About
Our mission is to save & preserve...
History
Oswit Land Trust (OLT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land trust based in Palm Springs, California. Formerly known as Save Oswit Canyon, OLT was formed in 2021 to save one of the last unprotected Alluvial Fans in the Coachella Valley, Oswit Canyon, from being destroyed by development. This ecological treasure is refuge for the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, fox, bobcats, mountain lions, migratory birds, and other wildlife.
OLT led an unwavering campaign to save Oswit Canyon which included working with the Palm Springs City Council, City Planning Commission and local wildlife agencies. We collected over 5,000 signatures from residents to pass a city initiative. Finally, in October 2020, Oswit Land Trust purchased 114 acres in Oswit Canyon – for over 7 million dollars – with grants from state and federal agencies, the City of Palm Springs, and generous donations from the public totaling a million dollars.
A proud member of the Land Trust Alliance, OLT was awarded the Green Citizen Award by the City of Palm Springs in April 2020. Jane Garrison, OLT’s founder, was the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year by United Nations Association in February 2020 and the Human Rights Commission community service award in February of 2021.
Oswit Land Trust has since acquired several other properties, including a former golf course that is being restored into a nature preserve in central Palm Springs, and has expanded our mission to include restoration, educational outreach, and protection of farmland through conservation easements.
Awards
Jane Garrison
Humanitarian of the Year
United Nations Association (February 2020)Save Oswit Canyon, Inc.
Green Citizen Award
City of Palm Springs (April 2020)Jane Garrison
Human Rights Commission Community Service Award
Palm Springs (2020/2021)Bighorn Sheep Institute
Humanitarian of the Year
Honoree (2020)
PROTECTED
ACQUIRED