Wildlands Works in Partnership with Local Community in Kern County
The Wildlands Conservancy is excited to continue our partnerships with two local organizations in Kern County — the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation and Kern Family Health Care — to advance a shared vision in providing benefits to local communities while conserving wildlands.
Red Tail Trail Community Project
In 2023, Wind Wolves Preserve launched the Red Tail Trail Community Project. This project was made possible through a generous grant from Kern Family Health Care. Community volunteer days are organized to enhance habitat along the Red Tail Trail, a 1-mile loop that is relatively flat and family-friendly. Lots of wildlife viewing opportunities occur on this trail!
Participants learn about native plants, wildlife, get exercise installing plants, and enjoy the outdoors with friendly staff. This project aligns with Kern Family Health Care’s community goals to support mental and physical health through outdoor active engagement. Wind Wolves Preserve hosts more than 60,000 visitors a year, many of whom will enjoy the Red Tail Trail with new native shrubs, which will support abundant wildlife in the years to come.
Red Tail Trail Volunteer Day, Wind Wolves Preserve / Photo by Carolina Ruiz
Wildlife and Habitat Restoration Monitoring at Wind Wolves Preserve
Each year, Wind Wolves Preserve staff and community volunteers work together to restore native habitat for the benefit of wildlife and people. In 2024, we’ll continue to advance restoration initiatives with new grant funding from the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation.
Funding will purchase native seeds, plants, and equipment to monitor wildlife and habitat restoration success. New wildlife monitoring equipment will support the annual tule elk count, bird surveys, and weekend programs. In addition, new trail cameras will assist with remote wildlife monitoring, aiding ongoing research efforts with partnering academic institutions while providing educational content for the community.
We are grateful for impactful support from Kern County. These grants help to create and expand effective long-term land stewardship. We know lasting conservation must actively involve people and partners engaged with the natural world we seek to protect. Through continued habitat restoration volunteer days, we hope to promote a strong community tie to the incredible landscape of Wind Wolves Preserve.
To learn how you can get involved, contact Wind Wolves Preserve at 661- 858-1115 or windwolvespreserve@wildlandsconservancy.org.
Tule Elk at Wind Wolves Preserve / Photo by Carolina Ruiz