STORIES FROM THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY
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.
Meet Corby Hines: The New Ranger Leading Adventures at Jenner Headlands Preserve
Corby Hines, the newest ranger at Jenner Headlands Preserve, has a personal mission to connect people to land. Learn more about Coby including his favorite spot on Jenner Headlands Preserve.
Restoring California’s Native Coastal Prairie Grasslands at Jenner Headlands Preserve
Discover how Wildlands is working to restore one of North America’s most biodiverse ecosystems—California’s coastal prairies. Using targeted restoration tools, we are helping native species thrive, improving wildlife habitats, and reducing fire risks. Learn how our sustainable approach is enhancing the beauty and health of Jenner Headlands Preserve while ensuring these vital grasslands are protected for future generations.
Meet Carolina Ruiz, Naturalist and Nature’s Advocate
Carolina Ruiz, Outdoor Education Coordinator for The Wildlands Conservancy believes that personal experiences in nature are crucial for fostering environmental stewardship. Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of Wildlands’ outdoor education philosophy. By engaging children in direct experiences — such as guided hikes and interactions with local wildlife — Carolina helps them form lasting connections to the natural world.
Rewilding: A Pathway to Restoring Balance and Biodiversity
As we face the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, the concept of rewilding has emerged as a beacon of hope. Rewilding is a conservation strategy which involves restoring natural processes and reintroducing native species to their original habitats — it’s a transformative movement aimed at healing our planet. One of The Wildlands Conservancy’s most inspiring rewilding stories is the reintroduction of tule elk at Wind Wolves Preserve.
Oak Glen Preserve’s Rich History and Relationship with Los Rios Rancho
Nestled in the scenic foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, The Wildlands Conservancy's Oak Glen Preserve offers visitors a glimpse into California’s natural beauty while also preserving a storied past that intertwines with one of the region’s oldest family farms. Established in 1906, Los Rios Rancho is one of Oak Glen’s most iconic and historic apple orchards.
Ernie Thornton — the Champion Oak of Wildlands — Celebrates 25 years of service
September 14, 2024 marks 25 years since Ernie Thornton, ranger for The Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve, joined the organization. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, Ernie was awarded the Champion Oak Award, a symbol of his enduring commitment to conservation. Like the oak tree, Ernie represents strength, resilience, and longevity, embodying the spirit of Wildlands’ mission.
North Coast Ranger Spotlight, Catsey Heath
Originally from Vermont, Catsey Heath joined the Wildlands team as a ranger in June 2024 at the Eel River Estuary Preserve. Catsey came to Wildlands after spending several years working for Humboldt County Parks where she led several beach cleanups throughout the region.
Speaking Springs Preserve as a Threshold Preserve
Within Speaking Springs Preserve towering sandstone walls shelter the dwellings of ancient civilizations, alcoves harbor hanging gardens brimming with endemic plant life, and vital wildlife corridors provide access to the San Juan River from the mesas above. Speaking Springs Preserve is what The Wildlands Conservancy refers to as a ‘threshold’ preserve, meaning its adjacent proximity to public lands is strategic.
Voter Approved Climate Bond Funds in Action
Learn about The Wildlands Conservancy's Land Acquisition and Conservation Projects Made Possible By Voter Approved Bonds
Meet Sonoma Coast Preserve Steward, Quinn Whisman
For Quinn Whisman, preserve steward at the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands Preserve, no two work days are the same. Raised in Bodega Bay, Quinn has spent his entire life on the Sonoma Coast with the only exception being pursuing his bachelor’s degree in wildlife management at Cal Poly Humboldt. Quinn got involved with Wildlands back in 2021 at Jenner Headlands Preserve as a trail steward and has returned each summer, eager to help further the mission of The Wildlands Conservancy.
Building Wildfire Resiliency on the Sonoma Coast
Due to climate change and other contributing factors, California wildfires are only growing in severity, and the wildfire season persists for longer. As of August 6, a total of 4,886 wildfires have burned a cumulative of 791,432 acres. Year-to-date, the number of wildfires and the number of acres burned are higher than the five-year average. For this reason, The Wildlands Conservancy welcomes innovative approaches to forest management in order to bolster wildfire resiliency at our Sonoma Coast preserves and throughout the state.