History of San Elijo Lagoon

Native American tribes hunted and gathered along the shores of the estuary at least 8,000 years before European settlers arrived. Shell middens, the refuse of hunting-gathering societies, show the earliest inhabitants relied heavily on coastal resources, including foods such as scallops, clams, shark, barracuda, bonito, and abalone. The ocean provided such a rich and constant source of food. These early people stayed at the coast for long periods. More recently, the Kumeyaay occupied the area. They traveled seasonally to take advantage of resources both along the coast and inland.   In 1769, the Portola Expedition named the area San Alejo in honor of Saint Alexius. In the early 1800s Spaniards and other Europeans settled the region and set up cattle ranches. The California Gold Rush brought an ever-increasing influx of people. Settlers established the community of Olivenhain, along Escondido Creek, as an experimental farming community. Farmers plowed and planted the riparian corridors upstream of the estuary. It was the first time humans radically changed the vegetation and terrain surrounding the lagoon. Non-native plants were introduced that later proved highly invasive.   Between 1880 and 1940 dikes and levees were built that allowed duck hunting, salt harvesting, and sewage settling ponds. The most permanent changes were the construction of the railroad, Pacific Coast Highway, and Interstate 5. Each required supporting berms that restricted water circulation and the natural influx of ocean water.   Other problems associated with construction include increases in sediment from surface erosion and road fill failures. Fine sediment can negatively affect reproductive and rearing success of aquatic populations.   In the 1960s various developments were proposed to cover the lagoon: condominiums, a golf course, a marina, a closed saltwater lake, and even a theme park with water rides. But the community ultimately said no. Citizens, scientists, lawyers, and neighbors who loved the lagoon and its wildlife formed the San Elijo Alliance, which successfully fought for its preservation.   Since that time the momentum of public support for the lagoon has continued. A $1.4 million grant from the Ford Motor Company in 2000 enabled the Conservancy to purchase additional acreage. The Rancho Santa Fe Foundation has also been instrumental in adding more land to the reserve.

The Archaeology Around San Elijo Lagoon / by Brian F. Byrd This report summarizes the archaeology within and adjacent to San Elijo lagoon. The report includes a synthesis of the regional culture history, a summary of archaeological fieldwork done in the area, and a discussion of archaeological sites recorded adjacent to the lagoon. [  Byrds Archaeological Study  ] (76 kb)

TIMELINE

1769	The Portola Expedition names the area San Alejo.
1848	The California Gold Rush brings settlers west. Cultivation upstream causes changes to the watershed.
1887	A narrow-gauge railroad is built across the lagoon constricting the inlet.
1895	Lake Wohlford Dam is built reducing water flow through Escondido Creek into the lagoon.
1912	Pacific Coast Highway is constructed across sand dunes.
1925	The present Santa Fe Railroad is built.
1937	Berms and shallow ponds for duck hunting are constructed.
1940	The cities of Encinitas, Escondido, and Solana Beach discharge treated sewage into the lagoon, a practice that continues until 1973.
1965	Interstate 5 is built across the midsection of the lagoon.
1969	Private developers begin housing construction around the lagoon. Erosion and pollution further reduce water quality.
1970	San Elijo Alliance (1970-1986) is formed to protect the lagoon and convince county and state government to preserve this resource. To read more [ click here ]
1971	Lake Dixon Dam is built reducing water flow into Escondido Creek.
1973	Endangered Species Act sets the stage for the designation of sensitive habitat lands in and adjacent to the lagoon.
1976	San Elijo Lagoon Foundation is formed (1976-2001).
1976	Coastal Act of California provides protection of coastline.
1977	Management agreement for the reserve is reached between the County of San Diego and the State of California.
1983	San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is formally dedicated.
1987	San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is formed.
1988	San Diego County builds a Nature Center in the lagoon.
1993	The Conservancy begins periodic dredging to open the lagoon inlet.
1999	The Conservancy creates an endowment to keep the inlet open.
2000	$1.4 million Ford Motor Company grant enables purchase additional sensitive acreage. To read more [  click here  ]   Click here for full size image
2001	San Elijo Lagoon Foundation merges with the Conservancy.
2004	Rancho Santa Fe Foundation transfers title of additional wetlands to the Conservancy and creates an endowment to manage it. To read more [  click here  ]

Email info@sanelijo.org

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