Want to help protect rare vernal pools? Join The Chaparral Lands Conservancy and the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department for a “Backyard Wilderness” work party to install fencing around vernal pools at the Carmel Mountain Preserve in Carmel Valley on four dates this winter and spring: February 4th and 25th and March 10th and 24th. Events run from 9am – Noon and begin with a short walk to introduce the special nature of the preserve followed by fence construction. Please bring water and suitable work clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and to keep the sun off. Please RSVP to David Hogan for directions: director@chaparralconservancy.org or 619 756-3864. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver, and parents or guardians must sign a waiver for minors. Heavy rain cancels. For more information on our Carmel Mountain Habitat Restoration Project please visit our Projects web page:

Slowly but surely The Chaparral Lands Conservancy is making progress on complex planning and permitting for our first two vernal pool restoration projects. The projects are on Carmel Mountain and in Proctor Valley and we expect to break ground in summer 2012. We are also grateful for a grant from San Diego Gas and Electric to support the Conservancy’s “Backyard Wilderness” public outreach program for the Carmel Mountain vernal pool restoration project.