Wind Wolves Preserve

On the valley floor, the Preserve is a 30-square-mile sea of grassland with remnant stands of saltbush. These grasslands are home to the endangered San Joaquin kit fox and blunt-nosed leopard lizard as well as one of the largest stands of the endangered Bakersfield cactus. Rolling grasslands rise from the valley floor, transitioning into classic California blue oak and valley oak savanna with extensive riparian wetlands. The oak savanna ascends into juniper and pinyon forests that vault into stands of ponderosa pine and big cone spruce. Wind Wolves Preserve has a rich cultural history, serving as the home of the Emigdiano Chumash for hundreds of years before the land became a ranch through the San Emigdio Land Grant. Colorful Chumash paintings have survived the decades and are among the most noteworthy rock art in North America.