CNPS Riverside-San Bernardino Chapter

2009 Field Trips:

Whitewater Canyon Preserve

San Bernardino Mountains, near Palm Springs, CA

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Meet at the Preserve at 9 a.m. to mid afternoon

The Whitewater Canyon Preserve lies at the end of Whitewater Canyon Road, north of Palm Springs off Interstate 10. The Whitewater River runs through the preserve and riparian vegetation provides habitat for migrating birds including several endangered species. Located at the western edge of the Colorado Desert, the canyon has a diversity of vegetation reflecting its proximity to the Mojave Desert as well as influences from the coast. Some rare species, including the endangered triple-ribbed milkvetch (Astragalus tricarinatus) may be encountered. Whitewater Canyon is an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains and has a robust population of black bear, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain lions.

The preserve is managed by the Wildlands Conservancy which has restored the former Whitewater Trout Farm; the impacted lands are being restored with native sycamores, cottonwoods, flowering ash, narrow leaved willows and native shrubs. Preserve Manager Frazier Haney of the Wildlands Conservancy has invited CNPS to help them with plant lists and input on restoration opportunities for some of the lands, including an abandoned pasture area.

We will tour the preserve including areas targeted for restoration. Then we’ll take a leisurely hike up Whitewater Canyon to explore the native flora and dramatic landscapes. The trail is in the river bottom so is rocky in places but relatively flat. The preserve includes picnic areas, restrooms and a beautifully restored lodge overlooking several ponds. Bring lunch, snacks, water, sun protection.

To get to the Whitewater Canyon Preserve take Interstate 10 east. From Orange County the I-10 is reached via the 91 Freeway to the 60 Freeway toward Indio/Palm Springs. From the I-10, after passing the Hwy 111 exit toward Palm Springs, take the Whitewater exit, turn north, pass over I-10, then turn left on Whitewater Canyon Road; there are signs directing you to the preserve. Travel five miles. The Preserve is located at the end of the road. Here is a link to the map:

http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/pdf/maps/Whitewater Canyon Preserve Map.pdf