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.
Birds of the Whitewater Preserve: Common Yellowthroat
Sharp-eyed visitors to Whitewater Preserve may spot a seasonal resident that thrives in dense vegetation: the Common Yellowthroat.
In his latest Field Notes entry, ornithologist Stephen Myers explores the unique behaviors of this elusive wood-warbler. Wondering how it copes with desert heat, what its distinctive calls sound like, or where you're most likely to catch a glimpse?
Read on to discover more about the Common Yellowthroat.
Birds of the Whitewater Preserve: White-Crowned Sparrow
As fall settles in, bird enthusiasts at Whitewater Preserve are treated to the arrival of one of Southern California’s wintering favorites: the Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow. In his latest "Field Notes" entry, ornithologist Stephen Myers dives into the fascinating life cycle of this striking bird, from its breeding grounds in the Alaskan tundra to its winter visits to our shrubby habitats.
Desert Bird Spotlight: Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers nest in only a handful of areas in California, including along the Colorado River, at Morongo Valley, the Kern River area, the Mojave River near Victorville, and of course, Whitewater Canyon. Mature riparian woodland or forest is their prime nesting habitat, including areas dominated by cottonwoods and willows.
Meet Kim Fasching, Outdoor Education Docent
Kim Fasching made her first visit to Whitewater Preserve nearly a decade ago, and knew that she wanted to volunteer after she retired as a school teacher. Fast forward ten years later, and Kim is coming up on three years of volunteering as an education docent at Whitewater Preserve.
Meet Jenifer Lopez-Valdez, Education Manager for the Desert Preserves
Jenifer Lopez-Valdez joined The Wildlands Conservancy team in 2020 and works as our education manager for the California Desert Preserves. Jenifer grew up in the Coachella Valley and attributes free outdoor education programs to steering her towards a fulfilling career in conservation.
Nature’s Niños Family Campout Program
Nature's Niños is a free, all-included camping program designed to provide enriching outdoor experiences for families from Latinx communities in the Coachella Valley. Through this program we aim to break down barriers and open doors to unforgettable outdoor adventures. At the heart of Nature's Niños lies a commitment to introducing families to the joys of camping while fostering a deeper connection with nature.