Lillian Hill Preserve

100s of people come together to raise funds to purchase key 80 acre property

View to Cuyamaca Peak

Lillian Hill is a very special place with 360 degree panoramic views and incredible wildlife. An expansive 80 acre property at Lillian Hill was placed on the market for potentially 5 building sites. Surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest, its development would have a significant impact.

 

We set out to buy this land so it can be conserved forever for the badgers, cougars, eagles, falcons, majestic oaks and so much more. Now that is is preserved, we are working to remove the scars of decades of use of the land and heal it.

 

Through the generosity of people who donated, pledged and loaned to this $575,000 purchase, the land is saved. Thank you to all involved. Great work!

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Key properties are still at risk. You can be part of this effort by donating to our Land Acquisition Fund so that the next time a property goes on the market, we can act fast.

Your donation of $20, $50, or more is really appreciated at this time.

Donate $1000 and Adopt An Acre (Just 1 remains!) - Learn More

See all Recognition Levels

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Donate Online with PayPal

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

• Credit Card by Phone - Call 619-297-7380 A team member can take your information over the phone and answer your questions. Office is open M-F 9AM - 1:30PM. If we aren't there, please leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as we can.
  
  
• Check by Mail - Please address your donation to
  The San Diego River Park Foundation
  4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
  San Diego, CA 92110
  Please note in memo field: donation Lillian Hill
  
  
• Gift of Stock - Click Here For Details
  
  
• Donor Advised Funds, IRAs and other
  Please email Rob Hutsel, our CEO, to let him know you are processing one of these gifts or grants. Thank you!

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View from top of Lillian Hill looking down Boulder Creek
Photo by Nathan Weflen

Location:
The property is located along Boulder Creek Road near the 3 Sisters Waterfall between Descanso and Pine Hills.

CLICK HERE for Google Map including property boundaries

Background:

 

We started working on the acquisition some time ago. We began sharing the project with several people interested in conserving open space. After learning about the property they pledged funds which we combined with funds in our existing Acquisition Fund to have $300,000 available for this purchase. This allowed us to enter negotiations with the seller.

 

Finally, on November 29, 2023. tthe owners accepted our terms to buy the property. We had just 25 days to raise the remaining funds needed. One of our wonderful supporters, Bill Kuni, offered to match up to $100,000 in gifts. Nearly 200 people responded to the challenge, and the match was met on December 21st.

On December 30th the decision was made that enough funds had been raised to complete the purchase. It was an exciting day. Congratulations to all involved!

BACKGROUND:

This property was put on the market as having potential to have up to 5 houses built on its 8 separate parcels. By purchasing it, we prevented this from hapenning. We can begin to clean up the property, heal it from decades of use, and create a place where wildlife can roam forever.

 

The purchase of the former private property to be transformed into open space for critters, trees, native grasslands and more. We will explore maintaining well placed recreation trails which protect wildlife and help heal the land while creating opportunities for people to connect with nature. If you are interested in volunteering to be part of these post-acquisition efforts, please email us or call 619-297-7380.

Special Thanks: Back Country Land Trust for their wonderful partnership on this project and our River Wildlife Club. The Club is made up of passionate people who support conserving open space by signing up for monthly donations.

Lillian Hill PHOTOS

DONOR APPRECIATION

Friends of Lillian Hill
$5 - $99
Receive an invitation to a property dedication ceremony (virtual or in-person) and be listed on this website (if desired).

Lillian Hill Champion
$100 - $499
Receive a newly designed coffee mug plus Friends of Lillian Hill benefits. We will handout the mugs at the dedication ceremony or if you prefer mail it to you (or come by our office) once the property is successfully acquired.

 

Lillian Hill Defender
$500 - $999
Be recognized with other Lillian Hill Defenders with a plaque on a bench on the property
plus the Friends of Lillian Hill benefits.

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Adopt an Acre - Be a Wildlife Hero

$1000 - $4999 - 1 Acre Remains

This is a special, limited offer to adopt one of the 80 acres. Each Wildlife Hero will be recognized at the property for adopting a distinct acre. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 

Adoptions can be made as individuals, groups, families or as a tribute. Wildlife Heroes will also be invited to annual Conservation Society events and outings and invited to the property dedication ceremony. After making a donation, we will contact you to confirm how you would like your donation to be recognized. Of course, this is a ceremonial adoption only as SDRPF will own and manage Lillian Hill.

Are you think about Adopting an Acre as a gift or tribute? We can email or mail you a personalized numbered certificate. Just email us the details for the certificate, and we will send you back the certificate within 48 hours.

Adopt an Acre
DONATE $1000 or More

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Lillian Hill Steward
$5000 and $9999
Be recognized on the permanent property dedication sign which will be prominently located at the property. Stewards will be invited to be part of the River Park Foundation's Conservation Society for one year and invited to the property dedication ceremony.

Leadership Circle for Lillian Hill
$10,000 and above

Donations at this level will receive prominent recognition on the permanent property dedication sign plus be invited for a guided tour and special lunch with the CEO and SDRPF Board members and staff.

 

Photo by Mysteri LeMay

Sheep Camp Creek (shown above) traverses the property. This oak lined seasonal creek is a documented wildlife corridor. By acquiring the property the entire creek will be conserved.

 

Photo by Mysteri LeMay

Acquisition of the property provides opportunities for the public to enjoy this incredible view from the top of Lillian Hill. Conserving land and connecting people with nature fosters a synergy that encourages a community that will be stewards of wildlife.

For more information on our acquisition program, please contact our CEO, Rob Hutsel, rhutsel@sandiegoriver.org or call (619) 244-7024

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