4/29/25 There’s a land trust near you working on land and water conservation

Land trusts throughout California work locally and in unison to create a network of protected private lands across the state. Federal agencies like the US Forest Service manage more than 45% of California’s land.

4/1/25 Training a red-tailed hawk, falconry bring a balancing perspective

On November 2, 2024, I trapped a juvenile red-tailed hawk and began the process of training. He will likely be returned to the wild after a year or two of guaranteed food, health benefits, and company housing, but he became my partner for the falconry season.

2/27/25 Why Casey’s June beetle habitat conservation in Riverside County deserts is important

An indicator of ecological health of Southern California’s desert landscapes may lie in a beetle smaller than your pinky finger. The Casey’s June beetle not only plays a crucial role in their ecosystem but it also holds the potential to reveal deeper insights into local environmental change and conservation efforts. Why is this small insect so important, and what’s at stake in preserving it?

1/31/25 Bird nesting season is a delicate time for protecting native bird populations

Spring will soon arrive in California ushering in nesting season. During this time, the diverse landscapes of Southern California become sanctuaries for a variety of bird species, each relying on safe, undisturbed spaces to breed, lay eggs and raise their young. It’s also a critical juncture for conservation efforts as the fate of these delicate beings hangs in the balance of our collective actions to preserve their homes.

1/2/25 Experiencing California’s wildlife through the eyes of a first-time visitor

Experiencing California’s iconic wildlife through the eyes of a first-time visitor is a reminder of all we must appreciate and preserve. During presentations and educational programs provided by Rivers & Lands Conservancy, we often tell the community that California is a hotspot of biodiversity. The state is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state in the nation.

12/5/24 The future of conservation lies in working together

Conservation happens on a spectrum. Often when we think about land conservation, we conjure up images of vast wilderness areas like those captured by Ansel Adams’ skilled lens. While these areas are critical to conservation, we need protected lands across the entire conservation spectrum to sustain biodiversity and people. These lands range from home gardens, urban parks and county parks, all the way to national forests and wilderness areas.

11/1/24 Community comes together to restore habitat for endangered species in the Jurupa Hills

Habitat restoration typically involves planting native plants, but a recent project in the Jurupa Hills required ripping them out. Last month community members came together to restore habitat for endangered species in the Jurupa Hills, in the cities of Fontana and Jurupa Valley.

10/4/24 Incorporating defensible space in landscaping helps protect against wildfires

The Inland Empire is watching as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire, and Airport Fire wind down to a smolder. As the containment percentages rise and the smoke finally settles, we must continue to stay vigilant. Incorporating defensible space principles isn’t just a precaution—it’s a vital shield for our homes. Here, the threat of fire is a persistent reality, making defensible space an essential strategy to safeguard our neighborhoods from catastrophic blazes.

9/3/2024 Delhi Sands flower-loving fly found only near Colton is a rare sight

The endangered Delhi Sands flower-loving fly can only be found in the Colton dunes, but their behavior and legal protections make them a rare sight. Most of the year Delhi Sands flower-loving flies live below the surface in their larval state, burrowing through the sand eating other insect larvae. Their flight season lasts from June to September, and they are most active between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, but that does not mean they are easy to find.

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