San Diego County News

Independent publication serving San Diego County

  • Local
    • Central San Diego
    • North County
    • East County
    • South Bay
    • Northeastern
    • Temecula
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Television
    • Art
    • Theater
    • Film
    • Events
    • Theme Parks
    • Podcast/Radio
    • Museums
    • Books
  • Business
  • National
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Health
    • Health Business
    • Health Education
    • Medical
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food
    • Lifestyle
    • Senior Life
    • Society
  • Commentary
  • Home

Newly Established Preserve To Provide Habitat For Burrowing Owls

August 31, 2018 By sdcnews

Otay Crossings Open Space Preserve. Photo: Taylor Parker

OTAY MESA–San Diego Habitat Conservancy has taken over management of Otay Crossings Open Space Preserve.

The preserve, located at the base of the San Ysidro Mountain foothills in the southeastern portion of Otay Mesa along the U.S./Mexico border, is a 25.1-acre preserve consists of three parcels which serve as onsite mitigation for the 311-acre Otay Crossings Commerce Park project currently under construction.

The preserve provides much needed habitat for burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). The burrowing owl is a small raptor whose numbers have dwindled over the years due to loss of habitat associated with urbanization as well as with eradication programs aimed at rodents which have incidentally poisoned countless burrowing owls. It also provides refuge for a number of other sensitive wildlife species, including  two species of federally endangered fairy shrimp, the federally endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphyrdryas editha quino), and golden eagles (Aquila chyrsaetos), one of the largest and fastest raptors in North America. A number of rare plants are also being protected at the preserve, including Otay tarplant (Deinandra conjugens), California adolphia (Adolphia californica), and San Diego sunflower (Bahiopsis laciniata).

The conservancy’s long-term management duties will include monthly site visits, surveys for rare wildlife and plant species, and removal of invasive plants. They also conserve and manage sensitive habitats and species while inspiring land stewardship through education and outreach.

San Diego Habitat Conservancy was established in 2000 and currently manages 26 open space preserves throughout the San Diego region, for a total of nearly 1,800 acres. Their focus is to preserve and manage sensitive habitat and species that are unique to the southern California environment.

The conservancy shares its knowledge and appreciation of the natural environment with the San Diego community, encouraging participation in the stewardship of the region’s open space.

40

SHARES
Share on Facebook
Tweet
Follow us

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Local, South Bay Tagged With: Local


Support Independent Journalism



Environment

Local coalitions seek funding for environmental justice communities

April 16, 2023 By sdcnews

Science & Technology

Birch Aquarium welcomes baby Weedy Seadragons

March 4, 2023 By sdcnews

Trending

School Sports

Animal News

Experience wildlife after dark during Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

May 23, 2023 By sdcnews

Community Events

Things To Do

Categories

  • About Us
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Private Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Things To Do

Follow @SanCounty

Privacy Policy

Terms of service

Copyright © 2023 San Diego County News