Oak Glen Preserve
The Wildlands Conservancy's administrative headquarters is at the Oak Glen Preserve. Situated at 5,024 feet, the preserve is adjacent to the steep escarpments of Yucaipa Ridge in the San Bernardino National Forest.
The 2169 acre preserve includes prominent peaks the Conservancy purchased to prevent exploitation of private lands within the National Forest and to promote the expansion of the San Gorgonio Wilderness.
These peaks include Wilshire Peak (8,707 feet) and Galena Peak (9,324 feet), an important lambing ground for bighorn sheep. Habitats encountered on the main trail include ponds, streams, wetlands,
oak and pine forests, chaparral, and willow woodland.
The preserve headquarters is at 103-year-old Los Rios Rancho, southern California's largest historic apple ranch. Each year, more than 300,000 visitors make the scenic drive to Los Rios to pick apples,
picnic, hike, participate in environmental programs, and enjoy homemade apple pie. The Wildlands Conservancy acquired the ranch when it was being marketed for residential subdivision.
The Conservancy has entered a long-term lease with third and fourth generation Oak Glen Apple growers to operate the orchards, packing shed and bakery.
The lessee, Riley's Frontier Events, celebrates working the land, log cabin living, and hosts a country music venue.
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Visitor Opportunities
Visitor opportunities include two public picnic areas and hiking trails that are open from 8 am to 4:30 pm (preserve gates close at 5 pm). A group campground is available to organized groups by advanced reservation by calling (909) 790-3698. For apple-related activities, visit the Riley's at Los Rios website:
Upcoming Activities
 Volunteer Day
Group project to contribute to the development and maintenance of the Preserve trail system. These projects sponsored by REI, vary monthly and are suitable for individuals, families, and established groups.
Volunteer days are held the second Saturday of the month at 10 am. Ages 12 and up.
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER DAYS
- Saturday, February 11th
- Saturday, March 10th
- Saturday, April 14th
- Saturday, May 12th
 Behold the Beauty - Art in Nature
Using the beauty of nature to inspire the artist in everyone. Observation hike followed by instructions on creating a work of art. Different mediums and techniques used each month.
Instruction is tailored to the ability and experience of participants. Behold the Beauty is offered the third Saturday of each month at 1:30 pm. All ages.
UPCOMING BEHOLD THE BEAUTY CLASSES
- Saturday, February 18th
- Saturday, March 17th
- Saturday, April 21st
- Saturday, May 19th
 Night Walks
Explore Nature at Night! Join a TWC naturalist on a themed walk and talk on the Preserve trails. A different theme is presented monthly. Night Walks are held the third Saturday of the month April through December.
Walks begin at 7 pm April through October and 5 pm November and December. Ages 8 and up.
UPCOMING NIGHT WALKS
- Saturday, April 21st
- Saturday, May 19th
 Art Festival
A day of artists, art displays, sales by VisionQuest Center for Creativity, and hands on art programs. All ages.
- Saturday, April 28th at 10 am - 4 pm
 S.O.A.R. - Step Outside and Read
Join TWC naturalists and educators and Step Outside and Read! Story time, activities, and crafts in an outdoor setting. The S.O.A.R. program takes place on select Thursdays in June through August.
Please check back for Summer 2012 dates. All ages.
 Summer Family Program
Low tech and high energy discovery! All ages.
- Wednesdays at 6 pm, June 27th - August 29th
 Astronomy Night
Presented by special guests from the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers. All ages.
- Saturday, October 13th at 6:30 pm - 9 pm
Access
The preserve is located at the top of Oak Glen Road which has an off-ramp on Interstate 10 in Yucaipa. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. For information, call 909.797.8507.
39611 Oak Glen Road
Oak Glen, CA 92399
Maps
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