Infrastructure and Site Development
Encino Conservancy is developing a master site plan for the Encino Conservancy Ranch to support expanded land stewardship, restoration, education, and research. This work is focused on creating the infrastructure needed to host people onsite for longer periods of time while caring for the land responsibly in a fire‑prone, off‑grid environment.
The master site plan is being designed using a phased approach, allowing infrastructure to grow intentionally alongside our capacity and stewardship priorities. Early phases focus on essential systems that support restoration activities and hands‑on learning, while future phases will expand the Ranch’s ability to host education programs, vocational training, and research partnerships.
Fire resilience and low‑impact design are central to this effort. Planned infrastructure emphasizes the use of non‑combustible building materials, passive solar design to reduce energy demand, and an off‑grid layout that minimizes long‑term risk. Greywater systems and rainwater capture are being incorporated to reduce strain on limited water resources and improve overall site sustainability.
Architect Carl Welty, who specializes in passive solar and climate‑responsive design, is developing plans that include an off‑grid staff residence, equipment and materials storage, and multi‑use spaces that can support food processing, education, research, and vocational training. These facilities are intended to directly support land stewardship and learning, rather than conventional development.
As this vision takes shape, Encino Conservancy will be seeking funding and community input to move from planning into phased implementation. Thoughtful, resilient infrastructure is essential to expanding our ability to steward the land, host collaborative partners, and offer meaningful opportunities for restoration, learning, and research rooted in place.
We respectfully acknowledge that the 120 acre Encino Conservancy site is located on the ancestral lands of the Iipai / Northern Kumeyaay People. The property is situated between Reservations with Mesa Grande historical occupation acknowledged throughout the area.
