.