The proposed Western Riverside National Wildlife Refuge would protect around 340,000 acres southeast of Los Angeles in southern California, helping preserve habitat for around 150 native species—over 30 of which are endangered—as well as green space for the county’s largely Latino population. 

Riverside County is currently one of the fastest growing regions in the country, with housing and development replacing agricultural fields and open space every day. That means the county’s residents are quickly losing access to nature. The refuge would help preserve and restore green space close to underprivileged communities, giving residents a safe and educational way to get outside.

Hear more about the proposed Western Riverside National Wildlife Refuge from Brenda Gallegos and Juan Rosas of the Hispanic Access Foundation, which is involved in pushing for the establishment of the refuge. Juan is a pastor and lifelong resident of Riverside County, who speaks about how having accessible green space would impact his community as well as the importance of conserving and restoring native plant and animal species. Brenda works on California’s 30×30 initiative and speaks about how the refuge proposal got started.

Please see our bonus episode for an interview in Spanish between Brenda and Juan. 

Utah files suit challenging Biden’s monument restoration – Salt Lake Tribune

New Wildlife Refuge in Southern California Would Promise Equitable Access to Disappearing Nature – Defenders of Wildlife

Feinstein, Padilla Introduce Bill to Create Wildlife Refuge in Riverside County – Office of Dianne Feinstein

Secretary Haaland Meets with Tribal, Local Leaders Regarding Conservation Efforts in Southern Nevada – Interior Department

Hosts: Aaron Weiss & Kate Groetzinger
Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org
Music: Purple Planet
Photo: Courtesy Brenda Gallegos/Hispanic Access Foundation

The post Closing the Nature Gap in Southern California appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.