aBOUT
Meet up with 4-H families from across the region at The Wildlands Conservancy’s Whitewater Preserve near Cabazon, California, for a hands-on learning activity focused on watersheds, a guided hike through Whitewater Canyon, and exploration of the Wild and Scenic Whitewater River.
The meet-up will begin at the shaded picnic area near the Whitewater Preserve Ranger Station with a hands-on watershed learning activity. The group will then break for lunch (bring your own), followed by a guided nature hike around the preserve, including a walk out to the Whitewater River. Participants are welcome to continue enjoying the preserve on their own until closing time at 5:00 pm.
Bad weather may result in cancellation or postponement. Whitewater Canyon is subject to flash flooding and high wind events that can pose a risk to public safety, and the preserve may close in hazardous conditions. All registered participants will be notified if inclement weather is expected.
This meet-up is facilitated by John Trammell, a long-time 4-H adult volunteer, certified Project Learning Tree instructor, and Projects Director for The Wildlands Conservancy’s Executive Headquarters office. The Wildlands Conservancy’s Whitewater Preserve is located in the Sonoran Desert in Riverside County between Cabazon and Palm Springs, at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. The preserve serves as a gateway to the Sand to Snow National Monument and is home to the year-round Whitewater River, which supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including Desert Bighorn Sheep, the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo, reptiles, black bear, and more. The preserve is open free to the public for hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife watching, and outdoor education opportunities.
Meet Up Schedule
Tentative Schedule. The guided hike may take longer depending on the group. 11:00 am : Understanding Watersheds Hands-on Activity at picnic tables 12:00 pm: Break for lunch 1:00 pm: Guided Preserve Hike 2:00 pm: Self exploration
RSVP
Let us know you are coming by filling out this simple RSVP form. This will help us make sure everyone who plans on attending has arrived. This will help us determine the supplies we need and communicate with you in the event we cancel due to bad weather.
Keep scrolling for directions, map, and contact information.
DIRECTIONS and map
The Wildlands Conservancy's Whitewater Preserve opens at 8:00 am. If the main parking lot is full on your arrival, please park along Whitewater Canyon Road and walk to the park area. Please note there is no cell reception at the preserve.
Meet Up Location
Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282
Things to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (guided hike will cover about 1 mile)
- Sun protection
- Packed lunch
- Re-usable water bottle (no drinking water available at the preserve)
- Weather appropriate clothing (weather forecast)
Contact information
Got questions? Please contact John Trammell at jwtrammell87@gmail.com.
This meet up is organized by the Southern California 4-H Collaborative; a group of 4-H staff, adult volunteers, and youth leaders passionate about creating regional 4-H opportunities in southern California. Interesting in participating in the collaborative? Contact Rita Jakel at rmjakel@ucanr.edu for meeting details.
Images provided by The Wildlands Conservancy. Taken by Jack Thompson, Deserts Regional Director.