Oswit Land Trust in Palm Springs to Develop a Nature Preserve
Exciting news! The Mesquite Golf Course property in central Palm Springs, California, to become a nature preserve thanks to the Oswit Land Trust!
The property is going to become an iconic and historic nature preserve in the heart of our PalmSprings. It will be your new favorite recreational place in Palm Springs!
In an amazing act of generosity, The Prescott Foundation, one of Oswit Land Trust's {OLT} top supporters, donated the funding to acquire the property.
Several years ago, OLTshared our vision of the proposed Mesquite Desert Preserve--- taking failing or closed golf courses and converting them to a beautiful nature preserve. Two of these golf courses, Bel Air Greens and Mesquite Golf, were actively for sale for development. OLT began diligently working on how to acquire both of these properties and save them as open space. Building on golf courses is a trend that is happening all over the country.
“The only way you can protect land permanently is to own it. Then we can (make sure) that there are protections on the deed and title, and that it stays in the ownership of the land trust.”
-Jane Garrison, the Founder and President of The Oswit Land Trust
It became obvious that OLT did not have the time to go through the grant process to acquire the Mesquite Golf Course property and that a developer would beat them to the purchase, according to the members of the trust.
Prescott Foundation donated the money needed to purchase the property! This donation exemplifies the impact that one person can have on a community. As stated by the trust, they don't know how anyone — Oswit Land Trust, residents, or tourists — could ever thank Brad Prescott for this donation. Their first step to show their appreciation is by changing the name from "Mesquite Desert Preserve" to the 'Prescott Preserve'. The name will honor and recognize the compassion, selflessness ,and generosity that was shown with this donation.
Prescott Preserve, when completed, will be lush with native plants and trees and will be a spectacular place for both humans and wildlife. They hope to include a large butterfly garden, a native tree memorial garden, designated bird watching areas, floats for migratory birds, educational signage, walking paths, and more!
Brad Prescott said, "I have always wanted to save land. When I met Jane and was introduced to Oswit Land Trust, I finally found a way that I could make my interest in saving land become a reality. Jane took me on a bike ride to show me the golf course properties, and I immediately saw her vision. It will be incredible to see a beautiful nature preserve instead of construction and more houses.
He jokes, "I do think that was the most expensive bike ride I have ever gone on!"
OLT will immediately begin applying for grants to plan and create the nature preserve. They have a 1- to 5-year plan for the property to create the preserve. However, during the planning and creating phase, a designated loop trail using the golf cart paths will remain open for residents and leashed dogs. They will be holding Zoom meetings with the surrounding neighborhoods and the community to gather their ideas for the preserve.
