Preserve Calvera
Mission
To preserve and protect the Calavera area as habitat for native plants
and animals.
History
It was formed in 2001 by a group of preserve neighbors who were concerned when
bulldozers appeared on what they thought was protected open space. Calavera
is bordered by the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. It is roughly one
mile wide and 3 miles long- bounded by El Camino Real on the west, Lake Blvd
on the north, S Melrose on the east and Palomar Airport Rd on the south. While
most of the land is in the city of Carlsbad, it is contiguous with Oak Riparian
Park in Oceanside and Buena Vista Park in Vista.
Who is involved?
We are a broad based organization of nearby residents, businesses and users
of the open space. We are an all volunteer organization with extensive community
outreach and participation. We design our hikes, community education/service
projects so that all ages and physical abilities can participate.
Projects
This will be our fifth year of sponsoring an annual Earthday Clean-up event-
last year there were over 60 participants and over 2 tons of trash were removed
from the preserve. Hikes are held throughout the year at three different locations
and hundreds of participants from all over San Diego County. We recently completed
a tree planting project- re-planting coast live oak trees in three local riparian
corridors where the native habitat is declining from heavy public use and upstream
development. Over 100 local residents participated in this project and two
local boy scout groups are signed up for our "Adopt a Tree" project that will
continue hand watering these trees for the next two years.
Goals
Our long term goals are to achieve a large preserve core with diverse native
habitats, viable wildlife corridor linkages, and effective, integrated management
that will assure preservation of species.
Why we joined the Conservation Resources Network
We know the majority of residents of this area care deeply about preserving
the special open space areas that are essential to our quality of life. Translating
that community concern into a political will to do something- in the face of
intense pressure for development, is a huge challenge. We believe in the power
of grassroots organizing combined with the kind of technical support and targeted
effort that a coalition can provide.
How are we unique?
Our organization is focussed on preserving the largest native habitat left
in a coastal north county city. It is an area surrounded by three cities where
thousands of residents literally have a natural environment in their backyard.
This location is what makes it both critical to preserve- and challenging to
protect.
Business Partnerships?
We have one corporate sponsor and are in the process of soliciting others.
We have partnered with public agencies for projects- like an annual Earthday
Clean-up with the city of Carlsbad, and oak tree plantings with the cities
of Vista and Oceanside.
Education Partnerships?
We make membership available free to local school teachers, offer school group
hikes, distribute information fliers at local schools, and support tour groups
as part of the third grade history curriculum.
Internship Opportunities:
We would be happy to tailor a non-paid internship opportunity.
Wish List
1. A professionally designed brochure that captures the essence of what we
are about.
2. Time and money to prepare a regular newsletter to local residents about
our activities and how they can get involved.
3. Money for land acquisition.
4. Money for land acquisition.
5. Money for land acquisition.
Contact for more information:
Contact us through our website at preservecalavera.org,
or
Diane Nygaard , president
directly at (760)724-3887.
Preserve Calavera
5020 Nighthawk Way
Oceanside, CA 92056
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