The Keystone Acquisition
An effort to save a South Rim gem
Fundraising goal has been met! Thank you!
Engelmann Oaks and native grasslands at the South Rim There is an incredible opportunity to buy and conserve two properties near Julian. This will permanently protect a vital wildlife area and scenic gem.
The photo above from one of the properties captures a sense of what it is like - imagine the wildlife that live here amongst the majestic oaks and native grasslands! 10/8/2024 UPDATE: the sellers are clearing up some title issues which are required before we can complete the purchase. We expect this will be taken care of in a few weeks. We will keep this page updated and continue fundraising efforts.
Your donation of $10 or more will go toward any unanticipated expenses
Any additional funds will go to the property's maintence fund
Other Donation Options
DETAILS:
Why is this important"- Wildlife movement area for large mammals (cougar, badgers, deer, etc.)
- Habitat for bobcats, gray foxes and other species
- Helps conserve Engelmann Oak Woodlands - one of the most endangered plant communities in Calfornia
- Protects native grasslands and other important plant communities
- Scenic integrity - if developed this would impact a pristine open space area
Purchase History:
About a year ago, we shared the opportunity to buy these properties before they could be sold to others who were likely to build on them. Our community responded and raised more than $15,000!
We had enough money to prevent the property from being sold to others and enter into an agreement with the owners. This gave us time to raise any remaining funds needed, complete property inspection,s and other necessary actions.
We decided to call this acquisition " Keystone" because of the important role the properties play in the conservation strategy for the South Rim of the Upper San Diego River Gorge.
Sadly, the owner passed away before the purchase was completed.
For about a year our CEO has worked with the family as they went through their personal tragedy to carry out the wishes of the owner. Just recently, we heard from the family that they were ready to move forward with selling these properties. After looking at the projected costs to complete the purchase, a final fundraising goal was set.
We invite you to join us in being part of this effort. Whether you can donate $10, $20 or more, together we can raise the remaining funds and complete this purchase.
While large mammals such as bobcats, cougars, deer, foxes and badger can be found here, we especially love this area for the incredible Engelmann oaks. Known as "San Diego's oak," these special trees are a beautiful part of the landscape. We love them!
We also love the fantastic spring wildflowers and native grasslands.
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LOCATION: Upper San Diego River near Eagle Peak Road and Julian / Pine Hills
Link to Google Map with location
Parcel Map of Badger Ridge where these 2 properties are located
- red = 2 parcels known as Keystone
- orange = SDRPF recent Highlands acquisition
- yellow
= SDPRF conserved land
The map shows the strategic importance of these two properties. If developed, they could have a significant impact on other conserved lands. Their conservation strengthens the bridge between National Forest lands (green).The lands without a color overlay remain privately owned. We will continue to work to acquire any of these properties if the owners decide to sell them.
Acquisition Details:
$19,152 = Total Cost
$18,655 = Amount Raised
$497 = Let to Raise
Other Donation Options
1. Mail a check to:
The San Diego River Park Foundation
4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92110
check memo: Keystone
2. Call us at 619-297-7380
We can take your credit card or bank card information over the phone
3. Venmo your donation to @sandiegoriver.org
Please note: Keystone
4. Call us to discuss a gift of appreciated stock, donor advised funds or crypto currency or other methods
DONOR APPRECIATION
Friend of the South Rim
$5 - $99
Receive an invitation to a property dedication ceremony (virtual or in-person) and be listed on this website (let us know if you prefer to be anonymous).
South Rim Defender
$100 - $999
Receive a South Rim 12 oz. campfire mug (must be picked up at event or at our office) plus Friend of the South Rim benefit. Additional ones can be purchased for $10.
Conservation Society
$1000 and above
Be recognized on the property dedication sign to be located at Eagle Peak Ranch plus plus the Friend of the South Rim Benefits. Invitation to join the River Park Foundation's Conservation Society for one year (or extension of one year if current member).
Conservation Society members are invited to a special October event . In addition, you will receive occasional updates from our CEO with acquisition news and other information.
Monthly Giving
- We encourage you to consider joining our River Wildlife Club by signing up for a monthly donation. It is convenient, easy, and provides the fuel to pursue other opportunities! Thank you if you are already a member!
Learn More About the South Rim Conservation Effort
Video by Jim Karnik Films on Vimeo.
For more information on our acquisition program or other ways to get involved, contact our CEO, Rob Hutsel, rhutsel@sandiegoriver.org or call (619) 244-7024..
THANK YOU
To All Who Have Joined In
Recent gifts
$100 and Above
Cynthia Ford
Jeff & Emilie Mason
Anonymous
Maggie Smith
Everett and Laverne Neuman
Greer Family Trust
Cindy Burrascano
Vickie Church
Nathan Weflen
Shankar Shivappa
Glenn Torbett
David Morrison
Joan Raphael
Molly Gee
Rob Hutsel
Up to $99
Jodie Hulden
Patrick McEvoy
Connie Beck
Rae Newman
Kathleen Havilan
Alita Hetland
Carolyn Barkow
Louise Russell
Linda & Jack Hawley
Donna Nasielski
Isabella Lopez-Powers
Last Update:
10/17 1PM
Thank you to everyone who donated last year!
Please let us know of any errors in your listing so we can correct them.
Thanks!
619-297-7380
Donations are
tax-deductible as allowed by law.
EIN 01-0565671