SDHC Burrowing Owl Viewing
Join us for a focused viewing of Burrowing Owl habitat at our Ramona Grasslands Preserve in Ramona. Several years ago, San Diego Habitat Conservancy (SDHC) collaborated with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to translocate refuge Burrowing Owl individuals to provide them with native habitat and to establish a node population in an area of San Diego County where these owls historically occurred. Burrowing Owls are currently a candidate species under CESA, so they are receiving the same level of protection as a T&E species at least until a decision is made. Before the listing petition, they were considered a Species of Special Concern in California and a high-priority species (SL or species at risk of loss) in San Diego County. At the federal level, they are considered a Species of Conservation Concern. SDHC works to maintain this preserve for the benefit of these owls with focused surveys, predator exclusion, vegetation management, and artificial burrow maintenance.
What To Expect: You will be joining SDHC Habitat Manager Galen Reid, a Ramona native with decades of experience in land management throughout various states. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe Burrowing Owls from a respectful distance using spotting scopes. You will have a short walk from your car to the viewing area in the preserve. While we cannot guarantee that the owls will be visible, visitors will be provided with more context on the value of this preserve and its biological resources. We will have some beverages and snacks for visitors.
What To Bring: Dress appropriately for the weather and feel free to bring a camera and/or binoculars.
Parking: Parking will be available within the preserve parcel in a designated area. The entry gate is located along the south side of Highland Valley Road near 33.033000, -116.942833.
For safety purposes, avoid parking on the north side of the road.
Space is limited for visitors to park and access the spotting scopes, but it is possible for more than the listed capacity to join if visitors trickle in and out throughout the timeframe.
About San Diego Habitat Conservancy: SDHC is a nationally accredited land trust working since 2000 to acquire, manage, and protect land that supports sensitive habitats and species. SDHC is one of only a few nonprofit habitat managers working with developers, municipalities, and agencies throughout the region to strike a critical balance between development and the protection of our valuable habitat. Our mission is to conserve and manage sensitive habitats and species while inspiring land stewardship through education and outreach.
Visit us at https://www.sdhabitat.org/ to learn more about local land stewardship.
Reach out to us at Volunteer@sdhabitat.org to learn about volunteer opportunities!
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of San Diego Climate Week and our event platform partner, Climatebase. Your information will not be shared with third parties.