National Wildlife Federation/ San Diego County

Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve

by Becky Wilbanks, Habitat Steward

There is nothing more exciting than having the perfect opportunity jump into your lap. To have your efforts manifest themselves in ways you always hoped they would. This is how I feel when gazing out the back door of the residence in which I now occupy. My name is Becky Wilbanks and I am the current care taker of the 11 acre Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve in Vista. I have been honored with this position after finding out about it at a naturalist weekend with the Sierra
Club. I applied and interviewed for the position and I will not forget the phone call from Claude Edwards letting me know I had been chosen. Living and working on a preserve is literally one of my dreams. The property was bequeathed to the San Diego Audubon Society by John Anstine in 1999 to
fulfill a promise he had made to his wife that the property would not be subdivided or developed.

Currently little is know about the Anstine’s themselves or their connection to the land. However,
their gift will benefit the wildlife in the area that are rapidly losing previous resources. We thank them for giving us the opportunity to keep the site a natural habitat.

There are many projects (and NWF Habitat Stewart volunteer opportunities) currently in
progress or slated for future action at the site. In Jan. 2007 we completed the 1st of several native plant restoration projects. We have lost surprisingly few plants and the survivors have now established themselves nicely in their new home. We have plans for planting another section with native coastal sage scrub plants very soon as well as chaparral in the future. Among the projects now on-going are clearing out invasive plants and overgrowth and removing brush piles scattered around the area. Funding for these projects, which total about $9,000, is coming to us
through National Resources Conservation Services. We have also been recently granted monies from the California Audubon Society to develop a brochure that describes the site.
We are eager to begin planning and planting several theme gardens, such as, a hummingbird and butterfly, a sensory garden , succulent garden and more. These gardens are meant for
education and community enjoyment. I am also developing plans for a relaxing garden in front of the house with a water feature as well as native California plants. I am creating a meeting place for both for my enjoyment and those who may stop to visit. There are trails to be created, signs and educational displays to be made and outreach programs to implement. These programs will be designed with emphases on education of native habitats and involvement of the community. We will not only include the local residents but community
groups and businesses as well. Having their involvement will ensure the success of the programs. Currently our efforts have been focused on the south half of the site but the northern section will also have trails for public access. Although the facility is not yet open to the general public
volunteers can get a first hand look at a restoration project in its infancy and follow it to maturity. All of the projects will require planning, physical labor and dedication but they will have immense rewards to the community, the wildlife and all who participate.

Do you enjoy bird watching? Learning about native habitats and the variety of creatures that live there? Special walking tours can also be arranged for garden clubs, school students or
special interest groups. All of our projects will require planning, physical labor, and dedication but the restored habitat will have immense rewards to the community, the wildlife and all who participate.

Please contact me if you would like to volunteer, arrange a tour or receive updates on our
progress.

Becky Wilbanks
Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve
2437 Hutchison Street
Vista, CA 92084
(760) 295-1548
beckywilbanks@cox.net

http://sandiegoaudubon.org/anstine.htm