Discovering Prescott Preserve: A Gem of Preservation and Community Spirit in Palm Springs

A Brief History of Preservation

Prescott Preserve's story is one of transformation from urban recreation to natural haven. Originally the Mesquite Golf Course, this 120-acre property faced an uncertain future until the Prescott Foundation, led by Brad Prescott, generously donated it to the Oswit Land Trust in the summer of 2022. This acquisition marked the beginning of a restoration journey to convert the former golf course back into a thriving desert ecosystem. After years of planning and overcoming legal hurdles, the Oswit Land Trust secured a $3.48 million grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board in 2025 to fund Phase 1 of the ecological restoration, focusing on removing invasive grass and replanting native habitats.

Today, the Oswit Land Trust, established in 2021, oversees the Prescott Preserve and other conservation lands totaling over 10,000 acres in the Coachella Valley. Their mission emphasizes safeguarding wildlife habitats, promoting ecological restoration, and maintaining public access to these natural treasures.

The Prescott Preserve is already home to 184 species of birds, turtles in the ponds, and a variety of migratory wildlife.

The Work Behind the Scenes: Conservation and Volunteer Efforts

The Oswit Land Trust doesn't just preserve land—they actively restore and maintain it. Their work at Prescott Preserve includes habitat enrichment, native plant restoration, and combating invasive species such as grasses and mustard, which can overtake native vegetation essential to wildlife. Through partnerships with local governments and organizations, they host educational events, birding walks, and volunteer days to engage the community.

Spotlight on a Recent Success: This Past Sunday's Cleanup

Just this past Sunday, on January 18, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers—including community members like yourself—came together for a cleanup at Prescott Preserve. Bread and Flours, a local business, reached out to its customer community to rally volunteers for the event. Folks turned out in force to tackle invasive mustard on the ground, armed with gloves and a shared willingness to pitch in for a couple of hours. The effort focused on removing debris, invasive plants, and litter from the trails and washes, resulting in dramatic before-and-after transformations.

Mark your calendars for the next cleanup community event on Sunday, March 18th, from 8am to 10am—everyone's welcome!

Prescott Preserves Website:

https://oswitlandtrust.org/prescott-preserve/