In an ongoing effort to conserve and restore sand dune habitat, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) is thrilled to join the Rivers & Lands Conservancy and RivCo Parks at the upcoming volunteer restoration day.

• Date: Saturday, October 19
• Time: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
• Where: Jurupa Hills
• How can you help? Interested volunteers must RSVP ahead of time with Angie at alean@riversandlands.org to reserve a spot and for event details.

A unique species of fly, and one of the largest, the Delhi sands flower-loving fly has a long history in the Inland Empire, with notoriety dating back to the 1990’s. It was listed as a federally endangered species in 1993, marking history as the first fly to be added to the Endangered Species List in the United States. This fly is also one of five invertebrates listed for protection under the MSHCP. As a pollinator species, this important native fly provides ecological benefits to sand dune habitats that were once widespread, but can now only be found in the Jurupa Hills, Bloomington, and Colton area.

On conserved lands in the Jurupa Hills, bordering San Bernardino County, the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly emerges in the summer months, seeking a mate in its severely restricted habitat. Perhaps enjoying the extended summer months in the Inland Empire, the fly seeks buckwheat flowers for nectar and contributes to the conservation of other species protected in this delicate habitat.

Volunteers will be assisting with California native plant seed collection and vegetation thinning activities to support habitat restoration for the endangered Delhi sands flower-loving fly and other native plants and wildlife that call the Delhi Sand Dunes home.