LOS PEÑASQUITOS LAGOON
Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.
– Theodore Roosevelt
A STATE MARSH NATURAL PRESERVE
Los Peñasquitos Lagoon is a dedicated State Marsh Natural Preserve that is part of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve located in coastal north county San Diego that is owned and managed by California State Parks with support from the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Foundation. Los Peñasquitos Lagoon is a 574-acre coastal estuary that evolved from a large, depositional river valley with fringing marsh. The Lagoon receives drainage from a 60,000-acre watershed comprised of three primary sub-drainages: Carmel Valley, Los Peñasquitos Canyon and Carroll Canyon. Los Peñasquitos Lagoon and its adjacent uplands are home to 49 sensitive species that include 35 plants, 1 insect, 6 reptiles, and 5 birds. Los Peñasquitos Lagoon also serves as an important refuge for migratory birds using the Pacific Flyway and is the closest coastal estuary providing essential fish habitat to support the La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area (ASBS #29) and San Diego-Scripps State Marine Conservation Area (ASBS #31) located just south of the Lagoon.