| Visitation: FREE and open t | ||
| Area: 11.6 Acres | ||
| Lat: 33.23944818582811 | ||
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| Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve - Site # 5057 | |||
| This 11.6-acre preserve is owned and managed by the San Diego Bird Alliance for the benefit of birds, other wildlife and their habitats—and for the enjoyment and education of our human visitors. | |||
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| Background: | In the late 1940s, John and Lois Anstine (“an-steen”) purchased this property as their home. Over the next 50 years, they expanded the house, constructed a storage building and planted a small orchard. A 1.5-acre pond was created by the Army Corps of Engineers as a water source for agricultural land. The Anstines especially loved the birds and other wildlife that were attracted to the property. As part of their estate plan, they transferred the property to the San Diego Bird Alliance, ensuring the permanent preservation of the wildlife habitat. | ||
| The Habitat: | Today, our preserve contains four distinctive, thriving plant communities: coastal sage scrub (an endangered habitat in Southern California), oak woodland, mixed riparian woodland and the freshwater pond. | ||
| The Experience: | The combination of diverse habitats and reliable wildlife presence makes it particularly attractive for people interested in observing animals in their natural environment. The different types of habitat attract a large variety of wildlife species, especially birds—more than 100 bird species have been identified at the preserve. Numerous mammals also reside in, or visit, the preserve, including raccoons, rabbits, ground squirrels, skunks, coyotes and bobcats. Several species of reptiles and amphibians have been observed, and butterflies are drawn to the native plants. | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | More than 100 bird species have been identified at the preserve! Multiple locations on-site offer unique wildlife viewing experiences. The observation deck, freshwater pond, and coastal sage scrub areas provide opportunities to view diverse songbirds, raptors, mammals, and local pollinators. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | For the best viewing experience, please keep voices low to invite wildlife to approach nearby feeders. We have binoculars to lend out for birders and wildlife enjoyers of all ages and skill levels! | ||
| Site Notes: | Please visit our website to view our comprehensive preserve bird and plant guides. These are also made available to guests during their visit. https://www.sandiegobirdalliance.org/what-we-do/anstine.html | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Cabrillo National Monument Laguna Meadow San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Sweetwater Marsh Unit of San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge | ||
| Festivals & Events: | San Diego Bird Festival Art and Wellness Programs at Anstine occur monthly on the 2nd Saturday during open hours | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Saturdays | ||
| Hours: | 9AM - 4PM | ||
| Year Round: | No | ||
| Seasonal: | Anstine is open to visitors and groups every Saturday from 9 AM - 4 PM from October - June. Anstine is closed July - September. | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved.  Dirt. | ||
| Road Hazards: | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 20 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area: | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: No | |||
| Parking Notes: Please park in the dirt lot as you pull in from Hutchison Street. | |||
| Special Tips: | For your safety and the protection of sensitive habitat, stay on marked trails. Pets and horses are not allowed. Trail maps available upon arrival and hosts on site to answer questions. We hope to see you soon! | ||
| How to Get There: | Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve 2437 Hutchison St, Vista, CA 92084 From the I-15 freeway exit at Gopher Canyon Road and head west. Go left on East Vista Way, then right on Osborne Street and make another right on Hutchinson Street. Anstine is on the right. From the I-5 freeway, take Hwy 76, and head east. Go right on East Vista Way, then right on Hutchinson Street. Follow Hutchinson Street around the curve, and the preserve is on the left after the wooden fence. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | San Diego Bird Alliance | ||
| Agency Site URL: | https://www.sandiegobirdalliance.org | ||
| Physical Address: | 4010 Morena Blvd Suite #100 San Diego, CA 92117 |
Agency 2: | , CA |
| Manager Phone: | |||
| Site Phone: | (858) 273-7800 | ||
| County: | San Diego | ||
| Addition Website: | |||