2026 promises to be a great year for the trails of Scripps Ranch. We are keeping our fingers crossed for some more rain in December and January which will help green up our trails and give us some wildflowers this spring. Miramar Air Station MCAS has had just over 10 inches of rain since January 2025 and we got a few good rains in October and November so you can already see some new green along our trails.
The Importance of Our Maintenance Assessment District
Most homeowners in Scripps Ranch and Miramar Ranch are part of the Scripps-Miramar Maintenance Assessment District (MAD). Check your latest property tax bill, my bill has a line that says SCRIPPS MIRAMAR MAINT $226.52. So, you may wonder, what is that for?
As a lover of our trails and open space in Scripps Ranch, I believe that this assessment on my tax bill is the best investment I make each year in the quality of life that my family has enjoyed since we moved to Scripps Ranch in 1985.
The Scripps-Miramar Maintenance Assessment District maintains 479 acres of open space, which includes parks like: Hoyt Park, Aviary Park, Cypress Canyon Neighborhood Park, Jerabek Neighborhood Park, Forrestview Park, and Semillon Park. The district also maintains other landscaped areas and two ponds, Evans Pond and Hendrix Pond.
As Chair of the Trails Committee, I am now learning about the important work that our MAD does to maintain our open space and trails each year. Each year, MAD work crews are out in our open space, clearing our dead trees and brush. Behind my home, thanks to the work of MAD, I feel much more fire safe because of the clearing of brush and Eucalyptus. And thanks to the MAD maintenance work, I have enjoyed my nearby Jerabek Park for years and even more now after its renovation.
Trail Goals for 2026
Your Scripps Ranch Trails Committee is hoping to make 2026 the best year yet for hiking and enjoying nature in our open space areas. We will be working closely with the MAD on trail projects and one of our priorities will be the restoration of a few key trail bridges.
Thanks to advocacy from the Scripps Ranch Planning Group and the Scripps Ranch Civic Association, the Fiscal Year 26/27 MAD budget will include funding to repair and restore trail bridges like this one along the popular Pomerado Road trail. As you can see in this photo, this aging bridge is badly in need of repairs which we hope can be completed by MAD next summer.
In 2026, the Trails Committee will continue to plan more Community Hikes and trail work projects. Get on our email list to get notified of trail events or to let us know that you are interested in serving on the Trails Committee. Sign up by sending us an email to [email protected] .
Make 2026 the Year You Hike Scripps Ranch Trails!
Here is a great New Year’s Resolution for you:
“This year I will hike at least three new trails in our Scripps Ranch open space.”
Scan this QR Code to pick a trail and then get out early or around sunset to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
Hike safely, enjoy the journey and leave no trace.
