Wind Wolves Preserve
By Ellie Hillard
From the base of the San Joaquin Valley floor, extending upward toward the mountains, resides an often unmentioned and unexpected gem. Wind Wolves Preserve, established in 1996 as a part of The Wildlands Conservancy Program, exists as nature preservation with a goal that focuses on ecological conservation. At a size of 93,000 acres, Wind Wolves holds the title of being the West Coast’s largest non-profit nature preserve.
Not only does Wind Wolves act as an epicenter for ecological conservation but also provides a great place for many outdoor activities. The preserve itself is made up of incredible views of both the San Joaquin Valley and the mountain range above accessible by several popular hiking trails. Wind Wolves Preserve often provides its own organized outdoor activities such as birding hikes, full moon and blackout night hikes, movies in the canyon, and even backcountry excursions. Each of these scheduled events is guided and can be attended at a time provided by the Preserve.
Wind Wolves Preserve is soon to develop a strong relationship with Taft College through the establishment of a new internship program for Taft College students. This semester marks the first in which Taft College students have been able to volunteer their time and efforts toward ecological conservation while receiving internship credit. Jonny Slocum, an environmental science major at Taft College, is elated to have this opportunity. Slocum states, “I love being out in nature, and I hope to be able to forge trails, or track certain species.” Hopefully, as time progresses more Taft College students with an appreciation for nature conservation will take part in this opportunity.
Whether you desire to take a nature hike, participate in an internship, or just want to see for yourself the sweeping views of nature provided by Wind Wolves Preserve, I encourage you to visit. You won’t be disappointed, and you might even learn more about the history and habitat of the region within which you reside.