PWP Year in Review
Preserve Wild Poway 2025 Annual Accomplishments Report
Protecting open space, wildlife, and quality of life in Poway, California
Executive Summary
In 2025, Preserve Wild Poway (PWP) made meaningful progress toward its mission of protecting Poway’s remaining natural lands, wildlife corridors, and sensitive habitats. Through land protection efforts, stewardship activities, advocacy, and community education, PWP strengthened conservation outcomes while expanding public awareness and community engagement.
2025 Impact Highlights
Guided monthly community hikes connecting residents with local open spaces
2 priority habitat areas actively protected
61 volunteer stewardship hours
550 lbs of trash removed from sensitive habitats
$25,000 conservation grant awarded
45% growth in community email contacts
Habitat Protection & Land Conservation
Protection of Meadowbrook Habitat
Preserve Wild Poway helped safeguard acreage surrounding Meadowbrook Pond and the Meadowbrook Pond itself, preserving critical seasonal wetland habitat that supports sensitive species, including amphibians and migratory wildlife.
Dorothea Terrace Conservation Advocacy
PWP actively advocated for protection of the Dorothea Terrace parcel, a high-priority habitat adjacent to the Meadowbrook Ecological Preserve and located within Poway’s Habitat Conservation Plan Priority Resource Protection Area. Efforts focused on urging public acquisition and preventing habitat fragmentation within a planned wildlife reserve area.
Boulder Mountain & Ridgeline Conservation Efforts
PWP continued efforts to protect ridgeline and wildlife corridor properties near Boulder Mountain and Twin Peaks. This work included participation in negotiations, due diligence, and development of funding strategies to secure long-term conservation outcomes.
Grant Applications for Land Acquisition
PWP pursued state and regional conservation grants, including California 30x30-related funding. In 2025, the organization was awarded a $25,000 San Diego County District 2 Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant, currently being used to cover fees associated with acquiring a 47-acre parcel in Rattlesnake Canyon and contributing toward fees needed to purchase a 34-acre parcel on Boulder Mountain.
Land Stewardship & Restoration
Launch of the Land Stewardship Program
In 2025, Preserve Wild Poway formally launched its Land Stewardship Program in coordination with the City of Poway, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local volunteers.
Volunteer Stewardship Activities
Volunteers supported stewardship efforts through:
Trail monitoring and reporting
Trash removal in sensitive habitat areas
Identification and closure of illegal or redundant trails
Removal of invasive plant species
Protection of Sensitive Areas
Stewardship efforts focused on reducing habitat fragmentation and minimizing disturbance within Poway’s nature reserves.
In 2025, land stewards contributed 61 volunteer hours, removed approximately 550 pounds of trash, closed two redundant trails, and removed 126 invasive plants within the Meadowbrook Ecological Preserve.
Regional Collaboration & Coalition Building
Wildlife Habitat Conservation Coalition (WHCC)
PWP actively participated in and coordinated with regional conservation organizations through the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Coalition, strengthening alignment on habitat protection priorities, wildlife corridor preservation, and regional policy advocacy.
Partnership with the Sierra Club
Preserve Wild Poway worked alongside the Sierra Club on shared conservation objectives, including opposition to habitat-fragmenting development, protection of sensitive biological core areas, and public education on land-use and environmental policy issues.
Regional Advocacy & Information Sharing
Through coalition participation, PWP contributed local ecological knowledge and community perspectives while benefiting from regional expertise, legal insights, and coordinated advocacy strategies.
Policy, Advocacy & Legal Action
Defense of Poway’s Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
PWP initiated legal and advocacy actions to address perceived violations of Poway’s Habitat Conservation Plan, including concerns related to outdated mitigation fees and development impacts on wildlife corridors.
Development and Ridgeline Advocacy
The organization monitored and responded to development proposals affecting hillsides, ridgelines, and open-space areas by submitting public comments and engaging directly with city leadership.
Community Education & Outreach
Educational Events and Public Programs
PWP hosted and participated in community events focused on:
Coastal sage scrub conservation
Wildlife coexistence
Light pollution reduction
Wildfire preparedness and environmental resilience
Guided Community Hikes
In 2025, Preserve Wild Poway hosted guided community hikes through local open spaces, providing residents with opportunities to explore Poway’s natural landscapes while learning about wildlife, habitat connectivity, and conservation challenges.
Children’s Environmental Education
PWP expanded youth outreach through its children’s book, Toby the Spadefoot of Meadowbrook Pond, placing copies in libraries and schools and using the story to teach children about vernal pools, amphibians, and habitat protection.
Community Presence
Preserve Wild Poway maintained a strong presence at local events, farmers markets, and community meetings, strengthening relationships with residents and supporters.
Subscriber and Supporter Growth
Preserve Wild Poway grew its email contact list from 410 contacts in 2024 to 593 contacts in 2025, an increase of 183 individuals (approximately 45% growth) who voluntarily shared their email information. This growth reflects expanded community engagement through advocacy campaigns and outreach efforts.
Organizational Development
Board Leadership & Governance
PWP continued strengthening its board structure and committee work, including finance, fundraising, and land protection initiatives.
Fundraising & Financial Planning
The organization pursued diversified funding sources—grants, individual donations, and community-based fundraising—while planning for long-term stewardship and land management needs.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Building on the momentum of 2025, Preserve Wild Poway will continue to:
Secure permanent protection for priority open-space properties
Expand stewardship and volunteer programs
Advocate for strong environmental policies and enforcement
Increase educational outreach to residents and youth
Jeffrey SchmidtPresident/CEO Preserve Wild PowayPreserve Wild Poway
Protecting Poway’s natural spaces—for wildlife, for the community, and for future generations.