STORIES FROM THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY
Partners in Preservation: The Fallbrook Trails Council
Long before The Wildlands Conservancy became stewards of the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve, local volunteers were already hard at work. Since 1999, the Fallbrook Trails Council (FTC), now a nonprofit, has played a vital role in protecting and maintaining this beloved river corridor— home to endangered species and 18 miles of scenic trails.
Opening New Lands to the Public, the Right Way
At The Wildlands Conservancy, we believe the best way to protect nature is to ensure people can experience it — with love, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to its long-term care.
This belief guides everything we do as we work to provide well-managed, free public access to the lands we’ve conserved. That’s why we’re preparing to open four new preserves to the public: Estero Americano Coast Preserve, Eel River Canyon Preserve, Rana Creek Preserve, and Enchanted Rocks Preserve. These extraordinary places — rugged canyons, desert mesas, quiet estuaries, and sublime interior ecosystems — have long been off-limits, but soon they’ll be open to all. As we prepare these landscapes for free access, we’re doing it the right way: with community, care, and stewardship.
Wild Ventura: Protecting the Sespe Foothills
We’re working to protect over 4,200 acres of vital wildlife habitat and creating new public access near Ventura County.
More than 1.5 million children live within a 90-minute drive of the Sespe Foothills, many from communities that face barriers to outdoor access. Once protected, these lands will offer free public access and outdoor education opportunities — inviting students, families, and visitors to hike, learn, and connect with nature close to home.
How Birds Help Us Understand the Health of Our Forests
Can a songbird tell us if a forest is healthy?
It turns out, it can. Across four preserves in Sonoma County, birdlife is helping conservation scientists track the impacts of forest management designed to build wildfire resilience. The presence, or absence, of certain bird species with specific habitat requirements offers insight into the resilience and biodiversity of these landscapes.
The Hidden Impact of Invasive Species at Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve
The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve is one of Southern California’s last untouched ecosystems. Spanning 18 miles of scenic trails, it’s home to nearly 1,000 species of plants and animals, making it an essential part of the South Coast Ecoregion — one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. But despite its beauty, the Preserve faces an urgent threat: invasive species.
Redwoods in Spring: Guardians of a Thriving Ecosystem
As spring breathes new life into the Sonoma Coast, the redwood forests awaken in a truly magical way. These towering trees, bathed in soft sunlight, create an inspiring backdrop for reflection and connection to nature. But redwoods aren’t just awe-inspiring — they’re also vital to one of Earth’s most diverse ecosystems. Continue reading to discover how redwoods support an array of life and help maintain the health of our environment.
Connecting People to Northern California’s Wildlands: Conservation and Access Updates
There’s no greater joy than stepping into the wild, where nature’s beauty and tranquility can be felt in every breath. From the towering redwoods to the rugged coastlines, our preserves offer a sanctuary for both people and wildlife alike. We’re passionate about making these natural treasures accessible to all, and our work across the Northern California is a testament to that commitment. Whether it’s improving wildlife habitats, advancing exciting new trails, or developing plans for public access, we’re thrilled to share the latest updates from our ongoing conservation efforts.
Strategic Conservation: How Wildlands Supports Public Lands Beyond Preserve Boundaries
Public lands face increasing threats to their legal protections and landscape connectivity. The Wildlands Conservancy is uniquely positioned to create lasting conservation impact, working through our threshold preserves that connect to iconic landscapes like Bears Ears and Sand to Snow National Monuments. Through our ongoing landscape-scale efforts, we remain dedicated to preserving these landscapes and impacting conservation to the public lands beyond our boundaries. Learn more about Wildlands’ initiatives in this article by Four Corners Regional Director, Dave Herrero.
Voices from the Desert: Why We Advocate for Wild Places
At Wildlands, we are fortunate to work in some of the most remarkable desert landscapes in California. From the silence of the sand dunes to the vibrant life found in the most unexpected places, the desert holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a landscape like no other, where resilience thrives and beauty emerges in surprising forms. But what is it about the desert that captures our imaginations and motivates our advocacy? To better understand why we are so committed to protecting these unique landscapes, we asked our team: What does the desert mean to you?
A Golden Eagle’s Journey Back to the Wild at Wind Wolves Preserve
On December 17th, Mary, a golden eagle who had spent years recovering from an injury, was released into the wild at Wind Wolves Preserve. Her journey began in 2020 when a hiker found her in the foothills of Orange County, injured and unable to fly. After rehabilitation at the Orange County Bird of Prey Center and intensive training under master falconer Mark Schwaiger, Mary was finally ready to return to her natural habitat.
Wind Wolves Preserve, with its vast open spaces and abundant wildlife, offered the perfect environment for Mary to start a new life.
Gratitude for the Wild: Reflections from The Wildlands Conservancy Team
As we celebrate the season of gratitude, we at The Wildlands Conservancy wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things that inspire our work and fill us with appreciation every day — nature, biodiversity, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Earth.
Meet Carlos: The New Ranger at Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve
Carlos Santana grew up in Moreno Valley, California, where he spent his weekends exploring the trails and mountains around Lake Perris with family and friends. Read about his journey into a career focused on preserving the environment and protecting natural resources.
Breaking Down Barriers: How the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve Protects Wildlife
The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve (SMRTP) in Fallbrook plays a crucial role in protecting Southern California's wildlife by serving as a vital corridor that connects fragmented habitats. As urbanization continues to encroach on natural spaces, the Preserve provides critical resources for a wide range of species, from mountain lions to beavers. Through the use of wildlife underpasses and landscape linkages, The Wildlands Conservancy ensures safe passageways for animals, helping to maintain biodiversity and genetic diversity.
The Wildlands Conservancy Launches New Oak Woodland Venue
The Wildlands Conservancy has launched the Experimental Oak Woodland venue at the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden in Oak Glen, a vital initiative aimed at restoring native oak populations impacted by climate change and invasive species like the goldspotted oak borer.
A Message from Our Executive Director
In 2025, we will celebrate 30 years since The Wildlands Conservancy’s founding — a journey rooted in passion, purpose, and a commitment to preserving California’s natural beauty for everyone. From free public access to inspiring youth in nature, our guiding principles have shaped not only our preserves but the lives of countless visitors.
Discover the stories, milestones, and the unforgettable moments that make our mission come alive.
Our Impact » 2024
Our impact this year — and every year — has been made possible by the continued dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the support of our valued partners. Together, we’ve expanded land protection, restored critical habitats, and ensured free public access and outdoor education for all.
Saving the Mojave: A Journey of Love, Resilience, and Conservation
Stretching out beneath an endless sky, the Mojave Desert offers more than just a barren landscape — it’s a place of profound beauty, silence, and resilience. It’s a land that fosters introspection and where native species such as the desert tortoise and bighorn sheep exist in a delicate ecosystem. In an act of environmental heroism, out of a love for wilderness and its beauty, The Wildlands Conservancy stepped forward to protect this precious expanse.
Sparking Wonder at Wind Wolves Preserve
Sherryl Clendenen, biologist and outdoor educator who worked for Wildlands from 1998 to 2015, Wind Wolves Preserve was the perfect venue to integrate science and history into the lives of local students in a way that made learning come alive. Learn what shaped her philosophy and guided her work at Wind Wolves Preserve, where she built the outdoor education program from the ground up.
Celebrating 30 Years of Protection: The California Desert Protection Act and The Wildlands Conservancy’s Enduring Legacy
As October 31, 2024 approaches, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of a monumental moment in the history of conservation: the signing of the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA) of 1994. This landmark bill, authored by the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, not only introduced safeguards for vast expanses of the California desert, but also shaped the trajectory of environmental advocacy across the state. For The Wildlands Conservancy, the CDPA was more than just a legal victory — it was the foundation upon which decades of conservation efforts have been built. As a leading advocate for desert protection, Wildlands plays an instrumental role in ensuring that the Mojave Desert, along with other crucial ecosystems, remain a sanctuary for future generations.
Birds of the Whitewater Preserve: White-Crowned Sparrow
As fall settles in, bird enthusiasts at Whitewater Preserve are treated to the arrival of one of Southern California’s wintering favorites: the Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow. In his latest "Field Notes" entry, ornithologist Stephen Myers dives into the fascinating life cycle of this striking bird, from its breeding grounds in the Alaskan tundra to its winter visits to our shrubby habitats.