WESTERN RIVERSIDE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The proposed Western Riverside National Wildlife Refuge would protect around 340,000 acres southeast of Los Angeles in southern California. The proposed refuge would help conserve habitat for 146 different species, including 33 that are listed under the Endangered Species Act. 

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 heavily Latino population is quickly losing access to nature. The refuge would help preserve and restore green space close to underprivileged communities, giving residents a safe and accessible 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 native species. 

We also have an interview available in Spanish.