WELK BIOLOGICAL OPEN SPACE

The Welk open space preserve is located adjacent to the Lawrence Welk Resort along the I-15 corridor, north of Escondido, and consists of both uplands and wetlands totaling 31 acres. The upland areas include primarily Diegan coastal sage scrub with some non-native grasslands and chaparral. Sensitive wildlife known to occur within the uplands includes Coastal California gnatcatcher, turkey vulture and the orange-throated whiptail. The preserved wetlands are located along a segment of South Fork Moosa Creek and will be undergoing a 5-year restoration effort under separate contract before the SDHC takes over the long-term management. The wetlands restoration plan includes both wetland creation and enhancement and includes southern willow scrub species including mule fat, sandbar willow, southwestern willow, arroyo willow, western ragweed and spike rush to name a few.

The SDHC monitors the preserve on a quarterly basis, removes invasive species and patrols for human encroachment and edge effects on a routine basis. Sensitive species, including the gnatcatcher, will be surveyed every five years. The gnatcatcher was not detected during the Spring surveys of 2008. SDHC is also proactively involved in outreach and education with members of the Vacation Owners Association (VOA) at the Welk Resort. The Habitat Manager meets with the VOA on an annual basis and provides literature for placement in the visitor units at the resort, educating the members about the importance and value of the natural southern California habitat surrounding the resort. The SDHC commenced active management of the uplands in January 2008 and expects to start management of the wetlands by Spring 2012.

Species of Special Interest: California Gnatcatcher, Turkey Vulture, Orange-throated Whiptail Lizard.

Place your cursor over a marked area for a brief description of the habitat. Click the map for more information.