SAN MARCOS, CA (November 18, 2025) – The Escondido Creek Conservancy has officially completed its $4.8 million purchase of the 160-acre White-Atterbury “Franks Peak” property in San Marcos on November 18, 2025, marking a major milestone in the protection of vital open space in North San Diego County. The acquisition was originally approved by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) on August 28, 2025, and was funded through combined state and federal grants, including significant support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 6 of the Federal Endangered Species Act.

The transaction was brokered by Alex Gudim and Matt Weaver of the Lee & Associates Lee Land Team, together with Bitterlin Companies Inc., led by President Mark Bitterlin, on behalf of the seller. The property remained in escrow for two years while The Escondido Creek Conservancy worked closely with state and private agencies to assemble, structure, and secure funding for the acquisition.

“Securing funding at this level is never easy,” said Richard Murphy, President of the Conservancy’s Board. “We are thrilled that the WCB recognizes the importance of preserving this vital wildlife corridor.”

The White-Atterbury property connects protected lands in Harmony Grove with those in the City of San Marcos, including the notable landmark Frank’s Peak. Its preservation strengthens regional wildlife corridors and secures habitat for a wide range of sensitive species.

“The acquisition of the White-Atterbury property has been years in the making and will soon complete and connect core habitat areas in the Escondido Creek watershed,” said Ann Van Leer, Executive Director of the Conservancy. “Protecting this property in perpetuity also opens up new opportunities for outdoor education, while helping ensure the survival of rare species for generations to come.”

The property includes diverse habitats such as southern mixed chaparral, coastal sage scrub, riparian zones, and seasonal wetlands. It is home to rare and sensitive species including the coastal California gnatcatcher, southwestern pond turtle, and western spadefoot toad.

“This property is a vital link in protecting the ecological health of Escondido Creek and ensuring future generations have access to open space and thriving habitats,” said Alex Gudim of Lee & Associates. “By securing this property, the Conservancy has guaranteed that hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities will be available to the San Marcos community and visitors for generations to come. We are proud to have represented this important transaction and to support the Conservancy’s vision.”

Additionally, the Conservancy also secured funding for the acquisition of the 96-acre Elfin Acres property in Harmony Grove. Nearly surrounded by the Conservancy’s 910-acre Keithley Preserve, Elfin Acres contains a section of Escondido Creek and will further expand habitat connectivity. Together, White-Atterbury and Elfin Acres create an even stronger conservation corridor.

 

ABOUT THE ESCONDIDO CREEK CONSERVANCY
Established in 1991, the mission of The Escondido Creek Conservancy is to preserve and restore the Escondido Creek watershed. Flowing from the mountains above Lake Wolford in Escondido to the San Elijo Lagoon and the shores of Encinitas and Solana Beach, the watershed encompasses over 75 square miles of land in North San Diego County. The Conservancy’s vision is to serve as a model of vibrant urban communities and viable natural ecosystems thriving together. For more information, visit escondidocreek.org.