STORIES FROM THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY
Five Years After the Fire: Restoration and Renewal at Whitewater Preserve
This past August marked five years since a wildfire swept through Whitewater Preserve, transforming its lush riparian habitat into charred earth. In the immediate aftermath, the damage felt overwhelming. Today, the landscape tells a different story. Beneath the new growth of sugar bushes, mesquites, and catclaws, blackened branches remain as quiet reminders of the past — but the land has largely been renewed.
Through the dedication of volunteers, staff, and generous supporters, thousands of hours went into planting trees, removing invasives, and rebuilding essential infrastructure.
Today, Whitewater Preserve is once again alive with flowing water, birdsong, and students exploring the outdoors. This recovery is a testament to community stewardship and ecological resilience — proof that when people come together to care for the land, nature responds.
Birds of the Whitewater Preserve: Sora By Steve Myers
As autumn settles in, Whitewater Preserve becomes a seasonal haven for the Sora, a shy marsh bird more often heard than seen. In our newest feature, you’ll discover how these remarkable travelers journey thousands of miles each year to return to the safety of our wetlands. Their presence reminds us that even the quietest corners of the Preserve are connected to a greater story of migration and renewal.
Learning Outside the Classroom
This past school year, The Wildlands Conservancy’s Outdoor Discovery Program transformed the California desert into a vibrant classroom for 2,626 students across 36 schools, with 67 field trips led through stunning canyon trails and riverside habitats. Thanks to $7,300 in transportation funding from generous partners, these immersive experiences remained free and accessible to all.
Strategic Conservation: How Wildlands Supports Public Lands Beyond Preserve Boundaries
Public lands face increasing threats to their legal protections and landscape connectivity. The Wildlands Conservancy is uniquely positioned to create lasting conservation impact, working through our threshold preserves that connect to iconic landscapes like Bears Ears and Sand to Snow National Monuments. Through our ongoing landscape-scale efforts, we remain dedicated to preserving these landscapes and impacting conservation to the public lands beyond our boundaries. Learn more about Wildlands’ initiatives in this article by Four Corners Regional Director, Dave Herrero.