Dear Friend of Preserve Wild Poway,

We hope your holidays were joyful and restful.

Preserve Wild Poway ended 2025 with a whirlwind of activity. With your help, the online auction was a success. Your support will help this organization continue the work of safeguarding local lands in 2026.

Rezoning Progress

On a positive note, the City of Poway began rezoning 311 acres from R (Residential) to OS-RM (Open Space–Resource Management)—a change that represents a significant step toward safeguarding Poway’s open spaces. Open Space–Resource Management zoning is intended to protect and conserve land with valuable natural resources, including ridgelines, wetlands, and wildlife corridors, by limiting development and prioritizing long-term environmental stewardship. Kudos to the City of Poway for taking this step toward truly conserving these properties!

Preserve Wild Poway and the Sierra Club had taken legal action citing the City’s lack of conservation rezoning as prescribed in the Poway Subarea Habitat Conservation Plan. “The City’s action demonstrates the power of community advocacy,” said a representative of the Sierra Club. “This rezoning aligns land-use policy with environmental stewardship and public trust.”

“This is exactly the type of outcome our community has been calling for,” said Jeff Schmidt, Founder and CEO of Preserve Wild Poway. “Land purchased for conservation should be protected as conservation land. Rezoning it to OS-RM ensures that promise is reflected not just in words, but in law. PWP also advocates for updating the City’s outdated in-lieu fees to reflect current market values. Doing so would help increase the City’s mitigation funds which are used to purchase properties intended for OS-RM zoning to protect and preserve endangered habitat.”

Ridgeline Vote

Unfortunately, in December, the City Council voted not to restore public oversight for ridgeline and hillside development. In spite of this outcome, Preserve Wild Poway, will continue to champion government transparency and full implementation of the Poway Subarea Habitat Conservation Plan (PSHCP).

Calling All Land Stewards

With the rain come the blooms. Lend a hand at either of our work sites removing invasive plant species. For those looking for a good workout, join the “Artichoke Slayers” working off Metate. Or if you prefer a less strenuous task, help dig up Dryers Rocket at the Meadowbrook Ecological Reserve. Volunteers meet throughout the week. For more information, please contact Jeff Schmidt at jeffrey.schmidt@hotmail.com. See you on the trails.

PWP’s Upcoming Events

Feb 15 hike, 8:45AM. Poway Lake West Loop Trail via Espola Trail.  Save the date, we hike on the 3rd Sunday of cool weather months and would love to have you join us.

Feb 26 Volunteer Appreciation and Get Together at Roundtable Pizza, 6PM - 8PM. (13510 Poway Road)

March 21 Farmers Market 8:00AM-1:00PM. Stop by the PWP booth to say hello or stick around to share information about Poway’s habitat.

March 22 hike, 8:45AM, location TBD. Save the date, we hike on the 3rd Sunday of cool weather months. 

March 26 Community Event, 6PM-8PM at the Poway VFW Post 7907, 12342 Old Pomerado Road, Speaker to be announced.

Thank you for staying engaged as we work to protect Poway’s open spaces, wildlife habitat, and community character.

With appreciation,
Preserve Wild Poway