The FLC has acquired and manages 1850 acres of open space and  8 preserves.

LOS JILGUEROS PRESERVE

Los Jilgueros Preserve was created in 1990 through a generous donation to the FLC from the family of Pamela Van Der Linden. A bronze sculpture commemorating the colorful life of Pamela Van Der Linden rises gracefully from a knoll at the north end of the Preserve. In 1993, a grant from the California Resource Agency enabled FLC to add 3.5 acres to the southern end of the preserve.

The 46 acre Preserve is located on South Mission Road just south of downtown Fallbrook. Its name is taken from an 1889 map of Fallbrook which identifies the stream that winds through the land as "Arroyo do los Jilgueros." Jilguero is the Spanish name for linnet, or house finch, a bird still found in abundance on the property. Over 50 species of birds have been sighted there.

The main loop trail around the Preserve is about 1.5 miles long. This trail and the bridges and benches along the way were constructed by Boy Scouts for Eagle Scout projects. These and other volunteer efforts– planting trees and plants, installing irrigation, cleaning up and designing maps and displays, to name a few– contribute greatly to the beauty and vitality of the Preserve.

In the northwest corner of the Preserve, the Firescape Garden, with its four zones, beautifully demonstrates over 100 different types of fire retardant and drought tolerant plants that homeowners can plant around their homes for improved fire protection.

At the southern end of the Preserve, near the parking area, an impressive native plant restoration project continues under the direction of the FLC Wildflower and Revegetation Group.

The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk every day. There are few rules: no motorized vehicles, fires, swimming or boating on the ponds; clean-up after pets, if you carry it in, carry it out. It is a place of reflection and a place of discovery. 

THE DINWIDDIE PRESERVE

In 1994, the FLC purchased 14 acres of fields and trees along a meandering year-round stream known historically as Cienega Creek. This purchase on Stagecoach Lane, across from the FLC Palomares House and Park, was made possible by an extraordinarily generous bequest from Nancy and Howard Dinwiddie.

A half-mile loop trail for walkers and joggers was created and several benches are available. The FLC Save Our Forest Committee has planted many flourishing oaks and sycamores to enhance this much needed open space area.  

THE HELLER’S BEND PRESERVE

Located along Heller’s Bend Road, off South Mission Road, FLC’s 27 acre Heller’s Bend Preserve was purchased with funds from a grant from the California Transportation Commission’s Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation program. This preserve captures the essence of southern California’s riparian beauty and provides an opportunity to relax, have a quiet picnic, and take an aerobic walk to the top of a steep hill to enjoy the panoramic views.

The lower half of the property borders rushing Ostrich Farms creek and forms a beautiful natural park. The remaining acreage is accessible by walking up a winding scenic grove road that passes through one of the finest live oak forests in Fallbrook. The road levels off briefly as it passes through the remains of old orange and avocado groves– now being overtaken by native live oak trees– then climbs steeply to the top of Olive Hill, where benches welcome hikers to sit and enjoy the panoramic view of the rolling hills of Fallbrook and the mountains beyond.

THE BONSALL PRESERVE

Downstream from the Heller’s Bend Preserve is the Bonsall Preserve, 27 acres of wetlands that was also purchased with funds from a California Transportation Commission’s Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant. It is largely inaccessible and mostly for the birds.

THE ENGEL FAMILY PRESERVE

This scenic 10 acre parcel, located off Sumac Road in Fallbrook was generously donated to FLC by the Engel family. Americorps volunteers have installed a trail that leads to a prominent rock outcropping where you can enjoy panoramic views of the I-15 corridor and surrounding mountains.

Overlooking Pala Mesa, the Preserve is a great bird-watching area that offers views of soaring hawks and eagles, as well as close encounters with the charming, talkative, small grey gnatcatcher, an endangered species.  

ROCK MOUNTAIN

This 90 acre parcel can be reached off Sandia Creek Road, north of the Santa Margarita River. It is a landmark rock outcropping with coastal sage habitat on its slopes, and a riparian habitat along Bryant’s Creek.

THE SANTA MARGARITA RIVER TRAIL

The Santa Margarita River hiking and riding trails run along both sides of the river. There are several places where horses or hikers can cross the river, but hikers will have to get their feet wet since there are no bridges. There are various trails, providing loops of a few miles or as long as ten miles. Featured in Sunset magazine, the trail has become a popular destination for equestrians and hikers wishing to experience one of Southern California’s most beautiful riparian habitats.