The Torrey Pine (pinus torreyana) is found in only two places, the bluffs between La Jolla and Del Mar, and on Santa Rosa Island. These are likely remnant populations from an era when they were much more common and widespread. Like many coastal flora, California’s coastal marine layer provides much of their needed moisture in an otherwise arid environment.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve was created to help protect these rare and fragile trees. That being said, drought and human activities continue to imperil their presence. Even with some protection in the reserve, the popularity of the park, and the attendant things people do around them, makes their decline even more alarming.
This portfolio is a selection of photographs created throughout the Preserve, and also includes some of the beach and cliffside areas as well.
