Tag Archive for: Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

The portrait "Strut Your Duckling Stuff" by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Wildlife and Wild Views Win 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest

Seven amateur photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors at its June meeting for their award-winning entries in the 18th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR) photo contest.

The contest ran from November 2024 through April 2025. The winning photographs feature plants, animals, and unique scenery that showcase the 784-acre reserve.

“This contest is a great platform to showcase the natural wonder of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried. “We’re very grateful for all the participants who help bring attention to the importance of protecting open spaces so future generations can enjoy all the beauty that nature has it offer.”

2025 Elfin Forest Photo Contest Winners

Photographs were submitted among five different categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). In addition, EFRR’s Facebook followers selected a favorite photo posted online to represent this year’s Peoples’ Choice award winner.

The portrait "Strut Your Duckling Stuff" by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The portrait “Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz won Best in Show in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Best in Show–”Strut Your Duckling Stuff” by Sienna Schwarz

"Welcome to the Jungle" by Brice Folkert won the Scenic View category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert won the Scenic View category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Scenic View—”Welcome to the Jungle” by Brice Folkert

    The "Water Scenery" category winner is "Escondido Creek by Sky Strehlow. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

    The “Water Scenery” category winner is “Escondido Creek by Sky Strehlow. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Water Scenery— “Escondido Creek” by Sky Strehlow

"Veins" by Finn Behle won the Plant category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Veins” by Finn Behle won the Plant category in the 2025 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Plants—”Veins” by Finn Behle

This photo of a juvenile skunk titled "Shelter" by Ronnie Bailey Steinitz is the Animal category winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

This photo of a juvenile skunk titled “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey Steinitz is the Animal category winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Animals— “Shelter” by Ronnie Bailey-Steinitz

The Youth category for photographers age 15 and under was won by Ian Kennedy's photo titled "Clover." Photo Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The Youth category for photographers age 15 and under was won by Ian Kennedy’s photo titled “Clover.” Photo Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Youth—”Clover” by Ian Kennedy

It's two wins for Sienna Schwarz, whose photo "Duck Squad" is the Peoples' Choice winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

It’s two wins for Sienna Schwarz, whose photo “Duck Squad” is the Peoples’ Choice winner. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

  • Peoples’ Choice— “Duck Squad” by Sienna Schwarz

Winning photographers received prizes donated by local businesses, such as passes to the San Diego Zoo, EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary, and California Wolf Center; a canvas print from PC Photo and Imaging; outdoor equipment from REI; and a cash prize from the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Beginning in July 2025, EFRR visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. The center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation are available by calling 760-632-4212.

“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney - Winner, People's Choice Category, 2024 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Board Honors Winners of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest

Four photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors for their winning images in its 17th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest.

The winning photos feature the natural beauty of the 784-acre reserve near Escondido.

“We are grateful for the stunning contest photos received this year. Countless individuals will see the views offered by our 11 miles of trails,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio.

OMWD received over 200 entries submitted in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). The contest was open to photographers of all ages.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook followers selected a People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite of 19 entries posted online.

This year’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest winners

“Warbler with Bee” by Keith Kelley - Best in Show Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Warbler with Bee” by Keith Kelley – Best in Show Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Leaf Race” by Keith Kelley - Water Scenery Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Leaf Race” by Keith Kelley – Water Scenery Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Quack” by Keith Kelley - Winner, Animals Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Quack” by Keith Kelley – Winner, Animals Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Mushroom :)” by Adrian Flores - Winner, Plants Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Mushroom :)” by Adrian Flores – Winner, Plants Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Overlooked Elegance” by Ray Santiago - Winner, Youth Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Overlooked Elegance” by Ray Santiago – Winner, Youth Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Winter color palette on the creek” by Sylvia Gaffney - Winner, Scenic View Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Winter color palette on the creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, Scenic View Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

 

“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney - Winner, People's Choice Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, People’s Choice Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

San Diego Zoo, California Wolf Center, and EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary donated tickets as prizes. Prizes also included a canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a cash prize donated by the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Beginning in July 2024, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty.

The Interpretive Center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation can be obtained by calling 760-632-4212.

Photographers Honored For Winning Images of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

Images from seven photographers were selected as the winners of the 16th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winning photos were recognized at the June 21 Olivenhain Municipal Water District board meeting.

The contest offers amateur photographers an opportunity to connect viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. Submissions support the reserve’s efforts to protect wildlife and natural resources.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest Open

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest gives amateur photographers more visual opportunities in its 16th year, accepting entries from Fall through early Spring 2023.

Designed to be a fun and educational way to showcase the natural beauty at Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, the contest is open for entries from November 21, 2022 through April 23, 2023.

After a vote by Facebook followers the 2019 Elfin Forest Photo Contest "People's Choice Award“ went to "Red Jumping Spiderman” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman. Photo: Courtesy Olivenhain Municipal Water District Reserve Photo Contest Opens

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest Open

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest gives amateur photographers more visual opportunities in its 16th year, accepting entries from Fall through early Spring 2023.

Designed to be a fun and educational way to showcase the natural beauty at Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, the contest is open for entries from November 21, 2022 through April 23, 2023.

“This is the first year that we’ve held the contest over the fall and winter months, and we hope that it will inspire visitors to view and photograph the reserve in a new way,” said OMWD Board President Larry Watt.

Natural backcountry

Located west of Escondido, the 784-acre reserve celebrates 30 years of recreational opportunities in 2022. EFRR‘s 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean, Olivenhain Reservoir, Escondido Creek, and the natural backcountry.

The 2023 Elfin Forest Photo Contest is open to all photographers from Nov. 21, 2022 through April 23, 2023. Photo: Courtesy Olivenhain Municipal Water District Reserve Photo Contest Opens

The 2023 Elfin Forest Photo Contest is open to all photographers through April 23, 2023. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Photography prizes

Winners will be selected from six categories: Water Scenery, Scenic View, Plants, Animals, Youth (age 15 and under), and People’s Choice.

Winning photographers are eligible for prizes from contest sponsors, including $100 cash from the Escondido Creek Conservancy, Zoo/Safari Park passes from the San Diego Zoo, a 24″ x 36″ canvas print from PC-Photo.net, and gear from REI. Select winning submissions will be displayed at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty.

Contest entries serve to help educate the public on local recreational opportunities and support EFRR’s mission to protect wildlife and natural resources. For official rules and to upload entries, go to: www.olivenhain.com/photo.

Supporting the mission to protect natural resources

"Reservoir Dogs" by CJ Edingfield-Murphy won the 2022 Elfin Forest Reserve Photo Contest Animal category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Reservoir Dogs” by CJ Edingfield-Murphy won the 2022 Elfin Forest Reserve Photo Contest Animal category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

In previous contests, talented amateur photographers turned their lenses on skies and streams, coyotes and cacti, and found hidden details in nature to produce winning images of the natural beauty protected at EFRR through a partnership between OMWD, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the San Diego County Water Authority.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to approximately thirty minutes before sunset, EFRR is located at 8833 Harmony Grove Road in Escondido. The interpretive center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to docent availability. Admission and parking are free.

OMWD-Photo Contest-Elfin Forest

“Serenity” by Peter Montgomery was the 2022 Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest “Best in Show.” Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region. The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the San Diego County Water Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. Owned by the Water Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.)

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Since its opening in 1992, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve has evolved into one of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources.

Celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary, the reserve, or EFRR, was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as part of the regional Emergency Storage Project.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as an element of the regional Emergency Storage Project. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Since its opening in 1992, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve has evolved into one of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources.

Celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary, the reserve, or EFRR, was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as part of the regional Emergency Storage Project. Over the past 30 years, OMWD has managed the safe operations of EFRR to provide visitors with recreational, educational, and environmental experiences.

The 784-acre reserve in the heart of San Diego County offers 11 miles of hiking, biking, equestrian trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewing points. It is the central hub of more than 20,000 acres of contiguous open space with fully protected wildlife in perpetuity. Its facilities provide educational experiences for visitors of all ages.

“We look forward to joining with our partners and the public to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of this unique recreational reserve that continues to provide for the conservation of habitats and native species and opportunities to connect with nature,” says Kimberly A. Thorner, General Manager of Olivenhain Municipal Water District.

Creating partnerships to protect open space

The 784-acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers 11 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The 784-acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers 11 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The nonprofit Escondido Creek Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and protection of the natural open space within the Escondido Creek watershed where EFRR is located.

In March 2008, the Conservancy and OMWD partnered to create the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. Located at the reserve, it is a one-of-a-kind facility designed by local artist James Hubbell, known for his nature-inspired art and architecture. The center features green design elements, including recycled building materials, solar panels powered by photovoltaic cells, and a green roof.

The new Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve's Interpretive Center features The building also features green design elements such as recycled building materials, solar panels powered by photovoltaic cells, and a green roof. Photo: Olivehain Municipal Water District

The new Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty features green design elements such as recycled building materials, solar panels powered by photovoltaic cells, and a green roof. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The Conservancy has formed alliances with landowners, government agencies, and education and community groups to increase awareness of the invaluable resources intrinsic to the Escondido Creek watershed.

“From the very beginning in 1991, the Escondido Creek Conservancy had the intent to set natural lands set aside for the benefit of native plants and animals,” said Leonard Wittwer, Conservancy board president. “For the first few years of our existence, we focused on advocating for wise land-use decisions and physically cleaning up the creek so it could be perceived as worthy of protection.”

Educational experiences encourage outdoor exploration

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Park Rangers, Conservancy staff, and volunteers conduct guided group tours and student exploration programs to help promote environmental awareness and preservation of local watersheds. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Park Rangers, Conservancy staff, and volunteers conduct guided group tours and student exploration programs to help promote environmental awareness and preservation of local watersheds. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

For three decades, the reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities. EFRR offers a variety of educational experiences from guided interpretive walks, hands-on learning in collaboration with local scout troops, publishing EFRR Birdwatching Guides for public use, and a free Junior Ranger program. The Junior Ranger program encourages children to explore the outdoors and helps instill an appreciation for our natural surroundings. Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Park Rangers, Conservancy staff, and volunteers conduct guided group tours and student exploration programs to help promote environmental awareness and preservation of local watersheds.

Access to the natural world

Conservancy board president Wittwer says education and access remain priorities.

“We will continue to set aside natural open space, continue to provide high-quality outdoor educational experiences, and continue to operate the Conservancy to the highest business standards,” said Wittwer. “We are looking into ways to provide more access to our preserves, recognizing the many benefits to humans of interacting with the natural world.”

“These experiences don’t just happen,” said OMWD General Manager Kim Thorner. “They are the result of creative people trying to find ways to share the incredible natural gem that is Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. OMWD looks forward to continuing to be the responsible steward of EFRR’s diverse natural resources and collaborating with the Conservancy and other organizations in providing the public outstanding educational experiences and access to nature through EFRR for many years to come.”

(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve’s Fifteenth Annual Amateur Photography Contest Offers Opportunity to Reconnect with Nature

Encinitas, CA — On September 6, Olivenhain Municipal Water District will kick off its fifteenth annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve amateur photo contest.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve offers 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails with views of the Pacific Ocean, Olivenhain Reservoir, Escondido Creek, and natural backcountry. Designed to be a fun and educational way to showcase EFRR’s beauty, OMWD conducted its inaugural photo contest in 2006.