Is a 2,851 acre protected nature and wildlife preserve,
located in the southern California desert and extending up into the adjacent San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains.
These photos were taken in late October.
Southern California is still in the worst drought in memory,
but the year round Whitewater River is still actively flowing in the desert, aided by earthquake faults trapping water run off from Southern California’s tallest mountain, the 11,500 foot Mt. Gorgonio.
This geological anomaly creates a natural oasis,
that sustains a host of wildlife including bear, bighorn sheep, and mountain lion,
as well as plants, palms and flowers, all in the midst of the baking hot desert.
Cheers to you from Whitewater Preserve~
For more information on the preserve see: https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater
cindyknoke.com 
We are visiting family who live in Las Vegas. Another place, at least originally, that sustained life from aquifers which produced springs from the surrounding mountains. Of course, the building around here is bizarre to see from the plane with the desert landscape suddenly turning into warehouses, housing developments, and resorts. – Oscar
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Yes. These desert developments seem unnatural don’t they. I love the actual desert itself. Enjoy your visit and thanks for stopping by დ
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Look like all are in the midst of the baking hot desert. But you captured beautifully, Cindy!
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Awww….. So appreciated Amy. Hope all is well with you დ
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Reblogged this on Art, animals, and the earth and commented:
So beautiful – and so important too during the drought.
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