STORIES FROM THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY
Return of the Southern Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog at Bluff Lake
At Bluff Lake Reserve, The Wildlands Conservancy and partners are reintroducing the critically endangered Southern Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog, with the largest release yet in August 2025. Habitat improvements are also supporting other species like the Unarmored Threespine Stickleback, helping restore a fully functioning ecosystem.
Bluff Lake Conservation Updates
Endangered frogs, rare wildflowers, and a fish that raises its own young—click through for the latest on Bluff Lake Reserve’s rewilding efforts.
Rewilding: A Pathway to Restoring Balance and Biodiversity
As we face the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, the concept of rewilding has emerged as a beacon of hope. Rewilding is a conservation strategy which involves restoring natural processes and reintroducing native species to their original habitats — it’s a transformative movement aimed at healing our planet. One of The Wildlands Conservancy’s most inspiring rewilding stories is the reintroduction of tule elk at Wind Wolves Preserve.
Putting the Wild Back in Wild Lands
While the term “rewilding” is growing in popularity, it’s not a novel concept at The Wildlands Conservancy. Our latest success is unfolding at Bluff Lake Reserve where we’ve reintroduced two critically endangered species, the unarmored three-spine stickelback and the mountain yellow-legged frog, revitalizing the hope of a future for these creatures.
Tule Elk at Wind Wolves Preserve
Tule elk are one of three subspecies of elk found in California, and are the smallest of all elk species in North America. In 1998, The Wildlands Conservancy coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Game to relocate tule elk to Wind Wolves Preserve.
Continue reading to learn more about what how The Wildlands Conservancy has successfully reintroduced this majestic species.