Physical Description: The Wilmont Preserve is a 28.5 acre site located in the City of Oceanside, San Diego County, California. The site forms the upper reaches of Pilgrim Creek, near to the Vandegrift entrance to Marine Corps Camp Pendleton. The site will eventually run along side houses on either side, but forms a corridor to Pilgrim Creek located to the west.

< strong>Conservation Purpose: The site was set aside in 2001 for the conservation of southern willow scrub and the federal and state listed endangered least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), but also has a small patch of Diegan coastal sage scrub, which could support the federally listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica).

Habitat Types and Sensitive Species: The Preserve has three vegetation communities, southern willow scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub and non-native grasslands. Sensitive species observed include the least Bell's vireo, yellow-breasted chat, and grasshopper sparrow. Other notable species that have been observed include mule deer, bobcat and mountain lion (although the latter has not been seen since construction activities began).

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, non-native grasses and castor bean.

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