In the mid 1990s, the Wildlands Conservancy was able to purchase more than 93,000 acres (150 sq. miles), including the historic San Emigdio Ranch, to create the largest privately owned nature preserve on the West Coast. Wind Wolves Preserve is in an ecologically unique region where the Transverse Ranges, Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, western Mojave desert and San Joaquin Valley converge. [ed. note: please forgive the possible geographic license, this is condensed from a Conservancy brochure] Due to this singular geographic location and an elevation range from 640 to 6005 feet, the preserve has an impressive array of land forms and habitats.

During our visit to the preserve, April 16, we will have an excellent overview of the history of the area, the current educational program and goals, information about the flora and fauna, and a tour. In years past, BCSS members have seen golden eagles, nesting great horned owl, Tule elk, and a species of Dudleya. I think we saw quite a number of non-succulent species as well.

David & Sheryl Clendenen are the preserve directors. They will be giving a presentation about Wind Wolves on the evening of April 16 at the Kern-Kaweah Chapter, Sierra Club spring banquet. Contact Harry Love at 589-6245 if you are interested in attending.

The preserve is also having Spring family tours in March, April 2&3 (long gone) 17, 24, May 7. Saturday tours begin @ 9:00 Am & 1:00 PM, Sundays, 1:00 PM only. Bring a picnic lunch. Make reservations a week ahead, call 858-1115.

David says that travel time from the nearest SW Bakersfield area is about 30 - 35 minutes. From Intersection of Old River and 166, their turnoff is 1.8 miles west.

So, I think we can all meet in town to car pool or caravan @ Home Depot, Gosford & District Blvd. @ 0800 for 0815 departure. Then we will be at the turnoff by 0845 to drive into the preserve.

Bring a lunch, water, sun hat, appropriate attire for the day. We can do some riding, some walking, depending on individual's needs.

(details to be decided)