Celebrating 20 Years.

Thanks to our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and community for a great Anniversary!

Thanks to our event photographer: Sarita Relis. Additional photos by Nick Thomas, Megan Miley, Melissa Fontaine.

A view of the ocean is visible through a break in the trees.

Great Blue Heron flying over the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, near Huntington Beach, California.

20th Anniversary

Twenty years ago, Ellwood Mesa stood on the brink of irreversible development, threatening to erase its breathtaking natural beauty. Faced with this urgent challenge, our community united in a bold campaign, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action.

Many individuals and organizations dedicated tireless effort, generosity, and creativity to create the Ellwood-Devereux Coast Open Space Plan. This visionary plan successfully preserved 652 acres of diverse and cherished landscapes, and connected iconic areas such as the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove, Coronado Butterfly Preserve, and Sperling Preserve.

This extraordinary achievement was made possible through the collective commitment of hundreds of community members and advocacy organizations. For a fill list of supporters, please visit our Stories page. Please let us know if we missed someone! We’d love to share a complete list.

Today, Ellwood Mesa thrives as a vibrant sanctuary for wildlife and a cherished space for the community. It remains a beloved destination for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, surfing, painting alfresco, and birdwatching. Ellwood also serves as a vital refuge for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Photo credit of Great Blue Heron: William Foley