Author: Jessica Geiszler, Marketing & Public Outreach Manager, County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation
The Multiple Species Conservation Program protects and connects the most valuable biological habitats in San Diego County. It was envisioned to create the largest urban preserve in the country, while allowing development to occur in less sensitive areas. On Saturday, Nov. 3, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation is coordinating the program’s 20-year anniversary celebration with history tours, hikes, a bike ride, interpretive programs, animal demonstrations, games, food trucks, live music and more. The event is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rancho Penasquitos Adobe, located at 12122 Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego, CA 92129. More than 20 agency partners will be present to share information about conservation, sustainability and the plants, trees, animals and insects that call this region home.
The Multiple Species Conservation Program was enacted by the County of San Diego in 1997 in conjunction 11 other jurisdictions*, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and community stakeholders. This 50-year agreement preserves, protects and connects the most valuable biological habitats in the region, while allowing development to occur in less sensitive areas.
Additionally, it works across political boundaries, providing a framework for region-wide collaboration on conservation efforts. The program outlines geographic areas that should and can be protected; supports science and education on San Diego’s plant, tree and animal species – entertaining and activating park ambassadors; and identifies new access routes and connection points for recreational travel.
Collectively, the program has saved many species – even entire ecosystems – from intrusive urban growth, with a model for conservation that has earned accolades at the national level.
Visit the MSCP web page for more information.
*The 11 jurisdictions include:
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