Preserve Calavera has a number of priority areas on which most of our efforts are focused. These include:

Natural open space – natural open space land will be increased through land acquisition, and reducing the impacts of development.

• The city of Oceanside is doing the first comprehensive update of their General Plan in over 30 years.  See our comments on the “Vision” for this effort and our recommendations to improve the protection of natural resources, make responding to climate change a priority, and preserving the farmland in South Morro Hills.  See our Issues page for more details about the South Morro Hills Community Plan and how you can help save this farmland.
• The North River Farms project in Oceanside was approved by the City Council in November of 2019. We sued over the environmental impacts of the project – increased greenhouse gasses, impact on farmland and emergency evacuation.   This litigation is ongoing.  In addition, a citizens’ initiative to deny the project won by an overwhelming majority.  A judge subsequently overturned the vote of the people and that is also currently in litigation.
• Preserve Calavera continues to raise funds for acquisitions. See our flyer for more information. Right now we have available $15,000 in matching funds – your donation will double its value until those funds are used so DONATE NOW.  Your check or on-line donation will leave a lasting legacy – for us and future generations!
• A recent settlement between the city of Carlsbad, Lennar Homes, North County Advocates and a number of local conservation groups including ourselves, has led to a unique agreement that protects open space and parks as well as wildlife.  Click here for more information.
• Our focus for Carlsbad’s General Plan (GP) was on ensuring 40% open space and enough park space so all residents could have reasonable access. After many months of meetings, comments and consideration, the city council adopted a GP with some minor revisions but did not include a 40% goal of open space or make significant changes in their philosophy about how parkland is counted.

Land Management and restoration– hardline preserved lands will be managed in an integrated way that supports a healthy ecosystem.

• Our work to improve the conditions of local watersheds includes water quality testing in three local subwatersheds – Agua Hedionda, Buena Vista, and Batiquitos. See our North San Diego County Watershed Monitoring Program page for more details on this long-term data collection, testing and monitoring program. 
• As part of our water quality work, we’ve become increasingly concerned about the habitat and water around the El Salto Falls in Oceanside, a sacred native American site.  We are working along with the habitat manager and CA Fish and Wildlife to help protect that area.
• Our current restoration efforts include a native grassland in the La Costa Preserve in Carlsbad, and coastal sage scrub on El Corazon in Oceanside. Join us for monthly volunteer work sessions on these two sites.
• Buena Vista Lagoon, nestled between Oceanside and Carlsbad, requires a major restoration to prevent the loss of the entire lagoon.  After years of analysis the  final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been approved and funding is being secured to begin final design and permitting.  For a short summary on the value of the saltwater alternative click here.

Wildlife protection– functional wildlife movement corridors will be in place with such structural changes as are needed to support sustainable populations and reduce roadkill.

• Monitoring wildlife movement through PC Tracking Team and “Adopt-a-pinch point” with the city of Carlsbad.

• Living successfully with wildlife is important.  Read ways you can live close to coyotes to benefit everyone:  Keep Me Wild and Learning to Live with Coyotes.

Climate Change

• Working to ensure cities adopt effective Climate Action Plans.  See new video on this subject.

Education/outreach

• We continue to conduct the CA Naturalist Certification course, training local volunteers to be stewards of our natural lands.,

• Co-sponsor Endangered Species Day at Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center and other special events to raise awareness about our native plants and wildlife.