Outdoor Education Evolves
Emily Buchi
Education Director, Desert Preserves
The Wildlands Conservancy
Over the years, The Wildlands Conservancy’s Outdoor Education programs at its keystone preserves—Whitewater, Oak Glen, and Wind Wolves—have grown and evolved to better serve local communities and provide even more opportunity for “children to know the wonder and joy of nature.”
Whitewater Preserve has faced particular challenges in providing free outdoor education to students, families, and individuals in the Coachella Valley. Despite closures due to natural disasters—a major flood in 2019, and the Water Fire in 2020—and the Covid-19 pandemic, the outdoor education team at Whitewater continued to develop programs in an uncertain environment.
Visitors participate in a free, hands-on interpretive program at Whitewater Preserve.
During this last year of distance-learning, when the nearly five thousand students that visit Whitewater Preserve on a school field trip each year were unable to visit the Preserve for an educational program, the outdoor education team developed quality virtual experiences, bringing the Desert Preserves to the students. Though the virtual platform was challenging, it allowed students to engage with naturalists in real time, resulting in higher visitation as students brought their families to see the Preserve in person. This fall, as schools returned to in-person instruction, students returned to Whitewater Preserve—as well as Oak Glen and Wind Wolves Preserves—for a free, hands-on, outdoor discovery experience. These preserve-based programs nurture a connection with nature, inspiring the next generation of land stewards.
Public programs at Whitewater Preserve have also evolved into incredible events designed to introduce visitors to the wonders of Whitewater Canyon. Through two annual events—the Sand to Snow National Monument Celebration and Latino Conservation Week—thousands of visitors have discovered the history and significance of conservation in the Coachella Valley. This fall, in partnership with local indigenous communities, an inaugural event celebrating Native American Heritage Month will engage visitors with The Wildlands Conservancy's conservation work and the land in a different way, highlighting the cultural history of the region and providing opportunities for visitors to learn more and get involved with environmental initiatives.
None of the free outdoor education programs offered at Whitewater Preserve would be possible without a team of incredible volunteers and staff. The Preserve’s docent program was reorganized this year, resulting in a host of fantastic and enthusiastic new guides for our outdoor education programs. Dedicated volunteers keep programs sustainable and ensure that students and visitors have access to this magnificent landscape.
Now, more than ever, empowering our future environmental stewards is essential to preservation of the planet. The Wildlands Conservancy is dedicated to constantly improving and expanding free educational opportunities at its preserves, unique spaces where everyone may experience the beauty of nature.
Ranger Charlie teaches the next generation of rangers at Oak Glen Preserve. Photo by Elba Mora.