It’s spring, the birds are singing, and one of the most distinctive and beautiful songs at the Preserve is that of the Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus).

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.

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.

It’s summertime at The Wildlands Conservancy’s California Desert Preserves! Check out this article to find out what we’re up to at Whitewater Preserve.

Whitewater Preserve is an oasis in the desert year-round, but is especially inviting in the summer. Before you visit the desert this season, check out this article for tips about staying safe as you enjoy the Beauty of the preserves.

It is tough to beat the feeling of lounging in a river on a hot low-desert day. Whitewater Preserve has long been known as a place for families to enjoy one of the few year-round natural water sources with free access. But if you were to take a look at the river right now, you will see that nobody will be cooling off in its soothing waters any time soon.

Whitewater Preserve is home to a variety of species of reptile and amphibians. Amongst reptile enthusiasts this Canyon is the stuff of legends. Because of the frequent presence of water throughout the area, reptile populations can expand much quicker than in other areas resulting in a higher than usual density of our scaly friends. The Preserve is so much of a reptilian haven that it is also a stronghold for species that aren’t doing as well, population-wise.

Click Read More to learn about three species you may encounter on the Preserve

Despite a dry and warm winter season, and the Whitewater River currently not flowing above ground, the wildflowers at Whitewater Preserve continue to flourish this spring. The hillsides are covered by beautiful yellow flowering brittlebush. The trails are lined with a number of wildflowers that are being enjoyed by our visitors, animals, and pollinators!

If you visited the preserve this summer, you may have noticed the buildup of dark, silty mud in the Whitewater River. Some visitors may have even been here when the entire river seemed to run black. This increased transportation of sediment is all thanks to the interesting combination of fire and flash floods.

A great way to get outside, indulge our curiosity, and enjoy the benefits of nature is to search for butterflies! Observing butterflies can be a very relaxing activity to do on your own or with family and friends. At Whitewater Preserve, butterflies are a year-round visitor, and come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and colors.

Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) in November was designated to recognize the significant contributions indigenous people of North America have made to the creation and growth of the United States. At Whitewater Preserve, The Wildlands Conservancy works to honor the first stewards of this land and share the continued work and incredible knowledge of their descendants that is still utilized today.

In late 2021, Whitewater Preserve was host to a bat study by PhD candidate Joey Curti! Curti works through a partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Wildlife Genetics Research Laboratory to more accurately assess bat connectivity and genetic health.

Curti focused his research at Whitewater Preserve on a bat called the Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis), a tiny bat with a big attitude.