Ernie Thornton — the Champion Oak of Wildlands — Celebrates 25 years of service

Ernie Thornton, Ranger at Oak Glen Preserve

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.

Born in 1941 in Davis, Oklahoma, Ernie moved to California at the age of six. Throughout his early years, he lived in a dozen cities throughout the state, making him deeply familiar with California’s varied landscapes. Ernie’s lifelong connection to the outdoors began early, and by the age of 16, Ernie had already started working—mostly outdoors. He jokes that his one job working indoors didn’t last very long. "I couldn’t help but just watch the clock," he says with a chuckle.

Ernie’s professional life spanned decades, including a 30-year career with the California Highway Patrol. When he retired in 1995—the same year The Wildlands Conservancy was founded—Ernie took to the wilderness, spending four years on frequent backpacking trips across California’s Eastern Sierra, the San Bernardino Mountains, and Southern Utah. His faithful companion through these adventures? His blue merle Australian shepherd, Cassie—affectionately known as "the wonder dog."

"For 15 years, Cassie and I were together," Ernie reminisces. "She’s now buried at Oak Glen Preserve’s Artists Palette venue, under the cedar tree. There’s a sign that reads ‘Cassie, the wonder dog.’"

Ernie’s second career began unexpectedly when The Wildlands Conservancy put out a call for volunteers to help with its newly acquired Bluff Lake Reserve in the San Bernardino Mountains. Ernie says that he was looking for something meaningful to do with his newfound free time in retirement, and he quickly answered the call. After a few months of volunteering, co-founder David Myers noticed Ernie’s talent for land stewardship and his positive, can-do attitude, and offered him a paid position. Ernie had no idea at the time, but this marked the beginning of a new and enduring chapter in his life.

From the very start, Ernie rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He spent countless hours clearing debris and trash from the Bluff Lake Reserve, often filling up 40-foot dumpsters single-handedly. His efforts laid the foundation for the restoration of the 20-acre lake and surrounding mountain meadows, home to a rich biodiversity of plant and animal life.

Another significant early project was the cleanup of Mission Creek, which Wildlands acquired between 1995 and 2002. Three days a week, Ernie would spend his time removing barbed wire from the area, wearing through a pair of heavy-duty gloves every two days. "I really enjoy this kind of work," Ernie shares. "It's different every day, low-stress, and it keeps me healthy and active."

Looking back on his time with Wildlands, Ernie recalls the transformation of Oak Glen Preserve with warmth and nostalgia. He helped plant sequoia and sycamore trees and install irrigation lines and the watering system. "When I started, none of these trees were here. We planted them all. They're a pretty good size now, don’t you think?" he says with a twinkle in his eye.

Ernie’s journey with Wildlands is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make through steady, dedicated effort. He has watched The Wildlands Conservancy grow from its modest beginnings to a flourishing network of 25 preserves. Through it all, Ernie has remained unwavering, a symbol of resilience, much like the mighty oak.

At home in Yucaipa, Ernie enjoys the company of his wife, 9 grandkids, and 15 great-grandchildren. His legacy, much like the trees he’s nurtured, will continue to grow and flourish, inspiring others to protect and cherish the natural world.