Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s Critical Habitats Program helps protect and restore lands that wildlife need to survive – providing them with safe, healthy homes forever.

As our population grows, poorly-planned development puts wildlife at risk. Subdivision of open lands chops up migration corridors, wetlands, and breeding grounds, leaving wild creatures with nowhere to go.

Our Critical Habitats Program helps ensure that the Eastern Sierra’s wild inhabitants will always have a place to thrive. We accomplish this through public education; habitat restoration and land stewardship; and legally-binding agreements, such as the conservation easement, that protect important habitat from the threat of future development.

Concerned property owners in the Eastern Sierra are working hand-in-hand with ESLT to conserve and restore wildlife habitat on their land.

For example, in the community of Swall Meadows, several landowners have partnered with us to protect a critical migration corridor for the Round Valley mule deer herd. Learn more about the Round Valley mule deer herd and our successful efforts to conserve habitat along their route.

Five Ways You Can Help Local Wildlife

You can make sure the Eastern Sierra remains a thriving home for wildlife. From monarchs to mule deer, songbirds to sage-grouse, you can take action to ensure safe homes for the vast array of species that make the Eastern Sierra the special place it is today.

  1. Maintain native vegetation on your property.
  2. Utilize fire-safe practices in your home and landscape.
  3. Protect vulnerable wildlife by keeping dogs leashed while out in nature.
  4. Drive cautiously, especially during the spring and fall when mule deer and other wildlife are migrating.
  5. Support conservation of open lands by joining Eastern Sierra Land Trust as a member!

Read About our Other Program Areas:

Working Farms & Ranches

Helping families protect their scenic & historic working lands against rising pressures to subdivide. More

Community Connections

Connecting people of all ages to nature by providing opportunities to get outside, learn, and explore. More