Palm Springs-based Oswit Land Trust acquires 165 acres for wildlife corridor
The Santa Rosa Hills acquisition is situated in the San Jacinto Mountain foothills. It represents the first phase of a larger wildlife corridor project.
Oswit Land Trust (OLT) has acquired 165 acres of prime wildlife habitat in Western Riverside County, marking another step in its efforts to preserve critical ecosystems and enhance wildlife connectivity.
The acquisition, known as “Santa Rosa Hills,” overlooks Diamond Valley Lake and is situated in the San Jacinto Mountain foothills near Hemet. It represents the first phase of a larger wildlife corridor project that aims to connect with the San Bernardino National Forest.
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“The Santa Rosa Hills project is the culmination of two years of work with the landowner, the incredible staff of WCB and CalTrans’ EEM program,” said Bettina Rosmarino, land acquisition director for OLT. “Oswit Land Trust is excited that we were able to acquire a property that otherwise would have been destroyed.”
The acquisition protects various habitats, including Riversidian sage scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub, coast live oak woodland, and oak riparian woodland. These ecosystems are home to several federally threatened and state endangered animal species, as well as other species covered under the Western Riverside Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
OLT secured nearly $2 million in grant funding from state programs for habitat conservation to complete the purchase. However, the organization still had to contribute $125,000 of its own funds to finalize the deal.
“We are hoping some angels step up and help us cover the $125,000 we had to put into saving this land,” said Jane Garrison, OLT’s executive director, as she appealed to the community for additional support. “It is a small amount compared to the entire purchase price and certainly a small amount to save these spectacular 165 acres, but it is a lot for a land trust that is supported 100% by donations.”
The Santa Rosa Hills acquisition aligns with California’s 30×30 initiative, a state, federal, and global effort to conserve 30% of the planet’s land and water resources by 2030. It also strengthens wildlife corridor connectivity with other nearby local, state, and federal conserved lands.
Rosmarino emphasizes the importance of this acquisition in the face of ongoing development pressures. “This region in Western Riverside County has incredible natural resources that are being bifurcated and fragmented by vast development and warehouse plans,” she explains. “Connectivity to existing conserved properties is essential for providing long-term nature-based solutions to climate change and dwindling wildlife resources.”
In just four years since it was formed to save Oswit Canyon in Palm Springs from potential development, OLT has preserved more than 10,000 acres through acquisitions and conservation easements. Its work extends beyond wildlife habitat protection to include farmland preservation and restoration projects.
More: Individuals interested in supporting OLT’s conservation efforts can make donations through the organization’s website at www.oswitlandtrust.org.
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