For Wildlife and People

Friends of the Desert Mountains has protected more than 30,000 acres, to preserve the Coachella Valley’s rich diversity of plants and wildlife as well as the immeasurable contribution that wild and scenic open spaces make to our own quality of life.

Thanks to supporters like you, we're securing these disappearing wild places, including important wildlife corridors, that allow the movement and migrations that are critical to the survival of the Coachella Valley’s many animal species.

Preserving open space benefits people too, giving us a respite from the impacts of growth and sprawl. Drawn by the desert's beauty and climate, 19,000 new residents move to the Coachella Valley each year, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. The more we grow, the more we need to make sure key pieces of our living desert remain — to protect our air and water quality, to ensure access to trails and open spaces, and to preserve unspoiled scenic views and recreation areas.

Places We're Working to Protect

Thousands of species-critical acres are still vulnerable to private development. Working with biologists from the University of California and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, Friends of the Desert Mountains has identified lands that are critical to the survival of the many endangered and threatened species that inhabit our beautiful valley.

With open spaces in such high demand, we must act quickly. With your help, the valley's legacy of spectacular desert and mountain landscapes, where people can connect with nature, will survive to sustain and inspire future generations.  Here's where we're working:

For more details about the areas we are working to protect, click on the thumbnail photos below: