Eastern Sierra Nevada Region Expansion
Two Rivers Preserve / photo by Jack Thompson
Wildlands established its first nature preserve in the Eastern Sierra Nevada back in 2015. This initial acquisition protected 150 acres of land at the confluence of the West Walker and Little Walker River in northern Mono County from being subdivided and developed into multiple seasonal vacation homes. In August 2023, The Wildlands Conservancy expanded this property by acquiring the neighboring 2,333-acre Bently Sonora Junction Ranch, expanding Two Rivers Preserve to 2,483 acres.
Two Rivers Preserve is an awe-inspiring landscape within an ancient volcanic caldera full of glacial moraines, river-carved canyons, mountain meadows, and grand vistas of the Sierra Nevada and Sweetwater Mountains. The Preserve is blessed with 9 miles of rivers and streams, including the trout-laden Little Walker River and West Walker River. The Preserve protects a variety of habitats including sagebrush steppe, wetland meadow, riparian, aspen, and mixed conifer forests that support a variety of wildlife including: bi-state sage grouse, rock mountain mule deer, black bear, bald eagle, trout, red fox, mountain lion, and more.
Open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, Two Rivers Preserve is located along U.S. Route 395 and Highway 108 at Sonora Junction, offering a great destination for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fishing. The most popular area of the preserve is the Kirman Lake Trail which starts off Highway 108. This moderate, 3-mile trail is a gateway into the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest providing access to Kirman Lake, Mud Lake, Poore Lake, Pickel Meadow and Leavitt Meadows. Additionally, the mouth of Walker Canyon at the confluence of the West Walker and Little Walker Rivers is a popular spot on Highway 395 for travelers looking to stretch their legs and fish anglers looking to catch some fish.
Kirman Lake Trail / photo by John Trammell
We are grateful to our funding partners, the California Wildlife Conservation Board, for making this acquisition possible as well as supporters like you who willingly stand for the beauty and wildness of nature and take action to protect it. With your support, Wildlands continues to further its mission, ensuring future generations have the opportunity to behold the beauty of nature.