The Resilient California Desert
Jack Thompson, California Desert Regional Director
The Wildlands Conservancy
A view of Mt. San Jacinto from Whitewater Preserve. Photo by Jack Thompson.
As many know, California saw profound impacts from Hurricane Hillary and The Wildlands Conservancy’s California Desert Preserves were no exception.
As we rebuild, we are provided with an opportunity to reflect on the incredible resilience the preserves have shown in over two decades of fires, floods and a global pandemic. It is clearer now more than ever that our resilience is a direct reflection of the love we all share for these wonderful places and our dedication to sharing them with those that need them most.
Road and bridge damage caused by flooding in 2019. Photo by Jack Thompson.
One might think that the depth of love that people feel for the preserves is unknowable. However, to bear witness to the lengths individuals have gone to support them is to bring this question into focus. When the preserves were threatened by terrifying wildfires in 2020, people risked their lives to save them and generosity poured forth to help heal the damage. When the preserves provided the public with safe places to be outside at the height of the pandemic, the responses of gratitude were overwhelming. One visitor, clearly fallen on hard times and living out of his car, shook my hand and through tears thanked us for remaining open. When he walked away, I saw that he’d passed me a generous donation despite his own circumstances.
Water Fire damage in August 2020. Photo by Jack Thompson.
During my sixteen-year tenure with Wildlands, I have seen the Desert Preserves alone welcome well over a million and a half visitors, free of charge and serve over 50,000 school children in our free outdoor education programs. To understand what is in the hearts of the volunteers who make these programs possible, consider that for many children coming from nearby disadvantaged communities, their journey to the preserve isn’t just their first visit to a Wildlands preserve, but their very first experience with the natural world. These outcomes have only been made possible through boundless faith that, together, we can and will change the world for the better.
To our supporters who continue to see us through challenging times, we extend our deepest thanks and pledge our unyielding fidelity to the ideal that free access to the beauty of nature is a birthright of all people. Your continued generosity is emblematic of the spirit of optimism that drives us forward and represents the very best of the heart and soul.
Outdoor education at Whitewater Preserve. Photo by Jack Thompson.