Physical Description:  The March Air Force  Base Stephens' Kangaroo Rat Preserve (MAFB - SKR Preserve, or "Preserve") is located in western Riverside County, south of Moreno Valley and west of the I-215 Freeway. The 1,008-acre preserve is bounded by Alessandro Blvd on the north and Van Buren Blvd on the sourth.  The preserve is generally flat blending into gently rolling hills. 

Conservation Purpose:  The MAFB - SKR Preserve was established through a mitigation agreement with March AFB and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the widening of I-215 and placement of overpass interchanges. The mitigation was based on impacts to the habitat of the Federally and State Endangered Stephens' kangaroo rat, Dipodomys stephansi (SKR). The Preserve exists to ensure a viable SKR population continues to thrive in this region.

Habitat Types:  Historically, the Preserve lands were likely a matrix of Riversidian sage scrub and open areas dominated by annual forbs. This landscape composition probably existed over much of what is now western Riverside County, the vast majority of which is under cement or agriculture today. In more recent times the U.S. Air Force has used these lands for training, toxics disposal, and ammunitions storage. This high level of disturbance has resulted in a dramatic reduction of Riversidian sage scrub, and an equally dramatic increase in areas dominated by exotic grasses along with native forbs. Fortunately, SKR can tolerate open non-native grasslands, although they decline as the grass density increases.

Other sensitive and species occuring on the Preserve include burrowing owls, (Athene cunicularia), coast horned lizards (Phrynosoma coronatum), orange-throated whiptails (Cnemidphorus hyperthyrus), and, in a thin strip of riparian habitat, there is one record for a least Bells' vireo, (Vireo bellii).  Each of these habitats and species is considered in the development of habitat management prescriptions.

San Bernardino Mountains framed by goldfields in March of 2008. 

Formation and History:  The Preserve was created as mitigation for impacts to SKR habitat due to the widening of I-215 and expansion of overpass intersections. In 1990, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) entered into an agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Air Force to manage the Preserve. Along with that establishment of the Preserve came a $1.5 million non-wasting endowment to fund Preserve operations; this endowment was managed by TNC. In 1997, TNC determined that their goals toward the protection of this Preserve had been accomplished. Acknowledging that there was still considerable research and ongoing habitat management required to maintain the Preserve's viability, TNC transferred their responsibilities to the Center for Natural Lands Management to manage the Preserve in perpetuity.

The U.S. Congress decided to close March AFB in the early 1990s.  The process of realigning use and ownership to the private sector will continue through the first year or two of the 21st century.  The Preserve will be maintained as a SKR protection area independent of whatever course the realignment process takes.

Stephen's Kangaroo Rat
Photo courtesy of Mark Chappell

Volunteer Opportunities:  The MAFB - SKR Reserve is not open to general public access and so there have been no opportunities for volunteer participation. The primary management action is prescribed burning, which requires substantial safety and training precautions, again generally eliminating volunteer participation. However, the public—and in particular, neighbors of the Preserve—can assist CNLM in protecting the kangaroo rat and other wildlife. Click on the icon below for a downloadable brochure with more information.

To download brochure click, Here.

For information and inquiries please contact:

Kim Klementowski
Preserve Manager
Phone: (951) 226-7228
e-mail: kklementowski@cnlm.org