Nature Institute preserves are
private properties. They are managed to protect
fragile resources--native species and plant
communities.
You will find few facilities.
The trails we do maintain or create are designed
to steer visitors away from the most fragile
portions of the
preserve and toward those areas that can handle
more use. Still, we ask you to tread lightly.
Many of the state's preserves
are open to visitors, but only for low-impact
recreational activities (see list below). Those
preserves harboring species or natural
communities at risk, however, are not open to
the public.
Preparation: the Key to
a Safe, Enjoyable Visit
We ask you to prepare for your visit
and take proper precautions while on site.
-
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for
hiking, but please do not wear heavy,
cleated boots - these damage the
trails.
-
To protect yourself from ticks, poison
ivy or poison sumac, wear long pants -
and tuck them into your socks.
-
No matter which season of the year it
is, each person in your party should
bring a full water bottle. Dehydration
is a serious risk at any time of the
year.
Preparation: What to
Bring
To get the most from your visit, and to protect
yourself from the elements, you may want to
include the following items in your backpack:
-
Binoculars
-
Camera
-
Compass
-
Field guides (to wildflowers, birds,
butterflies and other natural features)
-
Insect repellant
-
Rain gear
-
Snack (fruit or trail mix)
-
Sunscreen
What You Can Do
The following activities are permitted on
Institute preserves:
-
Birdwatching
-
Hiking
-
Nature Study
-
Photography
-
Boating (in some cases)
What You Cannot Do
The following activities are not permitted on
Institute preserves:
-
Biking
-
Camping
-
Caving
-
Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle
-
Cooking or camp fires
-
Fishing or trapping
-
Horseback riding
-
Hunting
-
Littering
-
Pets
-
Picking flowers, berries, nuts or
mushrooms
-
Removing any part of the natural
landscape (shells, rocks, etc.)
-
Rock climbing
-
Swimming
Respect Our Neighbors'
Property
Please do not trespass on private property
adjacent to Institute preserves. Property lines
are clearly marked with small yellow signs
featuring the Institute's logo.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact
our State Office:
5205 Kearny Villa Way, Suite 105
San Diego, CA 92123
760.519.9722
open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
