Open Space Information

Elliot Chaparral Reserve - Eucalyptus Removal & Restoration Project

UC San Diego is moving forward with a major eucalyptus removal and habitat restoration project at the Elliott Chaparral Reserve, located just south of Scripps Ranch.

Wildfire safety is a primary focus of the project. UC San Diego received a $1.4 million Coastal Conservancy Wildfire Resilience Grant for the project, which is intended to reduce eucalyptus fuel within the wildland-urban interface and serve as a pilot for similar wildfire-resilience efforts elsewhere in California.

The Elliott Chaparral Reserve encompasses 183 acres, nearly one-third of which is currently covered by non-native eucalyptus.

Tree removal is currently expected to begin in fall 2027, followed by restoration of the area with native and culturally significant plants.

Other elements of the project include:

• Reusing some larger eucalyptus trees as timber where possible.

• Converting the majority of removed material into biochar.

• Using chipped material on site to help control erosion.

• Conducting tree removal outside of bird-nesting season.

• Restoring the area with native vegetation.

• Providing opportunities for community participation in planting, monitoring and docent-led biodiversity hikes.

UC San Diego recently presented the project to the community and provided additional information regarding the removal process, wildfire resilience, environmental protections, wildlife, erosion control, biochar production and long-term restoration of the reserve.

The project is still in the planning stages, and additional details and timelines will be provided as they are finalized.