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.
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.