In a significant move to bolster wildlife conservation and enhance public recreation, the City of San Diego has announced the acquisition of additional land for Mission Trails Regional Park. This expansion aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to preserve natural habitats and provide residents with increased access to open spaces.
Mission Trails Regional Park, established in 1974, spans over 7,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park offers a diverse range of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, and is home to various native plant and animal species.
This latest acquisition follows a series of recent expansions aimed at enhancing the park’s ecological and recreational value. In July 2024, the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation donated 55 acres to the park, marking a major milestone in its growth. Earlier, in August 2022, the city purchased 25 acres for $773,500 to add to the preserved wildlife areas within the park. Heidi Vonblum, San Diego’s planning director said in a statement:
Preserving this land is another step toward safeguarding our region’s unique biodiversity. Expanding protected areas in Mission Trails Regional Park reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving sensitive habitats while ensuring San Diegans have access to nature and open spaces that enhance their quality of life.
