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Wright's Field

Wright's Field MSCP Preserve

This privately-owned property is 245-acres of open-space conservation land held in the public trust by BCLT. Each parcel making up Wright’s Field has a conservation easement placed on it to prevent any future development of this land. That means that Alpine will have this land forever as open-space, preserved for future generations to enjoy. Thanks to the hard work and vision of a dedicated group of volunteers, this land will remain as a nature preserve for our children and their children after them. Wright’s Field really is the “heart of Alpine.”

Wright’s Field is now protected forever and managed by BCLT as part of the
Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) of the County of San Diego.
Visitors are invited to come explore its beauty. Plan your hike using our Trail Map.

History of the Land

Every era of California history is written at Wright’s Field. Visitors can see the evidence of each different people that settled here over thousands of years. From Kumeyaay grinding stones to Mexican rock walls, Rancho-period wagon trails to pioneer homestead sites, every period of California history is still available to see on the preserve today. Have you seen any of the historic sites at Wright’s Field?

Timeline of Back Country Land Trust

Cultural Resources

Milling Sites, rock wall, arrowheads, cistern, homesites.

Ecosystems and Habitats:

There are five main habitats found on the preserve. Native grassland, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Vernal Pools and Coastal Sage Scrub - Chaparral.

Grassland Habitat in San DiegoOak Woodland TreeSage Scrub Vernal Pools Sage Scrub

Biological

Over 300 plant species and 100 bird species have all been identified on the preserve. Both threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna can be found at Wright’s Field. Listed endangered species found at Wright’s Field include the Hermes Copper butterfly and San Diego Thornmint, two of the most endangered species in San Diego County. Threatened species found on the preserve include the Quino Checkerspot butterfly and Chocolate Lily.

Vernal Pools

These seasonal wetland areas are found in the central portion of Wright’s Field. Vernal means spring, and these pools are best viewed in the springtime when water is most abundant and the shallow depressions along the trail fill with water.

Burrowing Owls

Burrowing owls have been seen on the preserve each year for the last two years. These owls are believed to be visitors to Wright’s Field, not residents. BCLT continues to monitor for burrowing owls migrating through the preserve and/or taking up residence at Wright’s Field.

San Diego Thornmint

San Diego Thornmint is a member of the mint family and is a federally listed endangered plant that only grows in San Diego County. It is native to our region and is found in our Coastal Sage Scrub habitat. Back country Land Trust has been working with AECOM and our resident Restoration Ecologist Scott McMillan to restore our very own populations of this rare and endangered plant species at Wright's Field in Alpine.