Wind Wolves Preserve

*UPDATE: FULLY BOOKED Join us for a 2-hour guided hike under the stars! Look for nocturnal wildlife along San Emigdio Canyon Trail and admire the night sky atop our lookout point at Raven’s Landing! Recommended for ages 6 and up (trail not stroller-friendly). The hike starts at 7:45 pm; check-in begins at 7:15 pm at the front kiosk, just past the main gate. This is a free event, but participants must register in advance. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit https://getinvolved.wildlandsconservancy.org//wind/e342249 (space is limited).

UPDATE: CANCELED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING! Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars at our San Emigdio Sunset Theatre! All films are rated G or PG (call 661-858-1115 for movie title). The movie will start at 8:15 p.m., but please arrive at 7:45 p.m. to check in and set up your chairs or blankets. Check-in will be at the front kiosk, just past the main gate. This is a free event, but participants must register in advance. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit https://getinvolved.wildlandsconservancy.org//wind/e342248 (space is limited).

*UPDATE: FULLY BOOKED Join us for a 2-hour guided hike along San Emigdio Canyon Trail and learn about the ecology and history of Wind Wolves Preserve! Recommended for ages 6 and up (trail not stroller-friendly). The hike starts at 8:30 am; check-in begins at 8:15 am at the Crossing parking lot. This is a free event, but participants must register in advance (space is limited).

Work alongside our rangers to plant native species and water seedlings at the preserve! Meet staff for check-in at the Administration Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers must arrive on time and be able to stay for the duration of the event (approximately three hours). Please bring your own work gloves, plenty of water, and a face covering. Space is limited, so reserve your space online: https://getinvolved.wildlandsconservancy.org//wind/e342247.

This erratic, fuzzy insect is the female velvet ant. Despite her name and appearance, she is a wasp and can deliver a painful sting if handled! Females are easily distinguishable from males by their lack of wings. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in underground nests built by other wasp species, whose larvae serve as a food source for the growing velvet ants. Once they leave the nest as adults, though, velvet ants switch to a herbivorous diet, eating primarily flower nectar.

Did you know Wind Wolves Preserve is home to over 300 tule elk? This subspecies is found only in California and nearly went extinct in the 1800s. Reintroduction efforts, including those by The Wildlands Conservancy at Wind Wolves Preserve, have allowed populations to increase across the state. Look for these majestic animals grazing up on the hillside or among the tall grass as you drive into the preserve!

The Wind Wolves Preserve campground may be closed this month, but the preserve remains open for day use, including hiking, biking, and picnicking (8 am - 5 pm). Happy Trails!

This #GivingTuesday we are rallying our friends and visitors to raise funds for the continued protection of our statewide preserve system and ongoing support of our award-winning outdoor education programs. The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) protects and stewards 156,000 acres across 20 preserves. TWC preserves are protected for generations to come but are also open to the public free of charge. From rugged coastlines to soulful deserts, these special places are the backdrop to our favorite memories and where we nurture our connections with each other and with nature. You can donate online at: https://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/donate.html

Join us for a volunteer day restoring wetland habitat in the preserve's backcountry! We will depart from the Administration Center at 9:00 am and return at 1:30 pm. Volunteers must arrive on time and be able to stay for the duration of the event. Also, all participants must provide their own transportation to the planting site (high-clearance vehicles only). The backcountry has no restrooms or cell service. Please remember to pack a lunch and plenty of water. We are also asking volunteers to bring their own work gloves and a face covering. Learn more and register here (space is limited): https://getinvolved.wildlandsconservancy.org//wind/e309813

Work alongside our rangers to plant native shrub species! We are asking volunteers to bring their own work gloves and a face covering. Learn more and register here (space is limited): https://getinvolved.wildlandsconservancy.org//wind/e309817

The booth program for Saturday, November 7th has been canceled due to weather. The preserve and all trails remain open.

Learn more about projects and programs at Wind Wolves Preserve with our Fall Newsletter!

CANCELED FOR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH! Meet our naturalists at the Discovery Pond this weekend to learn about the skulls and tracks of Wind Wolves Preserve wildlife! Please remember to social distance and wear a face covering around our staff.

Join us this weekend as we celebrate Day of the Dead by decorating sugar skull masks (available while supplies last)! Visitors of all ages are also welcome to wear a costume or paint their faces. Please remember to social distance and wear a face covering around our staff.

Take a few moments to immerse yourself in the sounds of Wind Wolves Preserve (be sure your video's audio is turned on). #WildMelodies #WindWolvesPreserve #TheWildlandsConservancy

Join us this weekend to learn about skulls and tracks of Wind Wolves Preserve animals! Please remember to social distance and wear a face covering around our staff.

Can you identify our newest animal sound in this week's Wild Melodies? First, make sure your audio is turned on. #WildMelodies #WindWolvesPreserve #TheWildlandsConservancy

Join us at the Discovery Pond this weekend for a special EcoKidz program (no registration required)! Naturalists will distribute materials for a kid-friendly nature craft from 10 am to 2 pm while supplies last. Please remember to practice social distancing at our booths, and wear a face covering around staff.

Enjoy this beautiful song for Wind Wolves Preserve's final Wild Melodies! #WildMelodies #WindWolvesPreserve #TheWildlandsConservancy

Tarantulas are nocturnal inhabitants of Wind Wolves Preserve, but each fall male tarantulas wander about during the day in search of a mate. Please drive slow and be on the lookout for these fuzzy spiders on our roads.

Join our naturalists this Saturday and Sunday and meet some of our reptiles! Staff will be stationed at the Discovery Pond from 10 am to 2 pm both days. Please remember to practice social distancing while visiting our booths and wear a face covering when interacting with staff.