Switzer Canyon facts for kids
Switzer Canyon is a beautiful natural area in San Diego, California. It's like a green oasis tucked between busy neighborhoods. This canyon helps separate the North Park and South Park areas in Central San Diego. It's a great example of the many unique canyons found across San Diego County.
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History of Switzer Canyon
How Switzer Canyon Got Its Name
Switzer Canyon got its name from E. D. Switzer. He moved to the area in 1869. He had a five-acre farm at one end of the canyon.
A Place for Healing
In 1887, San Diego had a smallpox scare. Because Switzer Canyon was far from downtown, it was used as a special camp. Small houses were set up there for people who were sick. This helped keep the disease from spreading in the city.
Getting Around with Trolleys
San Diego's first suburbs started growing in the late 1800s. South Park began in 1870, and North Park in 1893. To help people travel, a railroad started in July 1888. This train, called the Park Belt Motor Line, went through Switzer Canyon three times a day. It was a steam-powered streetcar with another car pulled behind it.
In 1905, streetcar service was extended through South Park. This helped the area grow very quickly. Also in 1905, North Park got its first tall building. It's now known as the Western Dental Building.
The 30th Street Bridge
To connect these fast-growing neighborhoods, a special bridge was built. The 30th Street trolley bridge was made of wood and steel. It opened in 1908.
Later, in 1956, the old bridge was taken down. A new structure, called the 30th Street causeway, was built in 1957. This causeway is still there today. It was made from dirt and other materials. This new causeway divided Switzer Canyon in half. There is only a drainage tunnel connecting the two sides.
Protecting Switzer Canyon
Saving the Canyon from Development
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were ideas to build on parts of the canyon. But local groups wanted to protect it. The Burlingame Homeowners' Association formed in 1980. Their main goal was to save the canyon. All the building plans eventually failed. In 1987, the city of San Diego bought Switzer Canyon. This made it an open space preserve.
Community Efforts for Nature
In 1998, the city planned to build a road for sewer line maintenance. But people from North Park and South Park teamed up. They worked with the Sierra Club to protect the canyon. They also wanted to help its wildlife.
This group became known as the Friends of Switzer Canyon. They became a great example for other groups. Now, there are over 40 groups working to save canyons in San Diego County. The Friends of Switzer Canyon still organize cleanups. They also remove plants that don't belong there.
Between 2000 and 2005, the group put up information signs along the trails. They also planted native plants on the western side of the 30th Street causeway. These plants help stop soil from washing away during storms.
Today, Switzer Canyon is managed by the city's parks department. It has two walking trails and three places to start your walk.
Wildlife in Switzer Canyon
Switzer Canyon is a special type of habitat called coastal sage scrub. It is home to many animals and plants.
Animals of the Canyon
One important bird found here is the threatened California gnatcatcher. You can also find dusky-footed woodrats, rabbits, and coyotes living in the canyon.
Plants of the Canyon
Many native plants grow here too. These include yerba santa, black sage, and evening primrose.
