Nature Sanctuaries

From 2000 to 2004, over 300-acres of imperiled habitats have been permanently conserved and protected by The Habitat Trust for Wildlife in San Bernardino, California. The habitat lands are recognized by the scientific community and Conservation International as a global biodiversity hotspot (Hotspot Area #19, California)

As a result of positive environmental enforcement actions taken by Spirit of the Sage Council against development projects in the City of Rancho Cucamonga and County of San Bernardino, The Habitat Trust was assigned as the receiver of habitat mitigation requirements.

Habitat types include canyon riparian, riversidean sage scrub, cismontane and forest habitat within the San Bernardino National Forest on the coastal facing easterly San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino, California. (See USGS Cucamonga Quad Section 9, SW ¼ section). Species List

 

From the southwestern corner of the Nature Sanctuary, below an ancient oak tree and from the canyon wall facing the vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains is a biologically diverse alluvial wash.   Sage scrub and yucca lanterns meet California walnut, White alder, Pines in a lush and pristine riparian habitat.   Further north in the North Etiwanda Creek Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful waterfall and rock formation that sustains ferns and other plants that grow in the soil of crevices.   Following the steep northeastern Etiwanda Creek drainage up into the San Gabriels, the riparian woodlands become more dense with tree canopies until the mountain peak opens.   The Nature Sanctuary crosses over the peak into the next drainage to the east - Henderson Canyon.   The water flows from both of these headwaters south down the creeks, across the Day/Etiwanda/Henderson/San Sevain alluvial fan ecosystem and onward to the Santa Ana River which flows to meet the Pacific Ocean at Newport Back Bay, Orange County, California.

The majority of this Nature Sanctuary is forest, cismontane, riparian and riversidean alluvial sage scrub habitat.   The highest elevation is 3325 feet and the lowest is 2400 feet.   The habitat throughout is intact having kept its pristine character regardless of an unpaved and non-maintained Forest Service firebreak road that meanders between canyons.   To access the Nature Sanctuary one must have a key to a series of locked gates that are only available for access by The Habitat Trust, San Bernardino Natural History Museum biologists, Chaffey College biology instructors, State and Federal wildlife authorities and the local water company.

No motorized vehicles, shooting, hunting, horses or dogs are allowed in the Nature Sanctuary or the 762-acre North Etiwanda Preserve that is to the immediate southwest.   Human disturbance of plants and animals on the Nature Sanctuary is discouraged.   The Habitat Trust shall not be held responsible for those people who enter Nature Sanctuary without authorization.   People wishing to enter the Nature Sanctuary for educational, scientific research or spiritual renewal may contact The Habitat Trust for permission.   In this way The Habitat Trust can maintain the integrity of the habitat for plants and animals.