San Diego Habitat Conservancy marks 25 years with a celebration event in Ramona.

The San Diego Habitat Conservancy is set to commemorate a significant milestone in its efforts to protect local ecosystems, marking 25 years of dedicated service to habitat preservation in the San Diego area. To celebrate this achievement, the conservancy will host an anniversary event on Saturday, April 26, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the picturesque Three Hills Winery in Ramona.

The anniversary celebration will feature a variety of activities aimed at engaging the community in conservation efforts. Attendees can enjoy live music performed by local singer-songwriter Danielle Hughes, sample food offerings, and participate in a unique burrowing owl viewing experience. The event will provide an opportunity for conservation enthusiasts to connect and learn more about the organization’s ongoing initiatives.

Over the years, the San Diego Habitat Conservancy has collaborated with landowners, regulatory agencies, and local residents to safeguard the rural landscape and ecological diversity of the Ramona region. A notable success story from their conservation efforts is the protection and rehoming of burrowing owls, a species classified as a concern by environmental agencies. Vince Rivas, the conservancy’s conservation habitat manager, highlighted that the group has successfully introduced and nurtured populations of these owls within the Ramona Grasslands.

In 2017, the conservancy began managing the 210-acre Ramona Grasslands Preserve, which consists primarily of nonnative grasslands and includes several vernal pool ponds. This unique habitat supports various sensitive species, such as the grasshopper sparrow and loggerhead shrikes, both recognized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as federally protected peregrine falcons.

The burrowing owl initiative has proven particularly successful; in 2021, 12 pairs were introduced to the preserve, resulting in the observation of over 80 fledglings to date. Prior to relocating these owls, the conservancy and volunteers created artificial burrows and removed invasive eucalyptus trees that posed threats to their survival.

The organization invests significant resources, exceeding ,000 annually, to maintain the preserve and monitor the well-being of various species, with support from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Event attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the conservancy’s mission and contributions to environmental protection over the past quarter-century while also exploring ways to assist in local conservation efforts. Shuttle transportation will be provided for guests traveling from the winery to the grasslands.

Tickets for this event can be purchased through Eventbrite at a price of each, or at the door for , which includes two glasses of wine and light snacks, with a food truck available on site. The winery is located at 16805 Highland Valley Road. For additional details about the event, RSVP, or inquiries, guests can visit the conservancy’s website or contact them via email.

This anniversary celebration not only highlights the accomplishments of the San Diego Habitat Conservancy but also underscores the importance of community involvement in preserving vital natural habitats.