Physical Description: The Morro Hills/Foss Lake Habitat Conservation area is a 140 acre preserve located in the City of Oceanside, San Diego County, California. The site is broken into about 5 parcels, ranging from the 75 acre Foss Lake parcel south of Douglas Drive to the 60 acre riparian area within the Morro Hills Golf Course east of Vandegrift Blvd (expected in 2004).

Conservation Purpose: The site was set aside in 2002 for the conservation of southern willow scrub and the federal and state listed endangered least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). The preserve also has the 75-acre Foss Lake parcel, which is mostly fresh and alkali marsh and represents a very unique part of San Diego's natural heritage.

Habitat Types and Sensitive Species: The Preserve has southern willow scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub and fresh and alkali marsh. Sensitive species observed include the least Bell's vireo and yellow-breasted chat.

Management: The goal of management will be to protect the habitat types from non-native plant invasion and to protect the least Bell's vireo population from potential nest-parasitism from brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). Non-native plants being removed include giant reed (arundo), tamarisk, fennel, and castor bean.

Access: The Preserve is open for public access, which is limited to walking along the path along the northern boundary of Foss Lake. No motorized vehicles, shooting or collection of plant material is allowed.

For information and inquiries please contact:

Jessica S. Vinje
Preserve Manager
(760)294-8439 Phone/Fax
e-mail: jvinje@cnlm.org

Markus Spiegelberg
San Diego Area Manager
(619)295-4953 Phone/Fax
e-mail: mspiegelberg@cnlm.org