Beyond the haste and altered earth, there's a wild place where you can walk, saunter, or hike aimlessly. On a silent path, the ties that bind all life envelop you and an ancient impulse seizes its control. Among the bird songs, wildflowers, and balsam-scented air you behold the beauty from within and all around you. On a ridge, you glance back at the city and smile as your troubled mind is calmed by winds whispering among the pines. Instinctively a newly found joy passes through you as a wish for the entire world. On this ridge, you will always know who you are. On this ridge, your dreams will never die. The Wildlands Conservancy preserves these special places. The Wind Wolves Preserve is one of the best places in Southern California to observe large mammals, and is open to the public on weekends for hiking, picnicking, and camping. For information, call (661) 858-1115. more > By April 11, 2008 a new picnic area and trailhead leading to the Pacific Crest Trail will be open to the public on this 2,851-acre preserve. more > This recently acquired 5,832-acre preserve includes five miles of Eel River frontage in Mendocino County.more > Pioneertown Mountain Preserve's trailhead and picnic area are open daily from dawn to dusk. Contact the desert field office at (760) 369-7105. more > The trail is open to the public, without charge, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., along with 50 picnic tables at Blue Sky and Oak Knoll picnic areas. Contact the preserve headquarters at (909) 797-8507. more > Mission Creek Preserve is located in a transition zone between the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. Mission Creek has a rich species composition, with flora and fauna representing both deserts. Contact the desert field office at (760) 369-7105. more >