Our Impact » 2025
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, rewilded native species, and ensured free public access and outdoor education for all.
210,000
acres stewarded
Every day, we steward 210,000 acres of land and waters across the preserve system including rivers, mountains, deserts and coastlines out of a love for nature and communities.
Photo of Wind Wolves Preserve by Jeremy Long Photography.
1.5 million
visitors
We welcome over 1.5 million visitors annually.
Hikers at Santa Margarita River Trails Preserve. Photo by Gary Peplow.
117
miles of trail
We offer 117 miles of scenic trails, open daily for free, to our visitors for passive recreation and exploration. Including our newest River View Trail at Jenner Headlands Preserve, pictured here.
Photo by Corby Hines.
39
endangered species protected
With a mission rooted in the preservation of natural habitats, we actively work to protect 39 Federally Endangered or Threatened species identified at our preserves, playing a critical role in ensuring that these vulnerable species have the chance to thrive once more.
13,527
students served
Through our Outdoor Discovery Program, we hosted over 13,000 students for school field trips in the 2025 calendar year, educating and instilling a love for nature in the next generation.
An American coot greats students at Oak Glen Preserve. Photo by Elba Mora.
23,478
program participants
From guided hikes to plant identification workshops to bird walks, we served over 23,000 people, including 8312 children, though our free public programs.
A naturalist-led hike at Wind Wolves Preserve. Photo by Wildlands Staff.
15
tule elk returned home
Six from Wind Wolves Preserve and nine from Tule Elk State Natural Reserve were translocated to the Tule River Reservation, forming the first members of a new herd in the Sierra foothills. This historic effort was made possible through partnership with the Tule River Tribe, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California State Parks.
A tule elk finds its new home at Tule River Reservation. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.