Preserving habitat lands and natural ecosystems in perpetuity is critical to the future of wildlife in developing areas and the people who share the land.

Riparian

"Riparian" (from the Latin "ripa", meaning "riverbank") refers to an ecosystem that is along a body of water, such as a river, stream, or lake. Riparian habitat can also be a "wetland".

Wetlands

An area of land consisting of soil that is saturated with moisture, such as a swamp, marsh, or bog.

Grasslands

Areas where trees and shrubs make up less than 10% of all plant species.

Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are seasonally flooded depressions found in open grasslands that usually fill with water in late winter and are often dry by late spring.

Woodlands

Areas covered in trees. Oak woodlands are a common sight in California.

Agriculture

An area that is used primarily for the production of livestock, food, and fiber.

Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

VELB is nearly always found around red or blue elderberry bushes along rivers and streams.

We place priority on conserving and protecting native species. All of the species below exist in the many open-space lands protected by WHF. Click on a species to learn more about its importance to our ecosystem!

March 2008
WHF is currently looking for wildlife sponsors who are interested in following the nesting behavior of a family of wood ducks. As a habitat enhancement practice, we are placing 35 wood duck nesting boxes on a private, 655-acre conservation easement on Silvergate in Placer County. Read More...

Riley Swift, President & Founder
It's been almost 3 years since my last "Message from the President". During this time, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation (WHF) has transformed into a fuller, more vigorous organization. Read More...

WHF Annual Report