Conservation Confluence May 2018

OURSAN RIDGE: CONSERVING SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES

The 429.9-acre Oursan Ridge Conservation Bank is located in Contra Costa County along the Oursan Ridge in the Pinole Valley watershed. Owned by the East Bay Municipal Utility District and permanently protected by WHF with a conservation easement, Oursan Ridge provides breeding, non-breeding and dispersal habitat for California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake. In addition, beautiful open grasslands and oak woodlands are plentiful throughout the Preserve.

–Kelly Velasco, Associate Director

 

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THE WONDERS OF WILDLIFE

Early spring is the start of coyote pupping season, taking place from January to March. During this time, coyote parents are very protective of their denning areas and are actively hunting for food. Activity levels rise when pups begin venturing out of the den in early summer. Coyotes are generally monogamous, often with pair bonds lasting for many years. Here’s a peak at a coyote from one of our protected preserves in Placer County!

-Gaylene Tupen, Senior Biologist

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TAKING IT OUTSIDE!

On Saturday May 5th, WHF staff and approximately 75 volunteers took part in the annual Take It Outside California!. Volunteers and staff walked along the banks and surrounding area of the Auburn Ravine Creek in Lincoln, California, removing trash and debris to help improve the wildlife habitat and health of the creek. We were excited to have so many community members enthusiastically participate in keeping our local waterways beautiful! For upcoming community events such as this, visit our website, www.wildlifeheritage.org.

-Veronica Griffiths, Education Coordinator

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