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.
Trail Steward Spotlight: Glen Alpert
Glen's love of nature and Sonoma Coast knowledge is something he gets to share with our visitors as a trail steward for The Wildlands Conservancy. Glen says that working at Jenner Headlands Preserve these past few years has been a life-affirming experience. The beauty of the land has had a profound effect on his life, as well as the joyful exchanges with visitors on the trails, and the deep connections made with people he works with.