Festivities kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with live music by Donn Bree in the patio, a mystery skulls game, recycling bean bag toss, leaf pressing and seed-balling activities, and a meet-and-greet with local alpacas. Inside, guests perused a pop-up art gallery where live artists were painting, spinning and weaving. They also got a chance to talk to local businesses and park agencies.

At 11:45 a.m. guests congregated near the main entrance for a formal presentation, which featured Vice-Chairwoman Bernice Paipa of the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel and bird song by tribal performance troupe Ashaa Takook. Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob talked about land acquisition and the quest to bring a nature center to the back country. Other speakers included Ben Clay, Chief of the San Diego River Conservancy, Dwight Worden, member of the San Dieguito River Park JPA and Colleen Bradley, Executive Director of the Volcan Mountain Foundation. Acting Director for County Parks – Jason Hemmens – closed the presentation, thanking sponsors and leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

Afterward, “fiddle girl” Celia Lawley played tunes in the patio and the Nature Center’s educational displays were finally open for the public to explore. Julian-based coffee shop Regulars Wanted,set up a small beverage station, and certified food handlers dished apple crumble pie, made fresh by Mom’s Pie House. County Parks staff shared expertise via a nature touch table, birds of prey demonstration, Junior Rangers program, guided hike and architectural tour.  

View photos from the Grand Opening!

Innovative, engaging and energy-efficient, the 6,000-square-foot, Zero Net Energy, LEED Gold Santa Ysabel Nature Center is poised to boost recreation opportunity while offering new connections to local history, wildlife, and preservation efforts. 

Hours of operation vary by season; visit the park page for more information.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors: