Our History
Protect Our Preserves was formed in 2018 in response to a proposed 450,000 square foot business park on an 11 acre Del Mar Mesa “notch” surrounded on three sides by the Del Mar Preserve. A committee was formed to work in opposition to this project which members of the committee believed to be in violation of city ordinances and voter approved propositions. Protect Our Preserves, Inc. was formalized in 2019. The organization filed a few unsuccessful lawsuits and instead of continuing to pursue more legal options opted for a financial settlement with the developer.
Our Mission
About Protect Our Preserves, Inc.
The purpose of Protect Our Preserves, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit benefit corporation, is to promote the preservation, enhancement, and restoration of habitat in Del Mar Mesa Preserve, Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, and Carmel Mountain Preserve through education, outreach, grants, and fundraising. The Preserves serve as valuable habitat for a variety of plant and animal species and are enjoyed by recreationalists and naturalists.
Our Vision
Goals of Protect Our Preserves, Inc.
Protect Our Preserves, Inc. will fund projects on all three preserves through grants which could include infrastructure such as fencing, removal of invasive plant species and restoration of native species, community outreach to educate people about the value and vulnerability of the preserves and canyons, and producing informational material about plants, insects, and wildlife that inhabit the canyons and mesas.