Palm Springs, CA – Oswit Land Trust (OLT), is proud to announce the acquisition of 639 acres in Indio Hills, CA. The land was purchased for 4 million dollars thanks to grants Oswit Land Trust obtained from United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Section 6 grant and the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB).
The property, referred to as Happy Valley, is a spectacular, undisturbed alluvial fan with diverse vegetation and significant value to native wildlife. The property is an important migration corridor between the Coachella Valley and Joshua Tree National Park and is critical for the endangered Mojave desert tortoise that have historically been reported within the property boundaries. This property also creates an important buffer zone for all wildlife since it abuts land that is already protected on two sides.
Jane Garrison, Founder and Executive Director of Oswit Land Trust, says “The acquisition of the Happy Valley property is so important for its biological value, vulnerability to destruction, critical wildlife habitat and its proximity to already conserved land which creates a necessary wildlife corridor. It is the perfect acquisition for wildlife.” She continues to state , “Oswit Land Trust is certainly fulfilling its mission of “Saving Wildlife One Acre at a Time” and we are not slowing down anytime soon!”
OLT is immensely grateful to the landowners who agreed to allow OLT to apply for grants to purchase the property. This process can take up to 2 years and can’t be done without the willingness and patience of landowners. The property was slated for development but now is protected in perpetuity.
Oswit Land Trust is asking the community for support in covering the expenses of the acquisition that are not covered by the grants which total over $25,000. These expenses include required environmental studies, appraisals, taxes and other closing costs. Please visit click on “DONATE TODAY!” button below to donate to the Happy Valley acquisition.
Oswit Land Trust is a 501C3 land trust based in Palm Springs, California, that focuses on saving the fragile desert ecosystems in the Coachella Valley and throughout Southern California.
