The City of San Diego has acquired 15 additional acres of dedicated open space to be incorporated into Mission Trails Regional Park, furthering its commitment to protecting sensitive habitats and expanding public open spaces for future generations. 

Located north of State Route 52 and west of Interstate 15, the newly acquired land will be added into the City’s Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). This acquisition bolsters the protection of threatened and endangered plants and animals and contributes to the region’s broader conservation goals. 

“Preserving this land is another step toward safeguarding our region’s unique biodiversity,” said City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “Expanding protected areas in Mission Trails Regional Park reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving sensitive habitats while ensuring San Diegans have access to nature and open spaces that enhance their quality of life.” 

The land, part of the East Elliot Community Planning Area, was purchased from a private seller using funds from the City’s Habitat Acquisition Fund, which is designated for acquiring and protecting land identified for conservation. The two parcels will be preserved in their natural state and maintained in perpetuity as open space. 

This addition of conserved land follows on the heels of a 55-acre land donation from the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation in July 2024, which significantly contributed to ongoing preservation efforts. Additional land donations are anticipated in the near future.  

Mission Trails Regional Park was established in 1974 and spans more than 8,000 acres of natural and recreational areas, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park draws about 2 million visitors annually and features nearly 60 miles of trails, historic landmarks like the Old Mission Dam, and diverse ecosystems, providing a unique opportunity to explore San Diego’s rich natural and cultural heritage. 

The park’s ongoing preservation efforts are closely tied to the City’s participation in the MSCP. This regional initiative spans 900 square miles across southwestern San Diego County and unites multiple jurisdictions with the shared goal of protecting sensitive habitats. Since adopting the MSCP Subarea Plan in 1997, the City has identified 52,727 acres of land as vital for long-term biodiversity conservation.  

With this latest acquisition, the City has conserved approximately 98% of the targeted land, protecting the 85 plant and animal species covered under the MSCP. The City remains committed to identifying and acquiring additional land to achieve its habitat conservation goals and further support the region’s biodiversity. 

For more information about the MSCP, please visit the City’s Biodiverse SD webpage.