Cultural Resources • Sand Dunes and Endangered Species Habitat

Sand dunes which once covered most of the valley floor from Palm Springs to Indio are part of the rich natural heritage of the Coachella Valley. From Snow Creek to Thousand Palms this dynamic and ever-changing landscape forms a sea of ripples that is a photographer’s delight. Sand dunes are home to a number of threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Quartz sands washing from the larger mountains on the northern edge of our valley and the uplifted ancient sea floor in the Indio Hills, are the source of sands that ultimately form the dunes. To ensure these beautiful sand dunes remain a part of our heritage, we must also protect areas where  the dynamic movement of sand will continue.

At the west end of Indio Hills, the Willow Hole sand dunes extend along the San Andreas Fault. Water brought to the surface along the fault supports a small palm oasis and thickets of honey mesquite. Many animals find habitat in these mesquite hummocks – round-tailed ground squirrels find cover, silky black birds called phainopeplas find food. Beans of the honey mesquite were a staple food of early Cahuilla Indians and the Willow Hole area has a rich cultural heritage as well. The Indio Hills also offer new recreational trail opportunities for valley residents and visitors, and preserve the scenic backdrop of the Indio Hills.

 Key lands already preserved: