Torrey Pines Conservancy

Some benches are just a place to rest. This one means a little more.

This month, we installed a new bench at South Fork Overlook, with sweeping views toward Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, and the Pacific. It was donated by longtime TPC member Ann Parode Dynes, in memory of her husband Robert Dynes, who passed away one year ago this month.

Bob was a physicist, a UC San Diego chancellor, and later president of the entire University of California system. But people who knew him remembered just as much his humor, his accessibility, and his genuine love for this community.

Ann has been a TPC member since 2017 and is a familiar face in La Jolla, where she spent decades as one of San Diego’s most respected attorneys. She served as President of both the San Diego County Bar Association and the Lawyers Club of San Diego, and as general counsel for UC San Diego, the same institution where Bob did some of his most important work.

It feels right that a bench honoring him sits here, looking out over the coast he called home.

If you’d like to honor someone you love in a place that will last, ask us about our bench program.

BEST. DAY. EVER for this second grade class from who visited Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve today for a guided walk with Rachel, one of the extraordinary volunteer docents who do interpretive work for school groups, corporate teams, and the general public.

Teachers, thanks for signing up to make Torrey your classroom for the day!

On Earth Day last week we visited a new bench that had just been installed in the Reserve, and got to watch the maintenance team add the finishing touch — a bronze plaque featuring a special inspirational quote (and secret message🤐) from the Jabin Family of Del Mar.

With our friends at the , we are hosting a docent-guided bird walk for people who love photography next month. Join us! The link to our events calendar on our website is in the bio.

Geology walk at Torrey Pines State Beach! You should be here.

If you’ve been to the Reserve lately, you may have seen a few new benches. We worked with 18 wonderful people to honor their loved ones with a sturdy new redwood bench adorned with a bronze plaque, and it’s very exciting to see the benches finally go in. If you see one, take a break, contemplate the view, and bathe in the love shown for beloveds who have passed on and for this special place we call .