A Lively Way To Get To Know The Reserve
Torrey Pines Conservancy produced a series of web films to highlight the natural history and conservation efforts at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. We invite you to explore Torrey Pines through these short videos and learn about the people and events that have sustained it.
All of these films were created by Jim Karnik as part of his commitment to conservation and preservation of the wild places of Southern California.
Playing by the Rules
A Visitor’s Guide to Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers beautiful scenery and hiking trails close to the homes and businesses of San Diego, Del Mar, and La Jolla, but bans food and dogs. Ranger Lisa Urbach shows us why these special rules exist.
The Big Bloom 2017
Join Torrey Pines docent, Margaret Fillius, as we explore the Guy Fleming trail and experience the spectacular wildflower bloom of 2017.
After 6 years of drought, which have stressed many plants and trees in the reserve, it is wonderful to see the landscape once again covered in a carpet of color.
Beetle Attack
Beetle Attack! Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Let The River Flow
Not only have we lost 90% of our wetlands along the Coast of California, the inlets to lagoons such as Los Peñasquitos Lagoon tend to get blocked by sand and cobble. This creates a stressful situation for plants and animals living in the lagoon and It also creates a health hazard to humans.
The Danger & Beauty of Torrey Pines Sandstone Cliffs
Yes, the view of the waves is great, but these edges are crumbling every day, and it’s a long long way down to the beach.
Your host is Bob Wohl, the now-retired supervising ranger at the Reserve for almost 20 years.
A Walk through Time
Beaches and Bluffs of Torrey Pines
Beyond their stunning beauty, the cliffs of Torrey Pines stand like ramparts in the epic battle between the uplifting land and the restless sea.
Join geologist Wolfgang Berger as he leads us on this tour of geology in action.
Sharing a Love of Nature
The Torrey Pines Docent Society
The volunteers of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve provide many services to the Reserve and its visitors. Find out more about the role of docents at the Reserve, and why they love what they do.
Between Rocks and Waves
Seashore Survivors of Torrey Pines State Beach
Sun, sand, and surf: the same elements that offer rest and relaxation to visitors create a challenge for the organisms that live here.
Join marine biologist Brett Lear on a tour of Torrey Pines State Beach and meet some of the creatures that live between the bluffs and the waves.
Hidden Treasures of Torrey Pines
There’s plenty more to be seen when you slow down and adjust your focus to the little things.
Join Docent Barbara Wallach and find some hidden treasures just a short distance from the Lodge along the Discovery Trail, on an easy walk suitable for all – from toddlers to great-grandparents.
Birds and Bees, Flowers and Seeds
What’s the buzz about pollination?
Interpretive Specialist Diane Greening explores the importance of pollinators and the various ways plants entice them to participate in the dance of propagation.
The Trails of the Torrey Pines Extension
This little-known sector of the Reserve is located on the north side of Los Penasquitos Lagoon and is accessible only via residential neighborhoods.
The rewards are great: mature trees, ocean and lagoon views, and much more solitude than you can experience in the main part of the Reserve. Wildflowers and birds are abundant here.
Trails of Torrey Pines
Explore this haven from the mesa top through groves of rare Torrey pine trees, wildflowers, and rugged sandstone cliffs down to the unspoiled beach.
Discover how the Torrey Pines Association protects and preserves this island of habitat between La Jolla and Del Mar.
Wildflowers of Torrey Pines
A look at some of the famous wildflowers of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. These colorful plants survive through scant rainfall and salt-laden winds, but are threatened by off-trail activity that compacts the soil and disperses weed seeds.
Junior Rangers Explore the Torrey Pine
Join the Junior Rangers as they explore the Torrey Pine tree from the bottom up!
Birding at Torrey Pines
The Lodge that "Miss Scripps" Built
Join State Parks historian Alex Bevil, historic architect Ione Stiegler, and former ranger Bob Wohl on a stroll through time.
Art in the Pines
Festival 2010
A glorious springtime day in the Reserve, scores of talented artists, and hundreds of festival goers created a successful benefit for nature education programs in May, 2010.
