Crestridge Ecological Reserve

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The Program
Striving for academic excellence and civic responsibility through land-based learning

The Earth Discovery Institute is a unique on-site educational program. Serving as a resource to teachers and students, Institute staff will work with the faculty to develop standards-based multidisciplinary programs combining science, technology, art, history and language arts. 

A model academic program is being pioneered by Granite Hills High School through student-directed projects including Geographic Information System/Global Position System mapping, species tracking, controlled burn research, non-native species removal, archeological exploration, and other habitat restoration efforts.  Students are also working on sustainable building projects, learning energy-efficient design and construction technologies.

Working with Granite Hills High School students as mentors, Crest Elementary students have begun an instructional and service learning program at the Reserve.  Cross-age mentoring will be an integral component of upcoming educational efforts. 
The Endangered Habitats League (EHL), principle negotiator in saving Crestridge Ecological Reserve from development, is the nonprofit organizing and oversight agency for the Earth Discovery Institute.  At the request of the Department of Fish and Game, EHL has responsibility for land management, as well as Earth Discovery Institute education, volunteer, and fundraising activities. 

We invite you to participate in a unique and exciting opportunity at the new 2600 acre Crestridge Ecological Preserve... the creation of the Earth Discovery Institute dedicated to the education and inspiration of East County students.