This past August marked five years since a wildfire swept through Whitewater Preserve, transforming its lush riparian habitat into charred earth. In the immediate aftermath, the damage felt overwhelming. Today, the landscape tells a different story. Beneath the new growth of sugar bushes, mesquites, and catclaws, blackened branches remain as quiet reminders of the past — but the land has largely been renewed.

Through the dedication of volunteers, staff, and generous supporters, thousands of hours went into planting trees, removing invasives, and rebuilding essential infrastructure.

Today, Whitewater Preserve is once again alive with flowing water, birdsong, and students exploring the outdoors. This recovery is a testament to community stewardship and ecological resilience — proof that when people come together to care for the land, nature responds.

As autumn settles in, Whitewater Preserve becomes a seasonal haven for the Sora, a shy marsh bird more often heard than seen. In our newest feature, you’ll discover how these remarkable travelers journey thousands of miles each year to return to the safety of our wetlands. Their presence reminds us that even the quietest corners of the Preserve are connected to a greater story of migration and renewal.

Each fall, the Sonoma Coast bursts to life as migrating raptors fill the sky. Hawks, eagles, and falcons ride the coastal winds, circling above the golden prairie. Visitors can witness hundreds of birds in motion — a breathtaking seasonal spectacle along the Pacific Flyway.

For the first time in decades, something truly special is happening at Russian Gulch Creek in Jenner Headlands Preserve — juvenile coho salmon have returned. These tiny, silvery fish are making their way through the cool, clear waters of the creek, a place the species hasn’t been seen in generations.

Their return didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of years of care and commitment from The Wildlands Conservancy and our partners, who have worked steadily to restore the creek’s natural flow, improve habitat, and remove barriers so these endangered salmon could once again find their way home.

Seeing young coho here again is a hopeful sign for the health of our coastal watersheds and for all the life they support. It’s proof that when we nurture the land and water, nature responds in remarkable ways.

In A Mosaic of Stewardship, Four Corners Regional Director Dave Herrero reflects on how conservation thrives when many stewards work together. Like pieces of a landscape mosaic, each role strengthens the whole, ensuring that ecosystems remain resilient, connected, and alive for future generations.

Wildfire prevention is a top priority at our 93,000-acre Wind Wolves Preserve, and The Wildlands Conservancy is taking a practical approach. With support from CAL FIRE, targeted grazing helps reduce flammable dry grasses while supporting native plants, pollinators, and wildlife. 

In Humboldt County, The Wildlands Conservancy and partners are preparing a 530-acre tidal restoration — the largest ever on private land on the West Coast. This effort will bring back historic fish runs, reconnect tidal channels, and strengthen the entire ecosystem against climate change.

At Bluff Lake Reserve, The Wildlands Conservancy and partners are reintroducing the critically endangered Southern Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog, with the largest release yet in August 2025. Habitat improvements are also supporting other species like the Unarmored Threespine Stickleback, helping restore a fully functioning ecosystem.

The Wildlands Conservancy believes deeply in connecting people with nature in transformative ways. That’s why our longstanding partnership with Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) is one we’re proud to celebrate.

Since 1962, OBA has been a national leader in outdoor education, dedicated to diversifying the outdoors and equipping BIPOC youth with the skills, confidence, and perspective to become conservation leaders. This summer, we were honored to welcome OBA back to our Sonoma and North Coast preserves.

This past school year, The Wildlands Conservancy’s Outdoor Discovery Program transformed the California desert into a vibrant classroom for 2,626 students across 36 schools, with 67 field trips led through stunning canyon trails and riverside habitats. Thanks to $7,300 in transportation funding from generous partners, these immersive experiences remained free and accessible to all.