Our mission: The Friends of Hellhole Canyon (FOHC) supports the preservation of, and responsible recreation within, the Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve in Valley Center and nearby open spaces. 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Friends of Hellhole Canyon Supporter:
As you may already know, San Diego County Parks and Recreation recently acquired Butterfield Trails Ranch as a county park. At this point, the county is seeking community input about developing amenities at the park.

The boards of the Friends of Hellhole Canyon, the Valley Center Trails Association, the Valley Center Historical Society and many of the people who have attended events at Butterfield have expressed their belief that Butterfield should be preserved in a way for people to enjoy its natural beauty. This would include trails, a picnic area, parking, and restrooms.

As Butterfield borders Moosa Creek, it is part of a natural wildlife corridor that extends from the San Luis Rey River in Bonsall to the Paradise Mountain/Hellhole Canyon area. As Valley Center develops in the coming years, this will become more and more important as a way for wildlife of all kinds to safely travel as they forage for food, seek mates and raise their young.

Future higher density development also makes the existence of area that provides easy access to an open natural setting more valuable for the community especially children. Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods, explains that a growing body of research finds that direct exposure to nature is critical for healthy childhood physical and mental development that extends to adulthood.

Your opinion is important. Please take a few minutes and fill out a seven-point survey expressing your thoughts. Access the county survey here.

Thanks,
Joaquin Aganza

Not familiar with Butterfield Trails Ranch? The property is at 27765 Valley Center Road (at Sunday Drive) in Valley Center. Watch our video about this special place and see our Butterfield Trails Ranch page for more information.

OTHER NEWS

FOHC recognized as an “Outstanding Outdoors Organization”: The San Diego County Board of Supervisors honored the Friends of Hellhole Canyon with this community award as part of National Great Outdoors Month. Thanks for the shout out. We appreciate it!

why is hellhole canyon so special?