Voices from the Desert: Why We Advocate for Wild Places
Mojave Trails National Monument / photo by Jack Thompson
At Wildlands, we’re privileged to work in some of California’s most awe-inspiring desert landscapes. From the stillness of the sand dunes to the vibrant life that thrives in even the harshest conditions, the desert has a way of capturing the heart. It’s a landscape like no other, where resilience thrives and beauty emerges in surprising forms.
But what is it about the desert that captures our imaginations and motivates our advocacy? To better understand why we are so committed to protecting these unique landscapes, we asked our team: What does the desert mean to you? Here’s a glimpse into how the desert speaks to the individuals who are dedicated to its protection.
The Desert’s Quiet Beauty: An Invitation to Reflect
“The desert strips everything down to essentials. There’s no excess here – just exposed rock telling ancient stories, sparse vegetation thriving in the harshest conditions, and skies that stretch endlessly. For me, the desert’s silence reminds us of what’s truly important and forces a pause. In a world that constantly demands more — more activity, more distractions — this landscape insists on less. And in that simplicity, I find clarity and meaning.”
— Dave Herrero, Four Corners Regional Director
Speaking Springs Preserve / photo by The Wildlands Conservancy
“The desert possesses vast expanses in which to find yourself. I've known no greater landscape of peace and transformation than the still and quiet desert on a night where the Milky Way stretches across the sky, filling the naked eye with gentle, starlit radiance. The desert teaches patience, reminding me to move only as fast as I can remain present.”
— Yiwen Tang, Naturalist
“One of my most memorable desert experiences took place during a backpacking trip in Joshua Tree National Park. Surrounded by the iconic Joshua Trees, I was struck by the vastness of the desert stretching out in every direction. It felt immersive. I often reflect on the memories of waking up to gentle birdsong and the peaceful stillness that the desert mornings offer.”
— Jacob Finley, Interpretive Ranger
Pioneertown Mountains Preserve, photo by Jack Thompson
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
“The desert is a place where life endures against all odds. It’s easy to overlook, but if you take a moment to look closer, you’ll see a thriving, teeming ecosystem. It reminds me that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about adapting and thriving. The desert's creatures, like the bighorn rams I once saw battling for dominance, show us what it takes to make it in this harsh world. We, too, must adapt to ensure its survival, especially in the face of climate change.”
— Ernesto Ocegueda, Ranger
“The desert holds a special place for me because of its incredible beauty and the remarkable tenacity of life here. Despite the extreme heat and long droughts, the desert is far from barren. Each year, after months of dryness, the landscape transforms—wildflowers bloom, and vibrant colors emerge seemingly overnight. It’s a reminder that life is always waiting for the right moment to flourish, no matter how challenging the conditions.”
— Jacob Finley, Interpretive Ranger
Bighorn Sheep at Whitewater Preserve / photo by Jack Thompson
The Desert as Home: Personal Connections to Place
“Growing up in the desert, it became part of me. My childhood in Desert Hot Springs was defined by the landscape, where coyotes howled at night and roadrunners flitted through our backyard. The desert was always our playground, our backdrop for adventures. It’s a place that’s deeply ingrained in who I am. The beauty and the wildness of the desert inspire me to protect it so others can experience it as I have.”
— Alex Cuellar, Ranger
“Desert advocacy is important to me because it’s not just about the land, it’s about the people. The desert is a place that holds cultural significance for many indigenous communities, and it brings people from all walks of life together. Protecting these lands means protecting the connections we all have with them — whether cultural, spiritual, or ecological. It’s a community effort that transcends boundaries.”
— Citlalli Gonzalez, Outdoor Education Manager
Whitewater Preserve / photo by Jack Thompson
Defining Moments: Why We Protect What We Love
“I'll never forget the day I saw a fully grown black bear while guiding a group of fifth graders. The students stayed completely silent, awestruck at witnessing the bear. Each encounter, from stargazing at Giant Rock to taking care of a Desert Tortoise, highlights how the desert has an entire world of fragile ongoings that sustain life, yet not everyone realizes just how much life surrounds them.”
— Yiwen Tang, Naturalist
“One of my most memorable moments was during Tropical Storm Hilary. The storm devastated the Coachella Valley but also showed how resilient our desert ecosystem is. However, the storm highlighted the urgency of protecting the desert from the impacts of climate change. It was a call to action, a reminder that we must do more to care for these fragile landscapes before they’re lost.”
— Citlalli Gonzalez, Outdoor Education Manager
A Call to Action: Protecting the Desert for Future Generations
The desert holds a unique and powerful place in the hearts of those who care for it. Whether it’s the vast expanses of the Mojave, the quiet beauty of the dunes, or the incredible resilience of life that thrives here, there’s something about the desert that calls us to protect it. Through our work at Wildlands, we hope to inspire others to appreciate and advocate for the desert's delicate ecosystems. As our team reflects, we’re reminded that the desert’s quiet beauty, its ability to endure, and its deep connection to our own stories are all worth protecting — now and for future generations.
Mojave Trails National Monument / photo by Jack Thompson