Save the Tahquitz Wildlife Corridor
This essential habitat is up for sale.
If we don’t act now, it will be developed — and lost forever.
Previously left untouched by longtime Palm Springs community leaders Madelyn and Kenneth Hinsvark, the Tahquitz Wildlife Corridor and its adjacent mountain slope are part of an important network of open desert habitat at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. These lands provide essential space for native wildlife and help connect larger areas of natural habitat.
Just beyond the Corridor, the base and desert slopes of the San Jacinto Mountains support a major population of bighorn sheep, which rely on a narrow elevation band below 1,400 meters for critical habitat, access to food and water, and protection from predators.
Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats facing wildlife. Urban expansion, roads and development fragment natural areas, leaving animals with less space, fewer resources and fewer safe pathways to move.
Protecting the Tahquitz Wildlife Corridor means protecting an essential piece of this larger, connected desert ecosystem.
This Critical Wildlife Corridor Is Now Under Threat.
After the death of Kenneth and Madelyn Hinsvark, trustees put the land up for sale. Shortly afterward, an Orange County developer proposed a 98-unit high-density development encompassing the core of the wildlife corridor. Although that proposal ultimately fell out of escrow, he’s stated he isn’t going away. Other developers, too, have shown interest in the land, all in pursuit of sizeable financial profit.
It’s not too late to take action.
We’re the Friends of Tahquitz Wildlife Corridor, a collection of neighbors and concerned citizens determined to save this essential natural habitat. Working with Oswit Land Trust, we’re committed to raising awareness, engaging public officials, and pursuing all available means to protect the land, the animals, and the peaceful lifestyle we all cherish in Palm Springs.
But we need your help!
What Else Is At Stake?
THE PLAN
Our Ultimate Goal: Preservation.
Phase 1. Stop Any And All Outsider Development
With the help of our experienced legal team, we will challenge develpment of this fragile land from every angle and take all steps necessary to prevent the loss of this essential wildlife corridor.
Phase 2. Purchase and Protect the Land
In order to safeguard this essential wildlife corridor into the future, we will fundraise and purchase the land. At that point we can transfer the parcel to the Oswit Land Trust for permanent conservancy.
Beyond the devastating effect on our animal population, large-scale construction on the site would result in a broad range of hazardous issues, from air and noise pollution to traffic congestion to strain on local infrastructure.
WAYS TO DONATE
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support this effort.
Donations are made to Oswit Land Trust through a Fiscal Sponsor Agreement and will go directly toward our efforts in protecting this irreplaceable land.
CREDIT CARD
Visit Friends of the Tahquitz Wildlife Corridor — Oswit Land Trust
Credit card processing fees apply and will be deducted from the overall donation that TWC receives.
CHECK
Make check Payable to: Oswit Land Trust
MEMO LINE: Friends of Tahquitz Wildlife Corridor
Mail to:
Oswit Land Trust
PO Box 4020
Palm Springs, CA 92263
DONOR ADVISED FUND
Specify the following:
EIN: 83-2006672 (IRS 501c3)
Save Oswit Canyon
(dba Oswit Land Trust)
PO Box 4020
Palm Springs, CA 92263
Contact:
David Paisley
Community Outreach Director
Oswit Land Trust
TahquitzWildlifeCorridor@gmail.com
David Paisley at OLT will acknowledge your gift within two business days of the funds being received.
