As we celebrate the season of gratitude, we at The Wildlands Conservancy wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things that inspire our work and fill us with appreciation every day — nature, biodiversity, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Earth.

Carlos Santana grew up in Moreno Valley, California, where he spent his weekends exploring the trails and mountains around Lake Perris with family and friends. Read about his journey into a career focused on preserving the environment and protecting natural resources.

The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve (SMRTP) in Fallbrook plays a crucial role in protecting Southern California's wildlife by serving as a vital corridor that connects fragmented habitats. As urbanization continues to encroach on natural spaces, the Preserve provides critical resources for a wide range of species, from mountain lions to beavers. Through the use of wildlife underpasses and landscape linkages, The Wildlands Conservancy ensures safe passageways for animals, helping to maintain biodiversity and genetic diversity. 

The Wildlands Conservancy has launched the Experimental Oak Woodland venue at the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden in Oak Glen, a vital initiative aimed at restoring native oak populations impacted by climate change and invasive species like the goldspotted oak borer.

In 2025, we will celebrate 30 years since The Wildlands Conservancy’s founding — a journey rooted in passion, purpose, and a commitment to preserving California’s natural beauty for everyone. From free public access to inspiring youth in nature, our guiding principles have shaped not only our preserves but the lives of countless visitors.

Discover the stories, milestones, and the unforgettable moments that make our mission come alive.

Our impact this year — and every year — has been made possible by the continued dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the support of our valued partners. Together, we’ve expanded land protection, restored critical habitats, and ensured free public access and outdoor education for all.

Stretching out beneath an endless sky, the Mojave Desert offers more than just a barren landscape — it’s a place of profound beauty, silence, and resilience. It’s a land that fosters introspection and where native species such as the desert tortoise and bighorn sheep exist in a delicate ecosystem. In an act of environmental heroism, out of a love for wilderness and its beauty, The Wildlands Conservancy stepped forward to protect this precious expanse.

Sherryl Clendenen, biologist and outdoor educator who worked for Wildlands from 1998 to 2015, Wind Wolves Preserve was the perfect venue to integrate science and history into the lives of local students in a way that made learning come alive. Learn what shaped her philosophy and guided her work at Wind Wolves Preserve, where she built the outdoor education program from the ground up.

As October 31, 2024 approaches, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of a monumental moment in the history of conservation: the signing of the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA) of 1994. This landmark bill, authored by the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, not only introduced safeguards for vast expanses of the California desert, but also shaped the trajectory of environmental advocacy across the state. For The Wildlands Conservancy, the CDPA was more than just a legal victory — it was the foundation upon which decades of conservation efforts have been built. As a leading advocate for desert protection, Wildlands plays an instrumental role in ensuring that the Mojave Desert, along with other crucial ecosystems, remain a sanctuary for future generations.