Visit the Wildland Conservancy's 95,000 acre Wind Wolves Preserve. The preserve is located in San Emigdio Canyon on the north slope of the Tehachapi Mountains (Grapevine area/I-5) about 2 hours north of Los Angeles in southern Kern County.

Poetically named for the spring winds moving through the grass savannah which remind some of a running pack of wolves, the preserve is also known for its wildflowers and for blue and valley oaks. We'll hope to see wildlife such as Tule elk, kit foxes, coyotes and the occasional California condor. On Saturday there will be hiking, biking or just relaxing around the camp. We will have a Saturday potluck dinner so bring a dish to share.

The Willows Group Campground has a covered picnic area and firepit (please bring a bundle of firewood along with you potluck item); bathrooms with running water and flush toilets, but no showers; some shade in the tent area and a ramada. There is potable water but it is suggested you bring your own water. Bring camping gear and a fuel stove as charcoal grills are not permitted; no fires except in the central firepit. RVs and trailers are not allowed but SUVs, vans and trucks with camper shells are o.k. 

Campground elevation is not high, but early spring weather is variable so expect anything and plan for chilly nights. Preserve rules forbid smoking and alcohol.

VERY IMPORTANT:  Preserve regulations only allow us to caravan into the campground as a group on Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. and the same applies to our departure on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. A preserve vehicle will guide us in and out. Once parked, vehicles may not be used to keep the experience close to the natural world. If, for whatever reason, you cannot abide by these conditions or you think you might have to leave early, DO NOT sign up for this trip. For those who can't make it on Friday or arrive late, there will be one opportunity to join us on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m.

 Directions: The preserve is at 16019 Maricopa Highway ( Hwy 166 ), 93311. After the Grapevine, at the I-5/Hwy 99 split, continue on I-5 for about 4 miles to Highway 166. Go west on Hwy 166 towards Maricopa for 9 1/2 miles to the preserve access road on the left.Go left looking for a preserve sign and travel south about 3 miles. Then turn right through the main entrance gate and follow the road and signs until you reach a closed and locked white gate, the "Crossing." This is where we will meet on Friday, 4/5 at 3:30 p.m. sharp. The Willows group camp is about 3-4 miles up canyon. Please try to carpool.