3 minute read
Whitewater Preserve
Written by Misty Severi, Photographed by Hayden Schuljak and Designed by Joseph Smallwood
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Nature has been the inspiration behind many of the world’s greatest poets, artists and thinkers. From Alfred, Lord Tennyson to William Wordsworth, it has inspired many great minds to remember there is beauty in a world that can seem to hold none.
The Inland Empire has a hidden gem of which many residents may not be aware — Whitewater Preserve. Located approximately an hour from Riverside in Whitewater, California, the preserve sits on 2,851 acres and is home to guests ranging from big horn sheep to beautiful birds.
This canyon winds through Mount San Gorgonio, Southern California’s largest mountain, and offers visitors an escape from the mundane traffic and stress of day-to-day life.
The preserve showcases the beautiful whitewater river that flows year-round from San Bernardino County down through west Riverside County. The preserve also features trails that lead hikers up the famous Pacific Crest Trail and beautiful ponds that are perfect for photography.
Guests who visit the preserve find themselves immersed in some of nature’s quiet beauty in this beautiful habitat of animals, plants and insects.
Jack Thompson, regional director of The Wildlands Conservancy's Desert Preserves, says the area is something of which everyone should take advantage.
“The preserve is beautiful, and the river is also really beautiful," Thompson says. "I think it’s the kind of place that many people do not get to see in person in Southern California. It’s tucked away."
The preserve is located in a canyon, so Thompson warns guests to exercise caution when visiting during peak wildfire seasons and during the crowded summer season because of parking.
Trevor Baker, California Baptist University sophomore mechanical engineering major, visited the park with a few of his friends. The preserve was something he had not heard about until it was recommended they make a trip.
Baker says his visit allowed him to take in the peacefulness of the preserve and connect with God’s creation away from the bustle of city life.
“It’s really peaceful; it was so quiet because there was no one else there when we went,” Baker says. “I really enjoy being out in nature and it was really geographically different than the rest of California, so it was really cool to be out there and see what God created.”
Because of the preserve’s close proximity to the Riverside community, Baker says it’s a shame more students don’t take advantage of opportunities to get out of their own backyard and into nature.
Benjamin Browen, sophomore applied theology major, says the active whitewater river took him by surprise.
“My initial thought was that it was just going to be another dry desert gorge like in the San Jacinto Mountain Range where I grew up,” Browen says. “I was astonished to see a river running this late in the season.”
Browen adds that for students who love spending times outdoors, there are two primary options: one 30-minute walk along the river or an intense hike up to the Pacific Crest Trail. Browen hopes to do the hike up to the PCT when he returns.
“The PCT, which runs from Mexico to Canada, runs straight through the preserve and has long been on my bucket list. (I want to) either do a backpacking trip from there to Big Bear or (run it) as a good, long trail run,” Browen says.
Whitewater Preserve is also a part of The Wildlands Conservancy, the largest nonprofit nature preserve system in California. According to their website, their mission is “To preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the earth and to provide programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of nature.”
The conservancy itself holds 19 preserves that contain 156,000 acres in total — each uniquely diverse with land consisting of mountains, valleys, deserts, rivers and oceanfronts. Despite these differences, they are united with the purpose of protecting their environment.
Aiming to educate visitors about nature, the preserve offers a variety of ranger talks, some intended for younger audiences as a part of their mission to educate future generations. There are other programs open to the public, as well, such as star-gazing nights, bird walks, guided hikes and workshops presented by guest speakers.
Trevor Baker, mechanical engineering major, and Ben Browen, applied theology major, slow down and take in the surrounding nature.
