Then and Now: The Torrey Pine tree

The Torrey Pine as we know is an ancient tree that sprouted and survived on a high bluff range formed above the Pacific Ocean. The trees, known for their dynamic twists and turns and five needle strands, have the ability to capture moisture from the fog and water themselves. Their only habitat is here in the Del Mar area with a separate subspecies occurring on Santa Rosa Island up north. The trees’ pine nuts have served as source of food for early native people as they do for birds, and other creatures today.

The tree grove was a known navigation aid for 16th century Spanish explorers, but it wasn’t until 1850 that botanist Charles Perry “discovered” the novel pine and named the tree after his mentor John Torrey of Columbia University. Over the years the pines could be indiscriminately cut down until Ellen Browning Scripps purchased what is now the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in 1908-1912. These rare, slow growing trees are now protected and managed in their natural environment. Of late they have been attacked by a bark beetle, and many are dead or dying.

Torrey Pines are also protected in Del Mar. While some are aging out and need to be replaced, too many have been and are being cut down rather than simply trimmed to enhance views of the ocean. A magnificent tree that took hundreds of years to grow can be cut down in one day. Hopefully we can save rather than decimate this heritage tree.

–Del Mar Historical Society

If you have photographs, stories, or even books to share, please contact us at info@DelMarHistoricalSociety.org.