Spring is a time of rising warmth, the blooming of flowers, and the birth of animals. It is a time of revitalization, and Wind Wolves Preserve is an ecologically unique region where the Transverse Ranges, Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, Western Mojave Desert, and the San Joaquin Valley influences converge.
This sprawl of grasslands is home to the endangered San Joaquins kit fox who number under 5,000. Also, home to the leopard lizard whose historic number has dwindled down to 15% of its historic range.
Its wetlands are home to the Buena Vista Lake Ornate Shrew, one of the most endangered animals in the entire United States, its population is unknown due to their elusive nature and extremely dwindling numbers.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the reserve, collaborating with staff to restore and maintain this beautiful, grand landscape over the years. They have made miles of fencing for antelopes to roam, dens for kit foxes to inhabit, and planted tens of thousands of native trees and shrubs in the name of preserving wildlife. That is why every spring comes the Spring Nature Festival that Wind Wolves Preserve hosts every March.
The preserve uses this festival as a time of community, joy, and learning to host a plethora of booths and activities amongst the hills of San Emigdio Canyon. A family-friendly event for all ages which hosts a range of organizations to educate about local wildlife, plants, geology, culture history and outdoor recreational opportunities. Booths span the center not only with education but local food vendors, giving visitors a taste of local cuisine with a wide selection of flavors.
Preserve staff even included a leisurely educational stroll along the Red-Tailed trail spanning 1.4 miles. Staff-guided guests are taught along the trail educating on the rich history, life, and experiences of the preserve. They would explore a wide range of topics and go in depth and were even willing to explore topics for a bit at attendees’ questions. We walked along a boundless land, the sun-drenched plains sprawled for miles. I soaked in the windswept lands with every step. Even with its arid nature, there was beauty to the land that made me cherish these wild lands.
As I returned to the main festival, I saw a large berth of families engaging in the booths and learning so much. Adults can enjoy the day in nature basking in the wind and shade on a beautiful bright day, learning about Kern County’s wildlife. Children, especially, took the festival like fish to water; they absorbed information like a sponge traveling booth to booth. People would voluntarily help plant seeds along the trail for future visitors to the park. I even glimpsed the park ranger’s reptile presentation, a local ranger would bring out a non-venomous snake and educate a crowd on the reptile, its life and role here in Kern County’s ecosystem. I found all the educational material a delight to experience, best of all were staff and volunteers at the park and organizations alike.
The organizers and staff spoke with such eagerness and positivity about their preserve and hobbies; it was almost infectious. I interviewed a great deal of people about why they choseto do this at all. After all such work and dedication, they had to have a reason.
Hilary G. F., a volunteer Wind Wolves Preserve staff, responded “…I love watching the community come out and enjoy nature. I feel as if technology has consumed our lives seeing everyone put their technology away and play and explore is so lifting. I enjoy educating the kids and families that come, seeing their expressions on petting and holding a snake, or learning about the land and animals that inhabit it. It is one of the most fantastic things to experience their looks of wonder, and interest and awe. It is just the best.”
I could not agree more with her sentiment. Learning is such an important human experience, it is something we should experience more of and encourages us to both grow and improve as people and aid one another.
Next, I questioned a volunteer, an archaeologist, “I do it because it is a connection to the deep past, a connection to people who have been here over a thousand years ago. The things they built, the things that they traded, what they did to survive are all so interesting and captivating. This booth to the extent that it can help me share those findings and history so they can learn about it as well.”
My time at Wind Wolves Preserve really impressed me both with its locality and dedication its staff has toward the park. It gives me a new perspective on both the staff and people who work in these great lands. I author these articles in the hopes that you, the reader, will find a reason or interest in these great wilds found across the United States. So, you may begin your own adventure or hangout and experience the great outdoors because there are innumerable opportunities, you just must take a look.
