Oak Glen Preserve iNaturalist Notebook

Nestled mile-high in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, within the historic farming community of Oak Glen, lies The Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve. The 2,189-acre preserve is home to the Conservancy’s Southern California Montane Botanic Garden and Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center, and like TWC’s other preserves, is open to the public completely free of charge.

In 1996, The Wildlands Conservancy saved southern California’s largest historic apple ranch, Los Rios Rancho, from residential subdivision. The farm, surrounded by Oak Glen Preserve, is leased to third and fourth generation Oak Glen apple growers. Riley’s Frontier Events continues the property’s rich tradition of apple growing and historic entertainment.

In addition to the Botanic Garden, Discovery Center, and Los Rios Rancho, the Preserve includes prominent peaks: Wilshire (8,707 feet) and Galena (9,324 feet), both acquired by the Conservancy to prevent exploitation of private lands within the San Bernardino National Forest and to promote the expansion of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. menos ↑