The coastal California gnatcatcher, San Jacinto Valley crownscale, western spadefoot toad, spreading navarretia, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, and other endangered and threatened native animals and plants soon may have more protected habitat in Riverside County. The U.S...

The California Natural Resources Agency has embarked on an ambitious goal of conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. In April, the state released an implementation strategy to carry out this plan, which includes forging partnerships...

Though named for our neighboring county to the north, the San Bernardino kangaroo rat makes its home within the western Riverside County MSHCP area of the San Jacinto River and Bautista Creek. This small rodent, a federally endangered species and a State Species of...

In the 1990s and early 2000s, driving east or west on Van Buren Boulevard to either March Air Force Base or what is now called Jurupa Valley was a long, slow trip. It required crossing the narrow and heavily congested Van Buren Blvd/91 interchange. A pizza delivery...

For several years, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority has supported efforts to establish a wildlife refuge in our county. Establishing a federal wildlife refuge will help support local efforts to conserve land for the preservation of 146...

Tardy bells are ringing, teachers are calling roll, and students are taking tests and working to finish homework assignments. The start of the school year is a great time to remember that learning never really stops. So why not learn more about western Riverside...

The spreading navarretia, a hairy annual herb, is our latest MSHCP Species Spotlight. The rare, flowering species looks like something from another planet with a stem measuring about 6 inches tall and leaves that turn spiny and sharp when dry. Its Latin name is...

The City of Beaumont is named after the French word for “Beautiful Mountain”. No wonder, the City has a front row seat to Mount San Jacinto with Instagram-worthy snowcapped peaks during the winter months. Beaumont is located at the summit of the San Gorgonio Pass...

The burrowing owl (athene cunicularia hypugaea) is arguably one of the most lovable MSHCP-protected species. Covered in brown and white feathers, this cutie is only 7-10 inches tall with giant yellow eyes that are as vivid as the sun. Despite its small stature...

With ranch style homes, rolling hills, and horses galore, Gavilan Hills sits between Lake Mathews and Mead Valley, a short drive from Corona or Perris. Hawks frequently soar overhead, which is fitting, as “Gavilan” means “hawk” in Spanish. The community also is home...