A trip to the McElhinney-Stimmel Reserve was just what was needed to reconnect with nature. The RCA Board of Directors Chair, Kevin Bash, visited the reserve land on a cloudy morning in the fall – to see how this RCA-owned property fits into the MSHCP reserve system.

Located between the cities of Menifee and Murrieta, the McElhinney-Stimmel reserve stands out with its 365 acres of diverse landscapes. The reserve offers a unique blend of habitats, from the gently rolling terrain to the coastal sage scrub, grassland, riparian scrub, and seasonal pools. The seasonal flow of Warm Springs Creek further enhances the reserve’s ecological diversity, serving as a vital movement corridor for both aquatic and terrestrial species.

This RCA-owned reserve is vital for important bird species, including the threatened coastal California Gnatcatcher, northern harrier, burrowing owls, and Bell’s Sage sparrow. Several rare plant species can also be found on the reserve, including the small-flowered microseris and long-spined spineflower. This land is also special because it supports a San Diego ambrosia translocation project which provides this endangered species with a vital opportunity to reproduce and thrive.