Puente Hills Preserve News, May 2026

Vegetation Clearance in the Preserve

We recently completed vegetation clearance work along Hellman Park Trailhead’s Peppergrass Trail, which also serves as an important emergency access road in the Preserve. Over time, plants had started to grow into the trail, making it narrower and less safe for emergency vehicles.

Thanks to grant funding from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), we were able to successfully clear away overgrowth to restore safe access.

The trail was closed for one day while the work was completed, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during that time. This kind of behind the scenes work helps keep the Puente Hills Preserve safe and accessible for both visitors and emergency response teams.

Ecologist's Corner: Protecting the Wildlife Corridor

From above, Southern California appears as a patchwork of cities and open space—but for wildlife like mountain lions, moving through this landscape often means navigating roads, development, and increasing risk. Read more on our website!

Join Us: July 4th Fireworks Patrol Safety Pre-Meeting 6/27

You are Invited to volunteer to help out our Rangers, Fire Department, Law Enforcement and the Habitat Authority on the 4th of July.

We will be discouraging members of the public from entering the trails on the 4th to prevent the risk of fire. We encourage you and your friends to attend this safety training pre-meeting and help keep our hills safe on July 4th.

July 4th Fireworks Patrol Safety Pre-Meeting *Sign up here*

Saturday, June 27th: 12 -1pm

Address: 5040 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier

Meet at: Sycamore Canyon barn (near the parking lot) for a briefing with the Ranger.

The meeting will review responsibilities, coordination protocol, and assignments for July 4th.

*We are not accepting volunteers who have NOT attended the safety pre-meeting*

Board Member Spotlight: Habitat Authority's Directors

Cassandra Garcia: Director

Cassandra Garcia is a member of the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association, and was appointed as a Board Member to represent the community of Hacienda Heights by Supervisor Solis in 2025. She is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in Political Science, American Politics Emphasis. She is a real estate investor in markets across various U.S. states, and has a background in the paralegal and marketing fields. 

"The long-term commitment to protecting and restoring these hills as a vital conservation area reflects a shared vision among the Habitat Authority, its partners, and the surrounding communities. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team whose enduring efforts will shape a healthier, more resilient region for generations to come."

Robert Ferrante: Director

Robert Ferrante is the Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. He became Assistant Chief Engineer and Assistant General Manager in January 2012. He was also appointed to the Board of Directors as an Alternate Director in 2012, and became full Director in 2019.

“As part of our mission to protect public health and the environment, and as a Board Member of the Habitat Authority, the Sanitation Districts is proud to support the preservation and protection of open space in surrounding communities for future generations.”

Social Scene

When you go out on the trails, please be aware that rattlesnakes are a regular component of the landscape in the Puente Hills Preserve: they contribute to healthy biodiversity. Watch your step, especially along trail edges.

We celebrated out on the trail with a special Earth Day hike through the Hacienda Hills where community members explored the Preserve, enjoyed beautiful spring views, and learned about the native plants and flowers that make this landscape so unique.

Hats off to the Conservation Corps of Long Beach for their fantastic trail clearance work along the Sycamore Canyon Switchback Trail! Their hard work not only keeps the trail open for hikers but also ensures emergency responders can get where they need to go quickly and safely. 

We had such a great time connecting with the community at the LA County Sanitation Districts Earth Day Festival. From start to finish, our booth was buzzing with visitors learning about how we are working to preserve and protect the Puente Hills.

10,000 Steps Hikes - Every Thursday & Sunday -

Get in shape with our vigorous 10,000 Steps Hikes (approximately 5 miles) led by our docents, Bruce and Ric. The 10,000 Steps Hikes are held every Thursday and Sunday at the same time and place. Click here to visit our Meetup page to learn more.

Starting Annual Fuel Clearance

The Habitat Authority is committed to diligent wildfire preparedness. Clearance efforts started in April and will continue through June, until they restart again in the late fall/winter. Learn more on our website here.

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After

💚Community Check-In💚

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In our last survey, we asked you which flowers across the Preserve are your favorites, and received the following responses:

• 26% of responses had a 3-way tie between poppy, lupine and fuchsia flowered gooseberry!
• 23% favored the bush sunflower

About Habitat Authority

Trailheads

Puente Hills Preserve Hikers (Meetup Group)

The Habitat Authority is a local government agency, and is qualified to accept tax-deductible charitable donations including monetary and real property. Donations such as these contribute to the purpose of the agency and provide tax benefits for the giver.