Help Acquire At-Risk Open Spaces
$50,000 Needed for Acquisition Fund
This cougar mom and her cub have an uncertain future and you can help do something about it.
This Open Spac Acquisition Fund is used to purchase and forever conserve at-risk properties. Privately owned pristine open space near the Cleveland National Forest that wildlife, like this mom and her cub, depend on to survive. Will you help us raise the $50,000 that is needed?
About the Open Space Acquisition Fund
2024 was a banner year! We are in the process of completing our 4th property acquisition! Each project included multiple properties. Our Acquisition Fund is depleted!
100s of people joined in these efforts and nearly $100,000 was raised. We secured bridge financing and used the remaining funds we had set aside for acquisitions.
Recently, we learned of more properties that may be coming on the market. Before we can proceed we must pay off the loan and start rebuilding the Fund. $50,000 is needed!
Your donation of $20 or more can make the difference!
Other Ways to Give
- Online - Prefer to not use PayPal? Click Here
- Appreciated stock or cryptocurrency. Learn more
- By Phone: Call us at (619) 297-7380 (M - F 9AM - 1:30PM) to make a donation with check, bank card, or credit card. We can also answer your questions.
- Venmo to sandiegoriver and note that your donation is for Acquisition Fund
- Monthly gift. Learn More
- Mail: Print our form (PDF) and mail with a check, money order or credit card information to: The San Diego River Park Foundation
4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92110
Memo: Acquisition Fund
The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit. EIN 01-0565671. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Thank you!
The home of this bobcat was acquired in 2024 and is now conserved forever.
MORE DETAILS
The upper reaches of the San Diego River Watershed are recognized as one of the most biodiverse places in the United States. Much of this land is privately owned, and therefore, at risk of being sold. New owners will often build new structure which greatly impact wildlife. You can help conserve this vital area so wildlife has room to roam. In doing so, you can help ensure this globally significant ecoregion thrives.
CURRENT FOCUS AREAS:
South Rim - Learn More
Cuyamaca Corridor - Learn More
El Cajon Mountain - Learn More
Wild Creeks
- the many tributaries of the upper San Diego River are key wildlife areas. Important for not only aquatic species but also vital wildlife movement corridors. Whenever a private property becomes available, we evaluate the value it is for wildlife and any opportunities for restoring a wild, free-flowing creek.
Let's Focus on Cougars:
FACT: The Peninsular Range sub-population of cougars is considered unique.
Fact: Cougars need up to 150 square miles of habitat or more.
Cougars are key to the health of an ecosystem. They need large areas to roam. Without this they are disconnected with other cougars and are forced to enter more urban areas. It is estimated that 90 or fewer cougars are in this sub-population. Cougars love to be along rivers and creeks. The San Diego River Park Foundation has worked for many years on projects to track cougar movement and to use this to target specific parcels that cougars travel through. If these properties go on the market, we strive to buy them before someone else does.
With your support: We can purchase and permanently conserve these key pieces of open space when they are placed on the market for sale.
Let's Focus on Eagles
FACT: :The San Diego River Watershed is considered to have one of the largest concentrations of golden eagles in our county. It is increasingly the home of bald eagles as well.
FACT: Golden eagles need vast ranges of open space land to hunt for food.
Golden Eagles are amazing critters. They need safe places to place their nests and often return to the same place year after year. By acquiring and conserving these places, such as El Cajon Mountain, the golden eagles can continue to have safe places for their nests. By conserving the land around these areas, the eagles will have places to hunt for food.
With your support: We can continue to pursue purchasing the remaining privately owned properties on the face of El Cajon Mountain and other areas.
We also work to conserve areas along and near the river and its tributaries from the beach to the river's source waters. Some projects require working with landowners; some require us to work with public agencies; sometimes we need to step in and acquire a property. It can take just a few thousand dollars, sometimes a lot more. Your gift could be the difference.. Thanks to thousands of supporters, we have acquired more than 2300 acres of land to date! We have work to conserve many other vital wildlife areas.
More needs to be done. We invite you to join us!
Let's Focus on Wild Creeks
Fact: Many tributaries feed into the upper San Diego River. These tributaries are used by wildlife to move from one area to another. Fact: Tributaries often cross private property, and the use and development of these properties can impact the health of these creeks and streams.
We seek to save and heal wild creeks and streams. When we purchase a property we will work to remove barriers to the free-flow of these creeks and streams. We will immediately start the healing process and then work to permanently conserve and care for them.
With Your Support
We will take action!
Join the Wildlife Club - Make a Monthly Donation of $8, $16 or more
Wildlife Club members make automatic monthly donations through their credit card!
Your donation is used to acquire land for wildlife, especially large mammals like the cougar.
This is a convenient and easy way of giving! For as little as the cost of a couple cups of coffee per month you can make a significant difference!
You will be invited to all dedication celebrations and receive insider updates on current acquisition efforts.
Your donations can be stopped at anytime.
Monthly donations start at just $8!
If you would like to make a monthly donation of a different amount or prefer not to use PayPal, please call us at 619-297-7380, and we can set it up!
Donate $1,000 or more and Join the Conservation Society
The Conservation Society is a select group of supporters who donate $1000 or more in a 12 month period (or $80 monthly). Each year, the Conservation Society receives invitations for you and a guest to at least 2 guided outings to learn about projects. When possible a virtual component will be included for those that aren't able to travel to the tour site. You will also be invited to the annual Conservation Society Reception. The 2025 event is already being planned!
You will be given the latest insider information to current acquisition projects with email announcements from the President and CEO, Rob Hutsel.
Call Rob Hutsel
at (619) 244-7024 or contact him by email for additional information.
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, your donation is also tax-deductible as allowed by law.
EIN 01-0565671
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