Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve preserves one of Southern California’s last relatively wild shorelines, with sandstone cliffs, beach, lagoon, and unusually intact coastal habitat. Long home to the Kumeyaay, Payómkawichum, Kuupiaxchem, and Cahuilla peoples, the area was gradually protected through efforts beginning in 1899 by George Marston, later land donations from Ellen Browning Scripps, and preservation work led by Guy Fleming. Expanded over time and transferred to California in 1956 because of its reserve status, it became a National Natural Landmark in 1977. The reserve is especially significant as the principal home of the rare Torrey pine, along with diverse wildlife, trails, and scenic but unstable coastal bluffs.