Fallbrook Trails Council

Lately there seems to be some confusion about the two preserves along the Santa Margarita River. San Diego county has a preserve at the corner of DeLuz Rd and Sandia Creek Dr. It has been open since 2007 when the Fallbrook Trails Council worked with the county to establish more trails in Fallbrook. Horse trailer parking is available, two corrals and water. In 2018 The Wildlands Conservancy purchased property that had been owned by Fallbrook Public Utility District. Fallbrook Trails Council had been maintaining the trails for a number of years and after the purchase an agreement was made to continue. They do not maintain the trails on the county preserve. Each preserve has its own set of rules about parking and closing times.

We replied to some comments on a local Fallbrook Facebook page about people being able to swim in the Santa Margarita River. Many of us remember being able to spend days doing just that. Now it is not the case. The property is owned by The Wildlands Conservancy and is a nature preserve. We need to respect the new rules to preserve and protect our beautiful river. Wildlands preserves are open to the public at no charge. Soon they will have naturalists on duty to teach everyone the value of protecting the Santa Margarita River Trails Preserve. Fallbrook Trails Council has a partnership with them to maintain the trails. We take that obligation very seriously and we hope everyone who visits will understand that the rules are there to protect our watershed and river.

Craig just reported that the river crossings are open.

The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve is open to equestrians bicyclists and hikers. Water crossings are still closed.

Just got word that the trails are closed to bicyclist and horses. Open to hikers only. We will keep you updated as to when they will be open again.

Now when you shop through Amazon Smile you can select Fallbrook Trails Council as your choice of charity.

The Santa Margarita River Trails Preserve is a popular place. Zach reported that we had almost 8500 people in December and for January we are a little over 9500 people so far. We are so glad people are enjoying the trails and preserve. Thank you to everyone who donated to the Fallbrook Trails Council so we can maintain them.

Update: Most river crossings are open. Those that are NOT are Railroad Crossing (A6) and those that are on the North Stagecoach Loop, which is north of Willow Glen.

Roy says he has lived in Fallbrook 35 years and didn't realize this was in his own backyard. https://www.youtube.com/watch

Just got a report in from Craig. All river crossings are closed until further notice!

To of our trail enthusiasts that love hiking and riding our beautiful Santa Margarita River Trails, please remember we are a non-profit group and use all of our donations to keep the trails open for all to use. End of year donations can be sent to P.O. Box 316, Fallbrook Ca. 92088 or go to our website where we take Pay Pal.

https://www.change.org/p/governor-gavin-newsom-save-del-mar

The Fallbrook Trails Council and The Wildlands Conservancy would like any organized group of trails users who on Thanksgiving or that weekend were visiting the Santa Margarita Trails Preserve to contact them. Either by messaging us through our Facebook page or e-mail [email protected]. Thank You.

Please be aware there have been many break-ins and a stolen vehicle at the Santa Margarita River Preserve and the Santa Margarita River trail head. Leave nothing of value in you cars and trucks. The crooks are out there.

Eileen Delaney posted on Friends of Fallbrook about a Zoom meeting concerning a pathway or trail on Stage Coach Rd from Mission to Reche Rd. This area has been needing this for many years. Mark your calendar! Zoom Community Workshop to discuss Fallbrook’s priority for a path/trail along Stagecoach from Mission to a Reche Road. This has been a serious safety concern for many years. Attending with be representatives from the County’s Public Works and Parks & Rec D...epartments. Please DM (Eileen Delaney) me if you would like more information. Topic: October Parks and Rec Time: Oct 14, 2020 12:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3615307770... Meeting ID: 361 530 7770 Passcode: 9Ct1wX Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) See more

I Love a Clean San Diego is having their 36th annual clean up day. https://cleanupday.org/

A little bird told us that our fearless trail boss celebrated a milestone birthday this week. Want to wish Craig a Happy Birthday and let him know how much he is appreciated.

This girl scout chose to clean up her favorite trail today to help keep it beautiful! The most common thing found (2nd to single use waterbottles) were masks :/ This post was posted on our message board earlier in the month. Thank you Cristina Martinez.

American Quarter Horse Association had this excellent guide for trail riding. Can't be reminded to often of the do's and don'ts. https://www.aqha.com/-/trail-riding-rules-equestrian-etique

Any hikers or families out there who would like to share their favorite hiking trails and share some pictures. Tell us where you like to hike or walk.

Equestrian friends, question for everyone. Where have you traveled with your horse? Most enjoyable trails.(not counting the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve) Scariest trails? How far have you gone? In your comments include pictures. We want to know your stories!

Has anyone signed up with Zach from the Wildlands Conservancy for the Adopt a Section of Trail for trash cleanup? The section of trail would only be a quarter of a mile long, unless you would like to do more.

Our Santa Margarita River is not the only one hit by the impact of Covid 19.https://yubanet.com//loved-to-death-the-yuba-river-and-l/

To all of our equestrian friends; Please do not swim your horses in the Santa Margarita River. The land is privately owned by The Wildlands Conservancy and they have given us permission to cross the river only in designated crossings. Since Covid 19 the preserve has been inundated with visitors. TWC is trying very hard to keep up with all the problems that happens with all that many people. This has to do with water quality and protected habitat. Please respect these wonderful trails and our beautiful river.

We have been reading about trash being left behind on the trails in the Santa Margarita Trails Preserve so at our last meeting we discussed an ADOPT A SECTION OF TRAIL, (like they do on the highways). It would be a quarter of a mile, one sign post to the next or more if you like. This could be done by an individual, scouts, students needing community volunteer hours or groups. It has been difficult for the rangers with all the people using the preserve to be able to cover the 1400 acres for trash pickup. Unfortunately there are those who can't carry out what they carry in or their dogs poop bags seem to be forgotten along the trails. If you are interested in volunteering contact Zach, [email protected]. and he will get you started.

Soon there will be new signage at the Santa Margarita River Trails Preserve. Due to the added amount of visitors since May when the Preserve was reopened The Wildlands Conservancy felt it necessary to post these new rules to protect the habitat. https://www.villagenews.com//overcrowding-illeg/62038.html

FYI CHP has been ticketing cars on the street in NO PARKING areas. Please pick up your trash and carry it out. Stay on the trails. There is a lot of poison oak and snakes. Keep your dogs on a leash. No fires or anything illegal.... Enjoy the beauty of the area. Happy 4th of July! See more

We received a note from a concerned horseback rider of people blocking the river crossings with canopies, coolers, parties and waders in the water. Just so you know that it can be dangerous to you and the rider if the horse gets frightened.They are scared of strange objects and loud noises. They can jump sideways, up and over and you just don't know where they are going to land. Someone could be hurt. Please be considerate and leave the crossings open. Most of them are well marked.