Rewilding: A Pathway to Restoring Balance and Biodiversity

Tule elk at Wind Wolves Preserve / photo by Melissa Dabulamanzi

“To restore stability to our planet, we must restore its biodiversity, the very thing that we’ve removed. It’s the only way out of this crisis we’ve created – we must rewild the world.” – Sir David Attenborough

As we face the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, the concept of rewilding has emerged as a beacon of hope. Rewilding, which involves restoring natural processes and reintroducing native species to their original habitats, is a transformative movement aimed at healing our planet.

What is Rewilding?

Rewilding is the process of returning ecosystems to their natural state by allowing nature to take its course. This conservation strategy involves reintroducing species that were previously driven out by human activities, restoring natural habitats, and reducing human interference. By doing so, ecosystems can regain their balance, leading to increased biodiversity, healthier habitats, and a more resilient natural world.

Why is Rewilding Important?

Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy ecosystems. It supports everything from clean air and water to fertile soils and climate regulation. When species disappear, the ecosystems they support start to crumble, impacting everything from plant growth to the stability of food chains. Rewilding is essential because it not only brings back individual species but also the intricate web of interactions that sustain life.

Sir David Attenborough’s words resonate deeply in this context: the loss of biodiversity is a crisis of our own making, and rewilding is the most effective way to restore what has been lost. By reintroducing species and reviving habitats, we can help stabilize the climate, increase resilience to environmental changes, and ensure that future generations can experience the wonder of vibrant, thriving ecosystems.

Rewilding at The Wildlands Conservancy

For The Wildlands Conservancy, rewilding is the next logical step in our journey of owning and managing large nature preserves and conservation lands. It ensures that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonder and joy of nature by witnessing vibrant wildlife and the beauty of biodiversity. By restoring natural habitats and reintroducing native species, we not only enhance ecosystem resilience but also enrich the natural experiences available to the public.

This approach aligns seamlessly with California’s 30x30 initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Rewilding reinforces the importance of large-scale conservation and creates thriving natural landscapes that inspire and educate, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and ensuring that the splendor of our natural world endures for generations to come.

A Rewilding Success Story: The Return of Tule Elk at Wind Wolves Preserve

One of The Wildlands Conservancy’s most inspiring rewilding stories is the reintroduction of tule elk at Wind Wolves Preserve. Tule elk, the smallest subspecies of elk in North America, are endemic to California. These magnificent creatures once roamed the state in the hundreds of thousands. However, due to hunting and habitat loss during the Gold Rush era, their numbers plummeted. By 1870, tule elk were believed to be extinct, until a small herd was discovered on a ranch near Bakersfield in 1874. Thanks to the protection efforts of ranch owner Henry Miller, the herd began to recover.

In 1998, The Wildlands Conservancy, in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Game, took bold action to restore a population of tule elk at Wind Wolves Preserve. Initially, nineteen tule elk were relocated to the preserve. Over the years, several more translocations occurred, and nearly 100 elk have been released onto this expansive landscape.

Today, Wind Wolves Preserve, which spans 93,000 acres and is the largest nonprofit nature preserve on the West Coast, is home to one of the largest tule elk herds in California. From that initial release, the herd has grown to approximately 500 and continues to thrive. This remarkable recovery is supported by extensive habitat improvements and rangeland enhancements, including wildlife troughs, riparian fencing, native plant restoration, rotational grazing management, and mineral blocks. These efforts not only support the tule elk but also benefit other wildlife species across the preserve.

Each year, dedicated Wildlands staff, neighbors, and partners gather at Wind Wolves Preserve for the annual tule elk count during the rutting (breeding) season. This year’s count took place on September 13, and we eagerly anticipate sharing the results later this year. The continued growth of the herd is a testament to the power of rewilding and the commitment of conservationists and volunteers who strive to restore balance to our natural world.

Rewilding: A Vision for the Future

The Wildlands Conservancy’s rewilding efforts are more than just a strategy—they’re a promise. A promise that we will do everything in our power to protect and restore the beauty and biodiversity of our planet. As we look to the future, rewilding will continue to be an essential part of our mission, helping us create vibrant, resilient ecosystems that inspire, educate, and sustain.

By rewilding, we can ensure that the splendor of our natural heritage endures for generations to come.

Tule elk at Wind Wolves Preserve / photo by Gary Peplow