friends of hellhole canyon: a success story

Our small group of volunteers has accomplished a lot since our founding. The aerial map below shows the various land parcels that have been added to the Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve, many with the help of capital campaigns organized by the Friends.

In total, we have helped to add 879 acres to the preserve, which now counts more than 2,594 acres of protected land.

Why do we need to protect more land?

Hellhole Canyon Preserve is owned by San Diego County Parks and Recreation. The Friends organization works to expand and promote recreation of the preserve.

We identify key parcels for acquisition based on a few factors:

• Proximity to the preserve

• Ecological importance

• Affordability

It is an extraordinary natural resource that must be safeguarded for the enjoyment and inspiration of present and future generations. When we acquire parcels, we are protecting them from future development and that helps keep our community wild.

Even though some of the parcels we acquire may seem small, they are critical in forming a corridor of open space where wildlife can move freely.

Expansion will protect the preserve’s biological integrity and extend important habitats for sensitive or endangered species. Learn more about the importance of protecting the wildlife corridor.

our ongoing campaign to make butterfield trails ranch a park for valley center

The Friends of Hellhole Canyon most recently supported the acquisition of Butterfield Trails Ranch for parkland. This nearly 60-acre gem of a property is a key element of our vision for more recreational open space in the Valley Center area. Watch our video above for more information.

We value community input to help influence the design of this new park. Look here or follow our Facebook page for your chance to speak up about the development (or lack of development) of this special parkland.

example of a previous land acquisition campaign

In 2016, the Friends of Hellhole Canyon was successful in acquiring 78 acres to add to the Hellhole Canyon Preserve. The added parcel is located southeast of the main preserve, adjacent to BLM land and the Rancho Guejito. Protecting this open space was critical as wildlife travels through Rancho Guejito and into the preserve looking for food and mates. By protecting this land, we’re preserving the biodiversity of the area and maintaining the wildlife corridor.

The video below shows the land we acquired and why it is special. Note: Video was made during our campaign, prior to the acquisition.