By Ariel Reed, Education Director
The Escondido Creek Conservancy has launched an exciting new initiative, Preserving the Future: Student-Led Habitat Restoration in Escondido, funded by NOAA Planet Stewards.
In mid-November, AP Environmental Science students from Orange Glen, San Pasqual, and Escondido High School came together over 2 field trip days at the Mountain Meadow Preserve to kick off this innovative restoration and research project.
The Preserve was created by a partnership of the Conservancy, San Diego County Parks and Recreation and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, who work together to protect it and help restore its native habitats.
During the visit, students worked in teams to plant native vegetation in designated plots while conducting detailed fieldwork. They captured photos, collected soil samples, and measured plants to calculate carbon sequestration over time — a hands-on way to connect their classroom learning with real-world climate solutions.
The day also included a tour of the preserve, where students explored the Conservancy’s native plant nursery and participated in plant surveys. These surveys highlighted the importance of biodiversity monitoring and sparked predictions about how various habitats might evolve over the coming winter months.
This program is designed to engage students in long-term scientific inquiry. In April 2025, the students will return to the Mountain Meadow Preserve to revisit their plots, care for the plants, and collect follow-up data. They will analyze their findings and compile a final report and presentation for NOAA, showcasing their contributions to habitat restoration and climate resilience.
The Conservancy is proud to empower the next generation of environmental stewards through this meaningful, hands-on experience and looks forward to sharing the students’ progress in the months ahead.
Learn more about the Conservancy at www.escondidocreek.org.
