It started with bulldozers in the pines.
In November 1964, Robert and Gloria Bates were walking near their home when they found bulldozers razing Torrey pines to build a road. It took the community six years, more than 3,000 donors, and over $700,000 to stop it for good. We're recording their stories before they're gone.
What happened, and when
The land north of the Reserve, across Carmel Valley from the main grove, wasn't always safe. Here's how it was saved.
The discovery
Robert and Gloria Bates were walking among the groves near their home when they found bulldozers razing Torrey pines to build a road.
The campaign
The Torrey Pines Association, the Sierra Club, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3, the San Diego Museum of Natural History, and the Torrey Pines Wildlife Association ran media campaigns to stop the development.
The state steps in, with a catch
The state allocated park bond funds to purchase the Extension. But for the first time in California State Parks history, the money came with a condition: private matching funds had to be raised too.
The fundraising campaign
The Torrey Pines Association took charge, led by Peggy Fleming and Tom Whitaker, with seed grants from the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation.
Over 3,000 donors
More than 3,000 people had contributed or pledged over $700,000. The Legislature confirmed $900,000 in park bonds to match it.
First acres acquired
The first 73 acres of the Torrey Pines Extension were purchased.
Victory
A total of 168 acres had been preserved. The Torrey Pines Association declared a victorious end to the campaign.
Why we're collecting these stories
These accounts will become three things.
A short film
How a small group of neighbors saved a piece of land the state almost lost to developers.
A book
A written history for people who want the full story, not just the highlights.
A curriculum
Lessons for the Reserve's youth and junior ranger programs, built from what actually happened here.
State Parks' interpretive staff will use all three. So will we, to raise money for the work the Extension still needs to match the main Reserve.
Add your story to the record
If you organized, petitioned, donated, or just remember it happening, we want to hear from you. Fill out as much as you're comfortable sharing.