The San Diego River Park Foundation has successfully purchased a 58-acre parcel from a private owner, the organization announced this week.
Why is this important? Because the land includes Mildred Falls, San Diego County’s tallest waterfall, located about five miles west of the Pine Hills community. The dramatic cascade drops roughly 300 feet to where Ritchie Creek plunges toward the San Diego River. This acquisition is a huge accomplishment for the foundation, as Scenic Treasure Ritchie Creek is a key tributary to the San Diego River.
Ownership of Mildred Falls will help the foundation protect a variety of wildlife, including a golden eagle nest, California gnatcatcher habitat, southwestern pond turtles, arroyo toads, cougars, and other large mammals. More than 250 donors came together to raise over $300,000 to buy the property. With the sale now closed, the waterfall and surrounding land are conserved and held in trust for the public.
Alexa Lewis-Rosenfeld, philanthropy and communications manager for the San Diego River Park Foundation, highlighted the dedication of supporters like Matthias Blume, one of their longtime donors and volunteers.
“I am beyond excited. Supporting this acquisition is literally a high point of my life,” said Blume. “Like a trophy, it is not the falls themselves that are so important, but it is a 400-foot-tall tribute to successful conservation.”
She added, “It is the tallest waterfall in San Diego County. You can see it all the way from Ramona. It is absolutely awesome that the San Diego River Park Foundation was able to acquire and protect it.”
Lewis-Rosenfeld also shared, “There is a bald eagle nest in the face of the cliff over which Mildred Falls flow. Isn’t that amazing?”
With ownership complete, the foundation’s immediate priorities are land stewardship and public access planning. They are focused on caring for the land and creating a safe viewing area for visitors.
“One of the most inspiring things for me is just to know that this land will be conserved forever, and its use will only be to protect it and conserve it for the wildlife,” said Lewis-Rosenfeld.
The Mildred Falls purchase marks another milestone in the foundation’s multi-decade effort to protect land along the 52-mile San Diego River. Over its 23-year history, the foundation has completed dozens of acquisitions, conserving more than 2,600 acres of at-risk privately owned open space.
These efforts aim to safeguard a globally significant ecosystem while preserving public access and environmental resilience for the San Diego region.
The conservation of Mildred Falls not only preserves a dramatically beautiful natural landmark but also protects an important stretch of riverine habitat. This ensures future generations can experience the roar of San Diego’s tallest waterfall and the wildlife it supports.
“Truly, every dollar mattered in this campaign, and together, we saved an iconic natural treasure in the region. The falls, the tallest waterfall in San Diego County, will always be protected,” Lewis-Rosenfeld said.
For those interested in receiving notifications when the waterfall is flowing or learning about special guided trips, sign up for Mildred Falls alerts by emailing [email protected].
https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2025/10/26/nonprofit-saves-san-diego-countys-tallest-waterfall/
