News

Today, The Coast News Group announced its 2026 Best of North County contest winners, which included Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve for the second year in a row. EFRR took third place in the “Best Place to Volunteer” category.

“OMWD is proud to celebrate EFRR and our extraordinary volunteers,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried. “If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who likes helping people, volunteering at EFRR is a rewarding way to give back to the open spaces you love.”

Members of EFRR’s Trail Patrol help improve trails and guide visitors through the 11-mile trail system. Volunteers also welcome visitors to the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty, which includes interactive displays and exhibits. Further, volunteers participate in outdoor education programs and special events at EFRR, including cleanups of Escondido Creek.

Jeff Anderson, OMWD’s Park Supervisor, added, “We encourage volunteers to develop their own programs, which have included California native planting days and guided hikes. And we give back to our volunteers by hosting social events and educational field trips.”

Currently, EFRR has a team of 66 volunteers, some of whom have been serving since the program began in 2009.

More information on volunteering at EFRR is available by calling 760-632-4212 or visiting www.olivenhain.com/docent or www.olivenhain.com/trailpatrol.

From left to right: Park Supervisor Jeff Anderson, volunteer Keith Kelly, rangers Jonathan Zeller and Shawnn Schaub, volunteers Walter Haslop and Mike Dzurko, Escondido Creek Conservancy Land Manager Donna Leon, and volunteers Rich Riemer, Debbie Matsumoto, and Marvin Valverde at Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty