STORIES FROM THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY
Strengthening the Oaks of Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve
At the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve, The Wildlands Conservancy is working to protect one of California’s most iconic ecosystems — its oak woodlands. Towering coast live oaks shade the river corridor and sustain countless species, but these majestic trees are under threat from the Golden Spotted Oak Borer(GSOB), a non-native beetle devastating oaks across Southern California.
This local effort is part of The Wildlands Conservancy’s larger commitment to oak conservation.
To safeguard the future of these vital trees, our team is planting new generations of coast live and Engelmann oaks, diversifying age, size, and species to build long-term resilience. Each sapling grown from acorns collected on the Preserve represents hope for a thriving, healthy woodland for generations to come.
Partners in Preservation: The Fallbrook Trails Council
Long before The Wildlands Conservancy became stewards of the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve, local volunteers were already hard at work. Since 1999, the Fallbrook Trails Council (FTC), now a nonprofit, has played a vital role in protecting and maintaining this beloved river corridor— home to endangered species and 18 miles of scenic trails.
The Hidden Impact of Invasive Species at Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve
The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve is one of Southern California’s last untouched ecosystems. Spanning 18 miles of scenic trails, it’s home to nearly 1,000 species of plants and animals, making it an essential part of the South Coast Ecoregion — one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. But despite its beauty, the Preserve faces an urgent threat: invasive species.
Meet Carlos: The New Ranger at Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve
Carlos Santana grew up in Moreno Valley, California, where he spent his weekends exploring the trails and mountains around Lake Perris with family and friends. Read about his journey into a career focused on preserving the environment and protecting natural resources.
Breaking Down Barriers: How the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve Protects Wildlife
The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve (SMRTP) in Fallbrook plays a crucial role in protecting Southern California's wildlife by serving as a vital corridor that connects fragmented habitats. As urbanization continues to encroach on natural spaces, the Preserve provides critical resources for a wide range of species, from mountain lions to beavers. Through the use of wildlife underpasses and landscape linkages, The Wildlands Conservancy ensures safe passageways for animals, helping to maintain biodiversity and genetic diversity.
Rise of the Reptiles at our South Coast Preserves
Spring and summer feature long, warm days, inviting cold-blooded reptiles to emerge from their wintertime dormancy. Several species of snakes are commonly found at our South Coast Preserves, the most common being the San Diego Gopher Snake and the Southern Pacific Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Meet South Coast’s Regional Director, Zach Kantor-Anaya
Zach Kantor-Anaya joined The Wildlands Conservancy in 2010 and worked as a ranger at our North Coast preserves and preserve manager in Sonoma County at Jenner Headlands Preserve prior to becoming the regional director for Wildlands South Coast region in 2018.
Born in Flagstaff, Arizona Zach Kantor-Anaya was raised by parents who worked for the National Park Service at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon — instilling a love of nature in Zach at a very young age.