The Wildlands Conservancy Launches New Oak Woodland Venue
The Wildlands Conservancy is proud to announce the opening of the Experimental Oak Woodland venue at the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden, located at Oak Glen Preserve. This new addition is part of a larger effort to restore and conserve diverse habitats within the garden, which encompasses 15 unique venues across its expansive landscape.
Spanning two acres, the Experimental Oak Woodland venue is specifically designed to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change and invasive species, particularly the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB) beetle. Since its detection in 2017, this invasive pest has severely affected mature black oak populations, leading to alarming mortality rates of up to 50% in certain areas. These majestic trees have been vital to both people and wildlife for generations, making their survival critical.
Protecting Our Oak Woodlands
In response to this crisis, the Experimental Oak Woodland is an innovative project aimed at testing the resilience of various oak species against GSOB and other environmental threats. The focus is on white oak species that have co-evolved with GSOB and show natural resistance, including the rare Engelmann oak, endemic to Inland Southern California, as well as the hardy Gambel's oak and silverleaf oak from Arizona. By introducing these resilient species, Wildlands hopes to ensure the longevity of oak woodlands for future generations.
Educational Opportunities for All
In tandem with its conservation goals, the Experimental Oak Woodland venue will promote education and awareness. It will provide free programs for underserved students and the public, emphasizing the critical role oak woodlands play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Through these educational initiatives, Wildlands aims to inspire visitors to understand and engage in the fight against climate change.
Community Support Makes It Possible
This ambitious project has been made possible through the generous support of partners including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Edison International, and Stater Bros. Charities. Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians expressed her optimism for the project, stating, “This innovative experiment to strengthen the resiliency of our California forests to withstand invasive pests is inspiring and necessary. We are honored to support The Wildlands Conservancy in their efforts to restore and preserve local ecosystems.”
The Experimental Oak Woodland venue is now open to the public, and The Wildlands Conservancy invites the community to visit, learn, and participate in the important work of conservation. Together, we can nurture the earth’s life-giving resources and foster a resilient future for our oak woodlands.
“This innovative experiment to strengthen the resiliency of our California forests to withstand invasive pests is inspiring and necessary. We are honored to support The Wildlands Conservancy in their efforts to restore and preserve local ecosystems.”
Nestled in the scenic foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, The Wildlands Conservancy's Oak Glen Preserve spans 820-acres, protecting Oak Glen’s unique blend of diverse ecosystems — from lush woodlands to rolling grasslands, riparian areas, and chaparral-covered hillsides. The Preserve serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, with its meadows, ponds, and oak groves providing essential habitat for species like bobcats, mule deer, and various bird species.